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KVH Industries, Inc.

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FY1997 Annual Report · KVH Industries, Inc.
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                                  United States 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
                             Washington, D.C. 20549 

                                    FORM 10-K 

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

                    For the fiscal year end December 31, 1997 

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

             For the transition period from ________ to ___________ 

                         Commission file number: 0-28082 

                              KVH Industries, Inc. 

             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

                Delaware                                    05-0420589 
    (State or other jurisdiction of                    (IRS Employer 
     incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.) 

   50  Enterprise  Center,  Middletown,  RI                       02842 
    (Addressof principal executive offices)                     (Zip code) 

                                 (401) 847-3327 
               (Registrant's telephone number including area code) 

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None. 

 Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.01 
  par value, per share.                                     (Title of Class) 

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

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers pursuant to Item 
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the 
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this 
Form 10-K ( ). 

     As of March 13, 1998,  the aggregate  market value of the voting stock held 
by  non-affiliates  of the  Registrant  was  $23,096,539  based  upon a total of 
5,599,161 shares held by non-affiliates  and the last sale price on that date of 
$4.125.  As of  March  13,  1998,  the  number  of  shares  outstanding  of  the 
Registrant's common stock was 7,086,648. 

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

     Portions of the Company's  definitive Proxy Statement  relating to the 1998 
Annual Meeting of  Shareholders  are  incorporated by reference into Part III of 
this Report on Form 10-K.  The Company  anticipates  that its  definitive  Proxy 
Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission  within 120 
days after the end of the Company's fiscal year end on December 31, 1997. 

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-K 

                                      PART I                                Page 

Item 1.  Business .........................................................   3 
Item 2.  Properties .......................................................  11 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings ................................................  11 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ..............  11 

                                     PART II 

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder 

                                
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           Matters .......................................................   11 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data .........................................   11 
Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
           Results of Operations .........................................   13 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .....................   16 
Item 9.  Changes and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
           Financial Disclosure ..........................................   16 

                                    PART III 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ..............   17 
Item 11. Executive Compensation ..........................................   17 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ..   17 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ..................   17 

                                     PART IV 

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K .  17 

Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 

     With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this 
Annual  Report on Form 10-K  include  certain  forward-looking  statements  that 
involve risks and uncertainties. Among the risks ands uncertainties to which the 
Company  is  subject  are the  risks  associated  with  managing  the  Company's 
inventory  in light  of  product  life  cycles  and  technological  change,  the 
Company's relationship with its significant customers,  market acceptance of new 
product offerings in the emerging satellite  communications market,  reliance on 
satellite networks, reliance on a limited number of products,  dependence on key 
personnel and fluctuations in annual and quarterly performance.  As a result the 
actual  results  realized  by the  Company  could  differ  materially  from  the 
statements  made herein.  Shareholders of the Company are cautioned not to place 
undue reliance on forward  looking  statements made in the Annual Report on Form 
10-K or in any  document or statement  referring  to this Annual  Report on Form 
10-K.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and 
Results of Operations--Forward Looking Statements." 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     PART I 
Item 1.  Business. 

Overview 

     KVH Industries,  Inc. ("KVH or the "Company") was organized in Rhode Island 
in 1978 and was  reincorporated  in Delaware on August 16, 1985.  The  Company's 
executive offices are located at 50 Enterprise  Center,  Middletown,  RI and its 
telephone  number is (401)  847-3327.  Unless the  context  otherwise  requires, 
references  to  KVH  or  the  Company  include  KVH  Industries,  Inc.  and  its 
subsidiary. 

     KVH utilizes its  proprietary  fiber  optic,  autocalibration  and fluxgate 
sensor  technologies to produce  navigation and mobile satellite  communications 
systems  for  commercial,  military  and  marine  applications.   KVH's  digital 
navigation  systems  utilize  the  Company's  proprietary   autocalibration  and 
applications software along with its advanced sensor technology to provide users 
with accurate, real-time heading, orientation and position information. In 1993, 
the Company entered the emerging market for mobile satellite  communications  by 
introducing  an  active-stabilized  antenna-aiming  system  that  draws upon the 
Company's  proprietary  software  and  sensor  technology.  In 1995 the  Company 
introduced  TracVision,  a complete  system for  receiving  DIRECTV(R)  and USSB 
satellite  television  at sea.  In 1997 the Company  acquired  the assets of the 
fiber optic sensor group ("FOG") of the Andrew  Corporation  in order to enhance 
the capabilities of its existing sensor systems. 

     The Company developed the first commercial digital fluxgate compass in 1982 
and rapidly  became the  leading  supplier  of digital  compass  systems for the 
marine market.  KVH also developed an advanced line of marine instrument systems 
that integrate its compass systems with other navigation devices and sensors. In 
1988, the Company began to supply  militarized  versions of its digital  compass 
systems to the United  States  Navy.  During the Persian  Gulf War in 1991,  KVH 
combined  its  heading  sensor  expertise  and its  proprietary  autocalibration 
technology  to develop its  tactical  navigation  ("TACNAV")  systems for use in 
military land vehicles,  such as armored personnel carriers and tanks, for which 
there had  previously  been no practical,  on-board  method of  navigation.  The 
United States and a number of foreign military services have now specified KVH's 
TACNAV system as standard equipment in a variety of land vehicles. 

     The Company believes that the recent growth of the satellite communications 
industry may represent a  significant  opportunity  to apply the Company's  core 
technologies.  Use of satellite  communications  systems on a moving  vehicle or 
vessel  requires  that a  directional  antenna be kept  accurately  pointed at a 
geostationary satellite. KVH's software-driven sensor technology has enabled the 
Company to develop compact,  accurate and affordable  antenna-aiming systems and 
turnkey  satellite  communications  systems that  integrate  real-time  heading, 
orientation  and position data in order to maintain a continuous  satellite link 
by actively aiming an antenna to compensate for platform movement. 

     KVH sells digital compass and tactical  navigation  systems directly to the 
United States  Department of Defense and to the armed forces of other  countries 
in Europe  and the Middle  East.  KVH  systems  are also  incorporated  by major 
defense contractors, including United Defense and General Motors Corporation, in 
the manufacture of military land vehicles.  The Company sells its antenna-aiming 
systems  and  mobile  satellite  communications  systems to  original  equipment 
manufacturers ("OEMs"), and as turnkey systems to end-users through its reseller 
distribution channel. 

Satellite Communications 

     Demand for mobile  telecommunications  services has grown rapidly in recent 
years. Recent technological  changes and increased  competition have resulted in 
lower  air  time  charges,  smaller  and  less  expensive  mobile  communication 
transceivers that offer enhanced features and functionality, and a greater range 
of communication and information services and providers.  These trends have both 
encouraged and  facilitated  more widespread use of mobile  communications,  and 
consumers have  increasingly come to expect 24-hour worldwide mobile access to a 
broad range of communications, information and entertainment services. 

     Mobile satellite communications serve markets, such as offshore marine use, 
not  capable  of  being  addressed  by  cellular  or other  similar  earth-based 
communications  services. In satellite  communications  services,  satellites in 
geostationary earth orbit provide continuous communications coverage over a wide 
geographic  area.  Early  satellite  communications  systems,  employing  analog 
technology,  were used primarily for voice  communications.  Mobile transceivers 
for such systems were large and  expensive,  requiring an antenna dome four feet 
in diameter,  and typically  selling for $40,000 or more. Usage of such services 
was also expensive,  with airtime rates ranging from $8.00 to $10.00 per minute. 
As a result, use of satellite  communications in the marine market  historically 
was limited to larger commercial vessels and luxury yachts. Recently, the advent 
of  more  powerful  satellites,   as  well  as  digital  transmission  and  data 
compression  technologies,  has enabled the  development  of a new generation of 
mobile  satellite  communications  services,   making  satellite  communications 
practical for a range of smaller  vessels,  such as work boats,  fishing vessels 
and recreational craft. These new services include the following: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Worldwide  Voice  and  Data  Services.   Worldwide  mobile   communications 
capabilities  currently are offered  principally by the  International  Maritime 
Satellite  Organization  ("INMARSAT"),  a consortium of 79 member countries that 
operate a network of geostationary satellites providing worldwide communications 
services through mobile  terminals on air, sea and land.  INMARSAT M service was 
introduced in the early 1990s to provide  worldwide  digital voice, fax and data 
communications, using an 18-inch antenna and mobile terminals costing $20,000 to 
$25,000,  and with airtime charges of approximately  $5.00 per minute.  INMARSAT 
MINI-M  service was introduced in 1997 to expand  INMARSAT  coverage by offering 
smaller  lower cost  services,  using a 10-inch  antenna  and  mobile  terminals 
costing $7,000 to $8,000 and with airtime charges of $2.70 to $3.00 per minute. 

     Regional Voice and Data Services.  Regional  satellite  voice, fax and data 
communications  systems  offered by a number of providers  have commenced or are 
expected to commence operations in several areas of the world. AMSC has recently 
introduced the SKYCELL regional mobile satellite  communication  service,  which 
uses a high-powered satellite and spot-beam technology to provide digital voice, 
fax and data  services to land,  air and  sea-based  customers in a service area 
consisting  of up to 500 miles off the coast and the entire  continental  United 
States,  as far North as the Beijing Sea and South to the Panama  Canal.  AMSC's 
license  authorizes  it  to  build,   launch  and  operate  three  geostationary 
satellites.  Currently,  only one such  satellite,  launched in April  1995,  is 
operational. 

     Regional   DBS-TV   Services.   New  satellite   and  digital   compression 
technologies  have also enabled the  development  of regional  direct  broadcast 
satellite television  ("DBS-TV") services,  in which up to 200 channels of laser 
disk  quality  video  and  CD  quality  audio  are  broadcast  by  satellite  to 
subscribers who use dish antennas, compact receivers and decoders to receive and 
process  the  signals.  A number  of  providers  of such  DBS-TV  services  have 
commenced  operations  in the last  several  years.  These  include  DIRECTV,  a 
subsidiary  of GM Hughes  Electronics,  and U.S.  Satellite  Broadcasting,  Inc. 
("USSB").  The current  service  area for  DIRECTV  and USSB is the  continental 
United  States,  and  United  States  coastal  waters up to 200 miles  offshore. 
Similar  DBS-TV  services are being  offered by other  service  providers in the 
United States,  Central and South America, Japan and Europe, and are expected to 
be  offered  elsewhere.  The  high-quality  picture  and sound,  broad  range of 
programming  alternatives,  and compact size and cost of the DSS in-home  system 
have  helped  DBS-TV  find rapid  acceptance  for home use in the United  States 
consumer market.  The same attributes of DBS-TV have opened a new segment of the 
marine market, and made the reception of high-quality  television  broadcasts at 
sea practical for a range of smaller commercial and recreational vessels. Mobile 
DBS-TV terminals for marine use are currently available for approximately $5,500 
to $8,000. Subscriber fees range from $30 to $70 per month. 

     Satellite  communications  technologies  generally  require an  earth-based 
antenna  to be kept  precisely  aimed at a  geostationary  satellite.  On mobile 
platforms,  such as vessels at sea,  the antenna  platform  may be  subjected to 
rapid  acceleration  in  pitch,  roll and yaw  axes  simultaneously,  making  it 
difficult  to keep the antenna  precisely  aimed.  An early  approach to antenna 
aiming was passive  stabilization,  which  incorporates  a set of flywheels that 
rely on  gyroscopic  inertia to keep the antenna  stationary  in relation to the 
earth  while the rest of the vessel  moves.  Their large  size,  high cost,  and 
difficulty  of  miniaturization  have  restricted  use of passive  stabilization 
systems.  More recently  introduced  active-stabilized  systems detect  platform 
motion and  actively  point the  antenna to  compensate  for it.  However,  some 
active-stabilized systems are subject to inherent design limitations that result 
in periodic signal loss and the need for time-consuming signal reacquisition and 
have  other  operational  constraints  that  reduce  their  ability  to  provide 
on-demand, uninterrupted service. 

     ASAP. The KVH  active-stabilized  antenna pedestal system ("ASAP") uses the 
KVH digital gyro compass and inclinometer to measure  precisely the pitch,  roll 
and yaw of an antenna platform in relation to the earth. Utilizing the Company's 
proprietary    stabilization    and   control   software   and   five   on-board 
microprocessors, the ASAP system computes the antenna movement necessary to keep 
the antenna fixed on its target and transmits precise motor control instructions 
to a pair of stepper-motors  mounted on the antenna pedestal to aim the antenna. 
The ASAP system is  smaller,  more  reliable,  lighter  and  substantially  less 
expensive  than  passive-stabilized  systems  enabling  practical and affordable 
satellite communications for a broad range of commercial and recreational users. 
The ASAP uses a proprietary two-axis gimbal joint and a design that incorporates 
fewer moving parts than competing  active-stabilized  systems. The design of the 
KVH ASAP  eliminates  cable wrap and other causes of periodic signal loss common 
to other  active-stabilized  systems.  The system  also  permits  rapid  initial 
acquisition of the satellite  signal without operator  intervention.  OEM prices 
for the Company's ASAP systems range from approximately  $1,700 to approximately 
$3,100. 

     TracVision.  The Company's  TracVision  product is a complete mobile DBS-TV 
receiver  system  for  use by  DBS-TV  subscribers  in the  marine  market.  The 
TracVision  system  includes an ASAP  system,  a 24-inch  diameter  carbon-fiber 
antenna and 30-inch  antenna dome and a DSS(R) digital  receiver.  TracVision is 
sold as a  turnkey  system,  including  DIRECTV  and  USSB  service  activation. 
TracVision  enables  commercial  and  recreational  vessels to receive up to 200 
channels  of laser  disc  quality  television,  including  all  major  networks, 
subscription programming and pay-per-view services and up to 25 CD quality audio 
channels,  while  underway or at anchor  anywhere in United  States  coastal and 
inland  waters and up to 200 miles  offshore.  The list  price of the  Company's 
TracVision  system,  exclusive  of  the  DSS  receiver,  is  $7,995.  Typically, 
TracVision   systems  are  purchased  with  multiple  DSS  receivers  to  permit 

 
 
 
 
 
independent  viewing at more than one location on the vessel.  DSS receivers are 
available   from  the  Company,   as  an  authorized  RCA   distributor,   at  a 
manufacturer's suggested retail price of $495. 

     TracVision II. The Company's TracVision II is the smallest fully stabilized 
satellite   television  system  available.   Measuring  under  twenty-inches  in 
diameter,  TracVision  II's  compact  design is  suitable  for boats as small as 
thirty-five  feet.  Using a  three-axis  digital  gyro sensor and a new pedestal 
design,  TracVision II measures  every  movement of the vessel (turn,  pitch and 
roll) and  moves  the  antenna  in  exactly  the  opposite  direction  to remain 
locked-on  the  satellite  signal.  TracVision  II is sold as a turnkey  system, 
including DIRECTV and USSB service activation.  TracVision II enables commercial 
and  recreational  vessels to receive up to 200  channels of laser disc  quality 
television,   including  all  major  networks,   subscription   programming  and 
pay-per-view services and up to 25 CD quality audio channels,  while underway or 
at anchor anywhere in United States coastal and inland waters and up to fifty to 
one hundred miles offshore. 

     Tracphone.  The Company's turnkey AMSC SKYCELL satellite  telephone system, 
incorporating  an 11 1/2 inch high-gain  antenna mounted on an ASAP system and a 
Mitsubishi satellite  transceiver and handset is sold in the marine market under 
the Company's  Tracphone  brand. The KVH Tracphone system is intended to provide 
affordable  access  to  voice,  fax and  data  communications  for  users in the 
commercial and recreational marine markets through the AMSC service area. AMSC's 
published  manufacturer's  suggested  retail prices for a Tracphone system range 
from approximately $5,000 to $6,500. 

     Tracphone 50. The Company's  turnkey  INMARSAT mini-M  satellite  telephone 
system, incorporating an 11 1/2-inch high-gain antenna mounted on an ASAP system 
and a Thrane and Thrane satellite  transceiver and handset is sold in the global 
marine market under the Company's Tracphone 50 brand. The Tracphone 50 system is 
intended  to  provide   affordable   INMARSAT   mini-M  voice  ,  fax  and  data 
communications  for  users  anywhere  in the  world.  The  Company  markets  the 
Tracphone  50  jointly  with  Station  12,  a  member  of the KPG  Group  of the 
Netherlands.  Station 12 provides all voice,  fax and data services as well as a 
wide  variety of value  added  services  on a global  basis.  Sataion 12 via one 
access code offers all INMARSAT  services from two land earth  stations in Brum, 
the  Netherlands  and  Yamaguchi,  Japan.  The list price of the Tracphone 50 is 
approximately  $8,000  and  Station 12  airtime  ranges  from $2.30 to $3.30 per 
minute. 

Navigation Systems 

     The Company's navigation products consist of its Azimuth and Sailcomp lines 
of digital compass systems, its DataScope hand-held compass and rangefinder, its 
Azimuth  Gyro  compass,  its Quadro line of  integrated  marine  instrumentation 
systems,  its TACNAV and TACNAV Light tactical navigation systems and its family 
of fiber optic gyro sensors. 

         Digital Compass Systems.  The Company's digital compass systems utilize 
its digital fluxgate heading sensor to sample the surrounding magnetic field and 
output precise  heading data at rates up to ten times per second.  These signals 
are relayed to an on-board  microprocessor,  where  sophisticated  filtering and 
averaging algorithms translate the output to stable heading information, and the 
Company's proprietary  autocalibration software continuously compensates for the 
effects of magnetic interference without the need for operator intervention.  In 
highly dynamic  applications where greater accuracy and fully stabilized heading 
output is required, the Company's fluxgate heading sensor is integrated with one 
or more of its angular rate gyros and  inclinometers.  Integration of the output 
of  multiple   sensors   through  the   Company's   integration   software   and 
error-correction algorithms is the key to this technology,  enabling the Company 
to combine a variety of inexpensive sensors to provide  three-dimensional  error 
correction and stabilization  capabilities  previously  available only from more 
costly systems. This software-enabled  integration of low-cost sensors forms the 
basis of KVH's Azimuth  Digital Gyro  Compass,  as well as the sensor system for 
its active-stabilized antenna-aiming systems. 

         KVH adds  application-specific  software  features to its basic compass 
systems  to  provide  particular  functions  appropriate  for each of its market 
segments.   KVH   compass   systems   interface   with   GPS   receivers   using 
industry-standard  protocols and provide accurate  heading  information to other 
instruments.  The Company's  systems display complex  navigation and performance 
data in a variety of highly legible graphical  formats.  The compass display can 
be used to report position  information  from the GPS and to compute and display 
steering  instructions  or time,  distance  and  bearing to a desired  location. 
Military  versions of the Company's  digital compass systems include  ruggedized 
housings,  military  type  connectors  and cables,  improved  shielding  against 
electromagnetic interference and other features designed to enhance them for the 
military environment, including interfacing with the vehicles laser rangefinder, 
odometer, and GPS. 

         DataScope  Compass and Rangefinder.  KVH's DataScope  hand-held compass 
and rangefinder  combines a 5 x 30 monocular,  a digital  fluxgate  compass,  an 
electronic rangefinder, a precise quartz crystal clock and a microprocessor in a 
simple compact,  lightweight  unit. The DataScope's  patented  heads-up  display 
allows the user to take  bearings,  calculate the range to the target and record 
the time of up to 9 bearings  without  ever taking his eye from the target.  The 
DataScope is used in a wide  variety of marine,  outdoor,  military,  technical, 
sporting and commercial applications. 

         Quadro  Network.  The  KVH  Quadro  system  is  a  line  of  integrated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
instrumentation systems for marine navigation.  Quadro systems include a central 
processing  unit, a variety of sensors and  multi-function  displays,  networked 
through a single  coaxial  cable.  The central  processor  integrates  data from 
multiple sensors, such as a digital compass, boat and wind speed instruments and 
GPS,  and  permits  the output to be viewed on remote  system  displays  located 
anywhere  on  the  boat.  The  output  of  each   instrument  can  be  displayed 
individually,  or computed values based on integration of multiple inputs may be 
selected.  For example,  digital heading, boat speed, and apparent wind velocity 
and angle may be combined to calculate true wind speed and direction. Similarly, 
digital  heading,  boat speed and GPS data may be used to calculate the bearing, 
time  and  distance  to  a  selected  destination.  Programmable  multi-function 
displays  permit the desired output to be presented in alphanumeric or graphical 
analog format on any system display. Quadro system output can also be interfaced 
with  electronic  chart  plotters,  autopilots and other  electronic  navigation 
systems.  Remote control keypads permit operation from various  positions in the 
boat. 

         TACNAV.  KVH's  TACNAV  system,  an  interactive,   real-time  tactical 
navigation and targeting system for armored vehicles,  has been selected for the 
United States Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Canadian Army LAV-25 fleet, the 
Swedish  Army CV90 fleet and other  land  vehicles  used by the armed  forces of 
these and a number of other  nations.  The TACNAV  system  analyzes and displays 
data from its digital  heading and  orientation  sensors and an  integrated  GPS 
system,  as well  as  inputs  from  multiple  other  devices  such as a  vehicle 
odometer,  turret  angle  encoder  and  laser  rangefinder.  TACNAV's  automatic 
compensation  software solves the problem of providing  accurate  heading in the 
armored  vehicle  environment  where  conventional   magnetic  compasses  cannot 
operate.  KVH's  software  also  integrates  GPS and compass  data and  provides 
continuously updated steering instructions. TACNAV calculates the turret azimuth 
by combining data from the vehicle's  turret angle encoder with vehicle  heading 
information,   which  results  in  improved   vehicle   orientation  and  target 
acquisition.  When further  integrated  with the  vehicle's  laser  rangefinder, 
TACNAV calculates the grid position of the target and can be used for far target 
location.  By accepting input from the vehicle odometer,  TACNAV also provides a 
backup for GPS, which may be blocked,  either accidentally or by jamming. If GPS 
input  is  unavailable,  KVH  software  seamlessly  switches  to dead  reckoning 
navigation  from the  vehicle's  last  known GPS  location,  using  heading  and 
odometer measurements. 

         The  Company's  TACNAV  systems  enable  armored  crews to maneuver and 
locate  targets more rapidly and  accurately.  The ability to maintain  accurate 
battlefield  orientation  provides  improved  situational  awareness and assists 
crews in  distinguishing  friendly  from hostile  forces.  The TACNAV  system is 
available in a variety of configurations,  ranging from a simple  GPS-compatible 
compass  system with a single  commander's  display,  to a complete,  integrated 
system that provides full tactical  navigation  and targeting  capabilities  and 
includes up to three separate commander's, gunner's and driver's displays. 

    Fiber Optic Sensors.  On October 30, 1997 the Company acquired the assets of 
the sensor products group of Andrew Corporation.  This acquisition  provided the 
Company  with a set of  proprietary  fiber optic  gyroscopic  sensors  that will 
extend the accuracy and  performance  range of the Company's  existing  fluxgate 
based  product  offerings.  A Fiber  Optic  Gyroscope  ("FOG")  sensor is a true 
single-axis rotational rate sensor with no moving parts, resulting in long life, 
stable  operation,  and lack of sensitivity to rotation or acceleration in other 
axes. The FOG's excellent resolution,  threshold and dynamic range combined with 
resistance to shock and vibration  solves a wide variety  systems needs over the 
wide range of operating conditions.  The Company offers a variety of FOG systems 
at  various  prices,  offering  OEM  customers  a range of cost and  performance 
options suitable to their applications. 

    Embedded Sensors. KVH offers a line of compact, intelligent sensors that can 
be readily  integrated  into a wide  variety  of  applications  where  accurate, 
real-time heading and orientation information is required. The sensors' on-board 
microprocessors and proprietary software,  industry-standard digital output, low 
power  consumption  and  advanced   functionality,   such  as   autocompensation 
capability, simplify the task of OEM system design, making them a cost-effective 
solution in many  challenging  applications.  The Company  provides a variety of 
digital heading sensors, stabilized gyro compasses, rate sensors, inclinometers, 
sensing coils and other standard  sensors and sensor systems at various  prices, 
thus offering OEM customers a range of cost and performance  options suitable to 
their applications. 

Sales and Marketing; Customers 

         The Company sells its navigation and satellite  communications products 
through a variety of  channels,  including a direct sales force and a network of 
dealers, value added resellers,  distributors and sales  representatives.  KVH's 
commercial and recreational marine navigation products are sold through a dealer 
network of more than 250 catalog chain outlets,  including West Marine, Boaters' 
World and Boat U.S.,  more than 100  technical  marine  electronics  value added 
resellers,  and independent  sales  representatives.  KVH's military  navigation 
products are sold to the armed forces of the United States and other  countries, 
as  well  as  to  OEM  manufacturers,  by  the  Company's  direct  sales  force, 
distributors  and sales  representatives.  KVH's  embedded  sensors  and  sensor 
systems are sold by the  Company's  direct sales force,  distributors  and sales 
representatives to a broad range of OEM manufacturers,  such as Lockheed, Harris 
and Raytheon.  The Company's  ASAP  antenna-aiming  systems are sold directly to 
both OEM  manufacturers  of  satellite  telephone  transceivers  and as  turnkey 
systems  directly to  end-users  through  the  Company's  world-wide  network of 
technical  dealers  and  distributors.  FOG  products  are sold  directly to OEM 

 
 
 
 
 
 
customers through the same distribution system that the Company utilizes to sell 
its commercial sensors. The Company's  agreements with its dealers,  value added 
resellers,  distributors and sales representatives  generally are non-exclusive. 
The  Company's  products  are sold in Europe  through the  Company's  KVH Europe 
subsidiary,  located in Hoersholm, Denmark, and elsewhere in the world through a 
network of distributors. 

         A significant  portion of the Company's sales depends on a small number 
of customers. Sales to AMSC accounted for approximately 12% and 27% of net sales 
in 1997  and  1996.  Sales of  TACNAV  systems  to  General  Motors  Corporation 
accounted for  approximately 8%, 14% and 13% of the Company's net sales in 1997, 
1996 and 1995,  respectively,  and sales of TACNAV  systems to the Government of 
Sweden accounted for  approximately  13%, 14% and 25% of the Company's net sales 
in 1997, 1996 and 1995. Revenues from sales of commercial  navigation  products, 
including   digital   compass   systems  and  other   navigation   products  for 
recreational, commercial and OEM markets, as a percentage of the Company's total 
net sales, were 23%, 21% and 37%, respectively, in 1997, 1996 and 1995. Revenues 
from combined sales of military  navigation  systems and related customer funded 
research and development constituted 56%, 41% and 52% of the Company's total net 
sales in 1997,  1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Revenues  from sales of satellite 
communications systems,  including  antenna-aiming systems sold to OEM customers 
as well as complete satellite  communications systems,  represented 21%, 38% and 
11% of the Company's total net sales in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Sales 
of the recently acquired FOG sensors were not material in 1997. 

Relationship with AMSC 

         Under an agreement with AMSC (the "AMSC  Agreement"),  the Company acts 
as a systems  integrator and manufactures,  tests, and ships complete  high-gain 
AMSC  SKYCELL  satellite  telephone  terminals  for AMSC.  Pursuant  to the AMSC 
Agreement, AMSC agreed to purchase a minimum of 1,000 baseline telephone systems 
and 4,000 deluxe systems,  for an aggregate  order price of $10.2 million.  AMSC 
may, at its option,  purchase up to an additional  15,000 units on substantially 
the same terms and  conditions.  AMSC's sales  estimates  have fallen well below 
expectations.  The  Company  does not  anticipate  that AMSC will  exercise  the 
reorder  option.  AMSC is  required  to supply to KVH,  at AMSC's  expense,  the 
Mitsubishi  telephone  transceivers and handsets included in the system.  KVH is 
required to supply,  at its expense,  the ASAP system,  antenna,  baseplate  and 
antenna dome, and to assemble, test and package the completed system.  Completed 
Tracphone systems are delivered by KVH to its own warehouse, at which time title 
passes to AMSC and the Company invoices AMSC for the full price of the products. 
The AMSC  Agreement  provides  that AMSC dealers and  resellers  will market the 
Tracphone product through an AMSC dealer network, at AMSC's expense. The Company 
drop ships  completed  units from its  warehouse  to the dealer's  customer,  is 
responsible  for billing and collecting from the customer the price specified by 
the dealer and remits the full  amount to AMSC on a  bimonthly  basis.  AMSC has 
made an advance payment to the Company of $2.5 million, which was applied to the 
purchase  price of the last of the 5,000  units  originally  covered by the AMSC 
Agreement.  The  Company  delivered  the last of the 5,000  units in the  second 
quarter of 1997. 

Backlog 

         The  Company's  backlog at December  31, 1997 and 1996 was $3.0 million 
and $11.1 million,  respectively. Of the Company's total backlog at December 31, 
1997,  approximately  $3.0 million is expected to be shipped  during  1998.  The 
Company's total backlog at December 31, 1997 includes $1.4 million  attributable 
to orders for  military  navigation  systems and $1.6  million  attributable  to 
orders for mobile satellite  communication and FOG products. The Company's total 
backlog at December 31, 1996  included $7.7 million  attributable  to orders for 
military navigation systems and $3.1 million attributable to orders for the AMSC 
mobile satellite communication product. 

         The Company  includes in its backlog  only firm orders for which it has 
accepted a written  purchase order.  Many of the Company's orders are subject to 
cancellation, generally without penalties. In particular, the Company's military 
orders  can  generally  be  canceled  at any  time  for the  convenience  of the 
customer,  without  penalty other than  recovery of the  Company's  actual costs 
incurred through the date of cancellation. 

         The Company's  revenue from commercial and recreational  marine markets 
is derived primarily from sales to nonstocking distributors, retail chains, OEMs 
and other  resellers  who require  short lead times for  delivery of products to 
end-users.  The Company  manufactures its products based on forecast  commercial 
and  recreational  marine  orders.  Customers  may cancel or  reschedule  orders 
without  significant  penalty and the prices of products may be adjusted between 
the time the  purchase  order is booked into backlog and the time the product is 
shipped to the  customer.  For these  reasons,  the  Company  believes  that its 
backlog in general, and its backlog of commercial and recreational marine orders 
in particular, are not necessarily meaningful in predicting the Company's actual 
revenue for any future period. 

Research and Development 

         The  Company's  research  and  development  efforts  are focused on the 
development of new products based on its core  technologies that will have broad 
application across its strategic  markets,  and on improving the performance and 
reducing the manufacturing costs of its existing products. A substantial portion 
of the  Company's  research  and  development  expenditure  is  devoted to basic 
research relating to specified core technology development projects. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         The Company's  research and development  activities  have  historically 
fallen into two  categories:  internally  funded  research and  development  and 
customer funded research and development. The Company has financed virtually all 
of the  cost  of  developing  the  Company's  marine  navigation  and  satellite 
communications  products.  However,  much of the funding  used to develop  KVH's 
products for the military navigation market, in which a significant  engineering 
effort to develop  enhanced  features  requested by the  customer is  frequently 
involved, has been derived from government sources. Development of the Company's 
core sensor  technology  has also been  subsidized  to a large  extent by grants 
under the United States government's Small Business Innovative Research ("SBIR") 
program.  The Company's total  expenditures for research and development  during 
1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows: 

                                                       Year ended December 31, 
                                                    1997        1996        1995 
                                                  ------      ------      ------ 
                                                           (in thousands) 
Internally funded research and                    $3,175       2,431       1,279 
 development 
Customer funded research and                         630         869       2,445 
 development                                      ------      ------      ------ 

Total research and development                    $3,805       3,300       3,724 
                                                  ======      ======      ====== 

         The  Company's  future  success  depends  on  its  ability  to  achieve 
technological advances and incorporate such advances into new products. Advances 
in product technology will require continued substantial  investment in research 
and  development.  The  amount of the  Company's  customer-funded  research  and 
development has decreased as its military navigation systems have moved from the 
development  to the  production  stages.  Accordingly,  the  Company  expects to 
increase  substantially  the  amounts  expended  on its  own  internally  funded 
research and development.  Even if the Company increases its internal funding of 
research and  development,  its total  expenditures for research and development 
may  decrease,  due to the expected  reduction in  customer-funded  research and 
development.  The  timely  availability  of new  products  in  volume  and their 
acceptance  by customers  are  important  to the future  success of the Company. 
Development and manufacturing schedules for technology products are difficult to 
predict,  and there can be no assurance  that the Company  will  achieve  timely 
initial  customer  shipments of new products.  From time to time, the Company or 
its competitors may announce new products, capabilities or technologies that may 
have the potential to replace or shorten life cycles of the  Company's  existing 
products.  No assurance can be given that  announcements of currently planned or 
other new products will not cause customers to defer purchasing existing Company 
products. 

Manufacturing 

         The  Company's  manufacturing  operations  consist  primarily  of final 
assembly  and testing of  products,  material and  procurement  management,  and 
quality  assurance  and  manufacturing  engineering.  In  addition,  the Company 
manufactures  certain  subassemblies  and components,  such as sensor coils. The 
Company contracts with third parties for some services,  such as the fabrication 
and  assembly of printed  circuit  boards,  injection-molded  plastic  parts and 
machined metal components. 

         The Company believes that there are a number of acceptable  vendors for 
most of the components and  third-party  services used in the manufacture of its 
products.  However, the Company procures certain of such components and services 
from a sole source.  In some  instances the Company may select a single  source, 
despite the  availability  of  multiple  sources,  in order to maintain  quality 
control or to develop a strategic  relationship  with the supplier.  The Company 
has in the past  experienced  delays in production  as a result of  insufficient 
supply or delay in delivery of certain components, production or quality control 
difficulties experienced by a sole supplier, or, in one instance, the failure of 
a sole supplier to provide an  application-specific  integrated circuit designed 
specifically  for  use by the  Company  in one of its  products.  Occurrence  of 
shortages,  delays or other  problems  in the  future  could  result in delay or 
interruption of the Company's  production,  which could have a material  adverse 
effect on the Company's results of operations and damage customer  relationships 
until an alternative source of supply could be obtained. 

Competition 

         The Company encounters intense  competition in each of its markets.  In 
the  commercial  and  recreational   marine  navigation  market,  the  Company's 
principal  competitors  include a large  number of  domestic  and  international 
companies that manufacture and market  stand-alone  digital  compasses,  digital 
heading sensors and integrated instrument systems. The Company believes that the 
principal  bases  of  competition  in the  commercial  and  recreational  marine 
navigation  market  include  product  design and  performance;  flexibility  and 
ease-of-use; product quality and the quality of customer support; and reputation 
of the vendor in the marine market. 

         In the market for military land vehicle  tactical  navigation  systems, 
the Company competes with a large number of domestic and international companies 
that produce  dead-reckoning,  inertial,  GPS-based,  or radio-based  navigation 
systems and systems that provide integrated  magnetic heading and GPS navigation 
capabilities. Most of these competitors have more experience than the Company in 
manufacturing and marketing products for the military  marketplace.  The Company 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
believes that the principal bases of competition in the market for military land 
vehicle navigation systems are product performance;  field reliability; ease and 
flexibility of installation, maintenance and field modification; size and weight 
of the unit; size and stability of the vendor; and price. 

         In the  mobile  satellite  antenna-aiming  market,  the  Company  faces 
competition  with its ASAP systems from one principal  competitor Sea Tel, Inc., 
that  manufactures and markets a broad line of marine  satellite  communications 
and satellite  tracking  equipment,  including  antenna systems for INMARSAT and 
DBS-TV applications.  This competitor has greater experience than the Company in 
marketing DBS-TV systems in the marine market and has a larger installed base of 
such systems.  A second  competitor,  Datron Systems,  Inc.  (DTSI),  provides a 
stabilized  antenna design for RV and marine  reception of DBS-TV which competes 
with the  company's  turnkey  DBS  products.  The  Company  also  competes  with 
Westinghouse  and a small  number of other  manufacturers  of active  stabilized 
antenna-aiming  systems and may in the future  encounter  competition from other 
manufacturers  of satellite  communications  equipment  that may seek to develop 
antenna-aiming  systems  or other  mobile  satellite  communications  systems or 
equipment.  The Company  believes that the principal bases of competition in the 
satellite  communications  market are system performance;  reliability;  antenna 
size; cost and customer support. 

         The  Company's  fiber  optic gyro and  embedded  sensors  compete  with 
products  of a large  number of  companies  that  produce  magnetic  sensors and 
gyroscopic  rate  sensors for sale in the OEM market,  as well as certain  OEMs, 
including some of the Company's own customers,  that choose to produce their own 
sensors for  certain OEM  applications.  Some of the larger  competitors  in the 
gyroscopic rate sensor market are Litton  Corporation and Honeywell  Corporation 
in the United States, Hitachi Corporation of Japan and Fizoptica of Russia. Many 
of the Company's  competitors offer products that, while providing  accuracy and 
performance  inferior to that of the Company's products,  are substantially less 
expensive. 

         Many of the Company's  competitors are larger and better known than the 
Company and have  substantially  greater research and development,  engineering, 
manufacturing,  marketing and financial  resources than does the Company.  There 
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in the 
future,  that the  Company's  products  will achieve or maintain  future  market 
acceptance,  or that  competition will not have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Intellectual Property 

         The Company's ability to compete  effectively  depends to a significant 
extent on its ability to protect its proprietary information. The Company relies 
primarily  on  trade  secret  laws,  confidentiality  procedures  and  licensing 
arrangements  to  protect  its  intellectual  property  rights.  The  technology 
licenses on which the Company  relies  include an angular rate gyro license from 
Etak, Inc. and a license from Thomson  Consumer  Electronics,  Inc.  relating to 
certain consumer electronic components. Some of these technology licenses may be 
terminated  upon short notice,  and there can be no assurance  that  third-party 
technology licenses will continue to be available to the Company on commercially 
reasonable  terms.  The loss of or inability to maintain any of these technology 
licenses  could result in the  discontinuation  of, or delays or reductions  in, 
product shipments unless and until equivalent technology is identified, licensed 
and integrated or bundled.  Any such  discontinuation,  delay or reduction would 
materially  adversely  affect the Company's  business,  financial  condition and 
results of  operations.  Most of the Company's  technology  licenses,  including 
those from Etak, Inc. and Thomson Consumer Electronics,  are non-exclusive,  and 
there  can be no  assurance  that the  Company's  competitors  will  not  obtain 
licenses to, and utilize such technology in competition  with, the Company.  The 
Company also licenses the trademark "DSS" from DIRECTV. 

         Where appropriate, the Company seeks patent protection. The Company has 
thirty issued United States patents covering the Company's core sensor and fiber 
optic  technologies.  The  Company  intends  to  seek  further  patents  on  its 
technology,  if appropriate.  In addition to patents,  the Company registers its 
product  brand names and  trademarks in the U.S. and other key markets where the 
company does business around the world.  Expiration of the Company's patents and 
trade marks range from March 3, 2000 to April 7, 2015. 

         There can be no  assurance  that  patents  will  issue  from any of the 
Company's  pending or any future  applications  or that any claims  allowed from 
such applications  will be of sufficient scope or strength,  or be issued in all 
countries  where the  Company's  products  can be sold,  to  provide  meaningful 
protection or any commercial advantage to the Company.  Also, competitors of the 
Company may be able to design around the Company's patents.  The laws of certain 
foreign  countries  in which the  Company's  products  are or may be  developed, 
manufactured  or sold may not protect  the  Company's  products or  intellectual 
property  rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States and thus 
make the  possibility  of piracy of the Company's  technology  and products more 
likely. 

         The Company generally enters into  confidentiality  agreements with its 
consultants,  key employees  and sales  representatives  and generally  controls 
access to and  distribution  of its technology,  software and other  proprietary 
information.  Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to 
copy or otherwise  obtain and use the Company's  products or technology  without 
authorization, or to develop similar technology independently. Also, the Company 
has  delivered  certain  technical  data and  information  to the United  States 
government under  procurement  contracts,  and the United States  government may 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
have unlimited rights to use such technical data and information or to authorize 
others to use such  technical  data and  information.  There can be no assurance 
that  the  United  States  Government  will  not  authorize  others  to use such 
technical data for purposes competitive with those of the Company.  Although the 
Company intends to defend its intellectual  property,  there can be no assurance 
that the steps taken by the Company to protect its proprietary  information will 
be adequate to prevent  misappropriation of its technology or that the Company's 
competitors will not independently  develop  technologies that are substantially 
equivalent or superior to the Company's technology. 

         The  Company  is  subject  to  the  risk  of  alleged  infringement  of 
intellectual  property  rights of others.  Although the Company is not currently 
aware of any  pending or  threatened  infringement  claims  with  respect to the 
Company's  current  or future  products,  there can be no  assurance  that third 
parties will not assert such claims or that any such claims will not require the 
Company to enter into license  arrangements  or result in protracted  and costly 
litigation,  regardless of the merits of such claims.  No assurance can be given 
that any  necessary  licenses  will be available  or that,  if  available,  such 
licenses  can  be  obtained  on  commercially  reasonable  terms.   Furthermore, 
litigation  may be  necessary  to enforce the  Company's  intellectual  property 
rights,  to protect the Company's  trade secrets,  to determine the validity and 
scope of the  proprietary  rights  of  others,  or to defend  against  claims of 
infringement or invalidity.  Such litigation  could result in substantial  costs 
and  diversion  of  resources  and could have a material  adverse  effect on the 
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Employees 

         As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed 191 full-time  employees, 
including 18 in sales and marketing,  42 in engineering,  114 in  manufacturing, 
and 17 in general administration and finance. Six of these employees are located 
in the Company's European office in Hoersholm, Denmark, twenty-seven are located 
in Orland Park,  Illinois and four are located in Saint Petersburg,  Florida. In 
addition,  the Company utilizes the services of temporary or contract  personnel 
within all functional areas to assist on project related activities.  The number 
of such personnel will vary depending on specific project activity.  At December 
31, 1996, the Company employed two temporary or contract engineers. In addition, 
as of that date, three outside engineering firms were working for the Company on 
various projects.  The Company generally enters into  non-disclosure  agreements 
with such temporary or contract personnel or firms with a view to protecting the 
confidentiality of its proprietary technology. 

         The Company  believes its future success will depend in large part upon 
the continued service of its key technical and senior  management  personnel and 
upon the Company's  continuing  ability to attract and retain  highly  qualified 
technical and managerial  personnel.  Competition for highly qualified personnel 
is  intense,  and there can be no  assurance  that the  Company  will be able to 
retain its key  managerial  and  technical  employees or that it will be able to 
attract  and  retain  additional  highly  qualified   technical  and  managerial 
personnel in the future.  None of the Company's  employees are  represented by a 
labor union. The Company has not experienced any work stoppage and considers its 
relationship with its employees to be good. 

Government Regulation 

         The satellite  communications industry is heavily regulated.  Satellite 
communications  service  providers  in the  United  States  such as AMSC must be 
licensed  by the  Federal  Communications  Commission  ("FCC")  before  they can 
provide mobile voice and data services via satellite. The delays inherent in the 
governmental  approval  process  may  in  the  future  cause  the  cancellation, 
postponement  or rescheduling  of the  installation of satellite  communications 
systems.  The FCC has  granted ten year  licenses to AMSC for three  satellites. 
There can be no assurance  that such FCC  licenses  will be extended or that new 
licenses will be granted for additional or replacement satellites.  FCC licenses 
are subject to numerous restrictions,  including certain restrictions on foreign 
ownership  and  prohibitions  on the  assignment  or  transfer of control of the 
license without the prior consent of the FCC.  Certain  electronic  devices must 
comply   with  FCC   regulations,   including   rules   governing   emission  of 
electromagnetic  interference.  The FCC and certain international  agencies have 
also enacted regulations or entered into international agreements regulating and 
coordinating use of the L-band frequency  spectrum,  where the Tracphone product 
will operate.  There can be no assurance  that a sufficient  range of the L-band 
spectrum  will  remain  open to the  Company  or its  customers.  Changes in the 
regulation  of  the  frequency   spectrum  or  other  regulatory  changes  could 
significantly  restrict the  Company's  operations  by  restricting  development 
efforts  by the  Company's  customers,  making  current  products  obsolete,  or 
increasing the opportunity for additional competition. The sale of the Company's 
TracVision and Tracphone  products may be materially  and adversely  affected by 
governmental  regulatory  policies  with  respect to  satellite  communications, 
international treaties governing use of the communications  spectrum and orbital 
location,   the   imposition   of  common   carrier   tariffs  or   taxation  of 
telecommunications  services.  There can be no  assurance  that the FCC or other 
regulatory bodies will not promulgate new regulations that could have a material 
adverse  effect on the Company's  business,  financial  condition and results of 
operations. 

         The  Company's  manufacturing  operations  are subject to various  laws 
governing the  protection of the  environment.  These laws and  regulations  are 
subject to change, and such change may require the Company to improve technology 
or incur  expenditures  to comply  with such laws and  regulation.  The  Company 
believes that it complies in all material respects with applicable environmental 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
laws and  regulations  and does not expect that any costs incurred in connection 
with complying with such laws or regulations  will have a material effect on the 
Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

         The  Company is subject to  compliance  with the United  States  Export 
Administration Regulations. Because some of the Company's products have military 
or  strategic  applications,  some  products  are on the  Munitions  List of the 
International  Trafficking  in Arms  Regulations  ("ITAR")  or are  subject to a 
requirement for an individual  validated license from the Department of Commerce 
in order to be exported to certain jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that 
there will not be changes in the Export  Administration  Regulations or the ITAR 
that  restrict  the  Company's  export  of its  products,  and  there  can be no 
assurance that the Company will continue to be able to procure  export  licenses 
for its products under existing regulations. If the Company were restricted from 
exporting  a  significant  amount of its  products,  there  could be a  material 
adverse effect on the Company's operating results and financial condition. 

         Under the Exon-Florio  Amendment to the Defense Production Act of 1950, 
the  United  States  President  has  authority  to  investigate  and  unwind any 
investment by foreign persons that could result in foreign control of an entity, 
if the  President  determines  that  foreign  control  would  threaten  national 
security.  Because some of the  Company's  products are on the  Munitions  List, 
there can be no assurance  that the  President  would not conclude  that foreign 
control of the Company  would  affect  national  security.  The  prospect of the 
application of the President's powers under the Exon-Florio Amendment could have 
the effect of deterring transactions that would result in foreign control of the 
Company,  including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a 
premium for their shares over then current market prices. 

Item 2.  Properties. 

         The Company's  executive offices,  administration,  product development 
and manufacturing facilities are housed in two adjacent buildings in Middletown, 
Rhode Island containing approximately 6,000 and 75,000 square feet respectively. 
The  Company  occupies  the  smaller  of the two  facilities  under a lease that 
expires in September  1999,  while the Company  purchased the larger facility in 
May 1996. The Company  relocated  operations  into the larger  facility in 1997. 
Subsequent to the relocation of the Company's operations to the larger facility, 
the smaller facility became excess capacity.  The Company negotiated a reduction 
of the leased space from  approximately  30,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet 
and in so doing  paid a  one-time  payment of  $210,000  to modify the  facility 
lease.  The smaller  facility will be utilized as a warehouse for the AMSC-owned 
Tracphone inventory to the extent that the AMSC inventory is shipped,  the space 
in the smaller facility may become idle. 

         The Company utilized approximately $4.0 million dollars of the proceeds 
of the initial  public  offering to purchase and  build-out a 75,000 square foot 
building  adjacent  to  its  existing  6,000  square  foot  leased  facility  in 
Middletown,  Rhode Island in order to  accommodate  its  manufacturing  capacity 
requirements and relocate its operations. 

         On  October  30,  1997 the  Company  purchased  the  assets  of  Andrew 
Corporation's   sensor  products  group.   The  sensor  product  group  occupies 
approximately  20,000  square  feet within  Andrew  Corporation's  Orland  Park, 
Illinois facility and a 4,756 square foot facility in Saint Petersburg, Florida. 
The Saint Petersburg  lease is renewable  annually and expires on July 31, 1998. 
The  purchase  agreement  stipulates  that the Company  may, as a  transitionary 
expedient,  occupy the space  currently  occupied within  Andrew's,  Orland Park 
facility on a rent free basis until January 31, 1998 for the  manufacturing  and 
administration  facilities  and  until  April  30,  1998 for the  fiber  drawing 
facility.  The Company  may occupy  these  areas  within the Andrew  Orland Park 
facility  thereafter,  at a rate of $1.25 per square-foot per month. The Company 
is actively relocating the sensor products  operations to a leased facility.  In 
January  of  1998  the  Company  entered  into a seven  year a  lease  agreement 
beginning in April 1, 1998, to lease approximately  23,000 square feet of space. 
Prior to occupying the leased facility the Company is required to participate in 
the build-out cost of the facility.  The Company estimates the cost to build out 
the facility at approximately  $0.5 million dollars.  The initial annual rent is 
$152,121; annual rents thereafter will escalate by 3% each year. 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings. 

         In the  ordinary  course of  business,  the Company is a party to legal 
proceedings  and  claims.  In  addition,  from  time to time,  the  Company  has 
contractual  disagreements  with  certain  customers  concerning  the  Company's 
products and services. In the opinion of the Company's  management,  none of the 
current matters or proceedings,  when ultimately concluded, are likely to have a 
material  adverse  effect on the results of operations or financial  position of 
the Company and its subsidiary taken as a whole. 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. 

         No matters were  submitted to a vote of security  holders,  through the 
solicitation of proxies or otherwise. 

                                     PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. 

         The  Company's  common stock has traded on the NASDAQ  National  Market 
under the symbol KVHI since April 8, 1996. As of March 13, 1998,  there were 128 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
holders of record of the Company's  Common Stock. The Company has never declared 
or paid any cash  dividends  on its Common Stock and does not intend to pay cash 
dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable  future. The Company intends to 
retain earnings for reinvestment in its business. 

         The Company's stock commenced  trading on April 2, 1996 at $6.50. On 
 March 13, 1998 the closing sale price for the Company's Common Stock was $4.13. 

                                         1997                     1996 
                                        -------                  ------- 
                                 High          Low           High          Low 
                               -------       -------       -------       ------- 
First quarter                    8.00          6.25          --            -- 
Second Quarter                  10.00          5.00         10.88          6.50 
Third Quarter                    9.50          7.13         11.00          7.25 
Fourth Quarter                   8.13          3.75         10.63          7.00 

Item 6.  Selected Consolidated Financial Data. 

         The  following  selected  financial  data is derived from the Company's 
financial  statements.  This  data  should be read in  conjunction  with Item 8, 
Financial Statements and Notes thereto, and with Item 7, Management's Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

                                                                 Year Ended December 31, 
                                                                 ----------------------- 
                                             1997          1996          1995           1994         1993 
                                             ----          ----          ----           ----         ---- 
                                                          (in thousands, except per share data) 
Consolidated Statement of Income Data: 

Net sales                                   $ 25,570       $ 25,687      14,150          8,565       7,149 

Cost of goods sold                            14,085         14,607       8,447          5,082       4,046 

                                           -----------   ------------  ---------       -------      ------ 
  Gross profit 
                                              11,485         11,080       5,703          3,483       3,103 
Operating expenses: 
  Research and development                     3,175          2,431       1,279            727         695 
   Sales and marketing                         3,738          3,040       2,494          1,652       1,621 
   General and administrative                  1,895          1,624       1,058            763         705 
                                          -----------   ------------  ------------     ---------     ----- 
   Operating profit 
                                               2,677          3,985           872          341          82 
Other (income) deductions: 
  Interest (income) expense, net 
                                               (327)          (278)            27             60          16 
  Other expense (income) 
                                                (95)             14            20          (172)          10 
  Loss (gain) on currency translation 
                                               (138)             50           (4)           (44)         (18) 
                                          -----------   ------------  ------------   ------------  ---------- 
Income before income tax expense 
(benefit)                                      3,237          4,199           829            497          74 
  Income tax expense (benefit)                                                                          (114) 
                                               1,020          1,743         (365)           (48) 
                                          -----------   ------------  ------------   ------------  ---------- 
Net income                                 $             $ 
                                               2,217          2,456         1,194            545          188 
                                          ===========   ============  ============   ============  ========== 
Per share information (1): 
 Net income per common share - basic       $             $ 
                                                0.31           0.39          0.25           0.11          0.04 
                                          ===========   ============  ============   ============  =========== 
 Net income per common share - diluted     $             $ 
                                                0.30           0.35          0.21           0.09          0.03 
                                          ===========   ============  ============   ============  =========== 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: 

  Basic                                     7,049          6,370         4,862          4,970          4,970 
                                          ===========   ============  ============   ============  =========== 

  Diluted                                   7,498          7,055         5,710          5,851          5,851 
                                          ===========   ============  ============   ============  =========== 

                                                                       December 31, 
                                             1997          1996          1995           1994           1993 
                                             ----          ----          ----           ----           ---- 
                                                                   (dollars in thousands) 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: 

Working capital                             $ 12,410         12,570        3,214          2,110         1,553 

Total assets                                  21,805         21,544        7,931          3,644         3,689 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                              
                                                                            
                                              
Long-term obligations (2)                          7             61          113            579           433 

Total shareholders' equity                    19,194          16,563       3,654          2,451         1,906 

(1) See note 1 of notes to consolidated  financial statements for an explanation 
    of the method of calculation.  
(2) Includes obligations under capital leases. See 
    note 6 of notes to consolidated financial statements. 

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  
         of Operation. 

Overview 

         KVH  Industries,  Inc.  (the  "Company")  derives its revenues from the 
communications and navigation industries.  Stabilized antenna systems for mobile 
satellite  applications  such as voice, fax and data transmission and television 
reception are primary sources of communications  revenues.  Navigation  revenues 
are derived primarily from: positional and heading systems for tactical military 
applications in amphibious and land vehicles and for commercial  applications in 
land  vehicles;  digital  compasses  and  instrument  systems for  recreational, 
commercial and military  applications;  and embedded fiber optic sensors for OEM 
applications. The Company's in-house sales and marketing groups have established 
a worldwide  network of independent  sales  representatives  and distributors to 
market the  Company's  products.  The majority of the Company's  sales,  product 
distribution and customer service is conducted at the Company's  headquarters in 
Middletown,  Rhode  Island  and the  European  market  is  managed  through  the 
Company's subsidiary in Hoersholm,  Denmark. The Company's manufacturing process 
consists  primarily of light assembly and final test,  which is conducted at its 
facilities in Middletown, Rhode Island, Orland Park, Illinois, and St. 
Petersburg, Florida. 

Results of Operations 

    The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial 
data as a percentage of total revenues: 

                                                    Year Ended December 31, 
                                                1997          1996         1995 
                                               100.0%        100.0%       100.0% 
Net sales 

Gross profit                                    45.0          43.2          40.3 

Research and development                        12.4           9.5           9.0 
Sales and marketing                             14.6          11.8          17.6 
General and administrative                       7.4           6.3           7.5 
                                                10.6          15.6           6.2 
Operating profit 

Interest (income) expense, net                  (1.3)         (1.0)          0.2 
Other expense (income), net                     (0.3)          0.0           0.1 
(Gain) loss on currency 
translation                                     (0.5)          0.2         (0.0) 
Income before income tax 
(expense) benefit                               12.7          16.4           5.9 
                                                (4.0)         (6.8)          2.6 
Income tax (expense) benefit 
                                                 8.7%          9.6%         8.5% 
Net income 

Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 

         Net Sales.  Net sales decreased  slightly to $25.6 million in 1997 from 
$25.7 million in 1996.  Product sales amounted to $24.6 million in both 1997 and 
1996 while  customer-funded  research  amounted to $1.0 and $1.1 million in 1997 
and 1996  respectively.  Navigation sales grew 28% to $20.3 million in 1997 from 
$15.9 million in 1996. Navigation sales increases resulted primarily from a $3.8 
million, 40%, increase in navigation defense shipments. Fiber optic sensor sales 
resulting  from the October 30, 1997 Andrew  sensor  products  acquisition  also 
contributed  $0.4  million to 1997  navigation  revenues.  Communications  sales 
amounted  to $5.2  million in 1997,  decreasing  47% from $9.8  million in 1996. 
Anticipated decreases in communication  revenues reflected a large non-recurring 
OEM sale  amounting to $5.6 million in 1996 that was somewhat  off-set by direct 
sales of turnkey mobile satellite  communications systems that increased to just 
under $1.0 million in 1997 from $0.1 million in 1996. 

         Cost of Goods Sold. The Company's cost of goods sold consists primarily 
of direct labor and material,  labor and material overhead,  other direct costs. 
Cost of goods sold includes costs of customer-funded research and development of 
$0.6 million in 1997 and $0.9 million in 1996.  Cost of goods sold  decreased to 
55% as a percentage  of net sales in 1997 from 57% as a percentage  of net sales 
in 1996  resulting  from a 17%  sales  mix  shift to  higher  margin  navigation 
products.  Manufacturing  overheads  increased to $2.8 million in 1997 from $1.9 
million in 1996 somewhat off-setting the gains in product cost of sales. Factors 
contributing to the manufacturing  overhead increase included fiber optic sensor 
start-up costs and a one time lease modification charge. The Company anticipates 
that cost of goods sold will increase in 1998 as anticipated sales growth shifts 

                                                    
                                                                                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to lower-margin satellite communication and fiber optic gyro products. 

         Research and  Development  Expense.  Research and  development  expense 
consists primarily of direct labor and material, labor and material overhead and 
other direct costs  associated  with the  Company's  internally  funded  product 
development  efforts. The Company expenses all of its software development costs 
in the period that they are incurred.  Research costs  increased to $3.2 million 
or 31% in 1997 from $2.4 million in 1996.  Company-funded  product  developments 
accounted for $0.6 million of the 1997 increase while fiber optic start-up costs 
accounted  for the  remainder of the increase.  Total  research and  development 
expenditures,   including   customer-funded  product  development   expenditures 
included in cost of goods sold,  were $3.8  million in 1997 and $3.3  million in 
1996, reflecting the expected decline in customer-funded  research.  The Company 
anticipates  that  company-funded  research  and  development  will  continue to 
increase   as   the   result   of   further   research   to   develop   smaller, 
broader-bandwidth, mobile satellite communication products. 

         Sales and  Marketing  Expense.  Sales and  marketing  expense  consists 
primarily of salaries and related  expenses for sales and  marketing  personnel, 
sales commissions,  travel expenses,  cooperative advertising, sales literature, 
advertising  and trade shows.  Sales and marketing costs grew to $3.7 million or 
23% in 1997 from $3.0 million in 1996. Major factors  contributing to the growth 
of sales expenses were staffing,  travel and new production  introduction costs. 
The Company  anticipates that sales and marketing expense will increase,  as the 
Company  continues to further  penetrate  international  markets,  introduce new 
products in 1998 and aggressively promote fiber optic products. 

         General and Administrative Expense.  General and administrative expense 
consists primarily of salaries and related expenses and other costs attributable 
to the Company's management, finance, accounting and human resources operations, 
as well as legal and other professional services. Administrative costs increased 
to $1.9 million or 17% from 1996 spending of $1.6 million,  in response to fiber 
optic  start-up  costs,   increased   professional   fees  and  staffing  costs. 
Administration  is anticipated to increase in 1998 due to the additive effect of 
the fiber optic sensor group acquisition. 

         Interest  income.  Interest  income  reflects  the  interest  earned by 
investing the proceeds of the April 1996 public  offering in Federal  short-term 
obligations.  The proceeds of the public offering in April 1996 fully funded the 
Company's operating and capital requirements in 1997. 

         Other (Income)  Expense.  Other income  increased $0.1 million in 1997. 
 The additional  income  reflects the award of a new-hire training grant from 
 the state of Rhode Island. 

         Loss (Gain) on Foreign Currency Translation.  The results of operations 
of the Company's foreign  subsidiary,  KVH Europe, are determined by remeasuring 
its foreign currency-denominated operations as if they had taken place in United 
States dollars. Gains and losses resulting from this translation are included in 
the Company's net income. The translation gain of $0.1 million and loss of $0.05 
million in 1997 and 1996 respectively, reflects changes in the relative strength 
of the United States dollar in relation to the Danish krone. 

         Income  Tax  Expense  (Benefit).   The  Company's  income  tax  expense 
decreased  to $1.0  million in 1997 from $1.7  million in 1996.  The decrease in 
income taxes was  attributable to the utilization of state and federal  research 
and development and investment tax credits.  The Company's effective tax rate in 
1997 was 31.5% as a  percentage  of taxable  income  versus  41.5% in 1996.  The 
Company's  effective  tax rate is expected  to increase in 1998 as research  and 
other tax credits will diminish in future years. 

Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 

         Net Sales.  Net sales  increased by 82% to $25.7 million in 1996,  from 
$14.2 million in 1995. Product sales amounted to $24.6 million and $10.5 million 
in 1996 and 1995 respectively. Customer-funded research amounted to $1.1 million 
and $3.7 million in 1996 and 1995  respectively.  Product revenue growth in 1996 
resulted  primarily  from a $5.4  million  increase  in sales  of the  Company's 
military  TACNAV systems and an $8.3 million  increase in sales of OEM satellite 
communication products.  Product sales increases more than offset an anticipated 
$2.6  million   decrease  in   customer-funded   research  in  1996.   Decreased 
customer-funded  research  reflected the completion of the TACNAV development in 
1995.  Major  customers  responsible  for 1996 product sales growth included the 
United States military, various other foreign governments and AMSC. 

         Cost  of  Goods   Sold.   Cost  of  goods   sold   included   costs  of 
customer-funded  research  and  development  of $0.9  million  in 1996  and $2.4 
million in 1995. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales was 57% and 60% 
in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Improved cost of sales resulted primarily from a 
product  mix  shift  away  from  lower  margin,   customer-funded  research  and 
development sales to higher margin navigation product shipments. 

         Research and  Development  Expense.  Research and  development  expense 
increased  to $2.4  million  or 90% in 1996,  from  $1.3  million  in 1995.  The 
increase  resulted  from new product  development  efforts  associated  with the 
Company's   long-term   initiative   to   develop   smaller,   higher-bandwidth, 
antenna-aiming  technology to complement  the Company's  existing  communication 
products. Total research and development expenditures, including customer-funded 
product  development  expenditures  included  in cost of goods  sold,  were $3.3 
million in 1996 and $3.7  million in 1995.  The year over year  decline in total 
research and development is due to the decline in customer-funded  research from 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1995 levels. 

         Sales and Marketing Expense.  Sales and marketing expenses grew to $3.0 
million or 22% in 1996 from $2.5 million in 1995,  but decreased as a percentage 
of net  sales  to  12%  in  1996  from  18% in  1995.  The  dollar  increase  is 
attributable  to higher sales  commissions  associated with higher sales volumes 
and marketing costs associated with new product introductions. The decrease as a 
percentage  of net sales  reflects  the  leveraging  of  relatively  fixed sales 
support costs over a larger revenue base. 

         General and Administrative Expense.  General and administrative expense 
increased  to $1.6  million  or 54% in 1996,  from  $1.1  million  in 1995,  but 
decreased  as  a  percentage  of  net  sales  to  6%  from  7%  in  such  years, 
respectively.  The dollar increase is attributable  primarily to the added costs 
associated  with  becoming a public  company,  including  directors and officers 
insurance,  legal,  accounting  and consulting  fees and increased  compensation 
expense resulting from increases in management incentive payments.  The decrease 
as a percentage of net sales  reflects the  leveraging of  administrative  staff 
support costs over a larger revenue base 

         Interest  Income  Interest  income  reflects  the  interest  earned  by 
investing the proceeds of the April 1996 public  offering in Federal  short-term 
obligations 

         Other (Income) Expense.  Other (income) expense was not material in 
 both 1996 and 1995. 

         Loss (Gain) on Foreign Currency Translation.  The results of operations 
of the Company's foreign  subsidiary,  KVH Europe, are determined by remeasuring 
its foreign currency-denominated operations as if they had taken place in United 
States dollars. Gains and losses resulting from this translation are included in 
the Company's net income.  The  translation  loss of $50,587 in 1996 and gain of 
$4,300 in 1995,  reflect  changes in the strength of the United States dollar in 
relation to the Danish krone. 

         Income  Tax  Expense  (Benefit).   The  Company's  income  tax  expense 
increased  $2.1  million to $1.7  million in 1996,  compared  with an income tax 
benefit of approximately  $0.4 million in 1995. The increase was attributable to 
the utilization of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards  ("NOLs") from 
prior years. The Company's effective tax rate in 1996 was 41.5%. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

                                                          Year ended December 31, 
                              -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                    1997             Change           1996            Change         1995 
                                    ----             ------           ----            ------         ---- 
                                                              (in thousands) 

 Cash and cash equivalents         $ 4,758           (32%)            7,006            682%           896 

 Working capital                  $12,410             (1%)           12,570            291%         3,214 

        The Company financed its operations,  technology acquisitions and fixed 
asset acquisitions of approximately  $6.0 million dollars through a combination 
of funds  generated from  operations,  short-term bank revolving lines of credit 
and proceeds from its public  offering.  The Company believes that existing cash 
balances,   short-term  marketable  securities,   amounts  available  under  its 
revolving credit facility and funds generated from operations will be sufficient 
to meet anticipated  liquidity and working capital requirements for 1998. If the 
Company  determines to expand more  rapidly,  to broaden or enhance its products 
more rapidly, to acquire businesses or technologies or to make other significant 
expenditures to respond to competitive  pressures,  then the Company may need to 
raise additional funds. 

Other Matters 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

         The Financial  Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued SFAS 
No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive Income". This statement establishes standards 
for reporting and display of  comprehensive  income and its components in a full 
set of  general-purpose  financial  statements.  This statement is effective for 
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, and requires  classification  of 
the financial statements for earlier periods provided for comparative  purposes. 
The effect of the  adoption  of SFAS No. 130 will not have a material  impact on 
the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 

         The Financial  Accounting Standards Board recently issued SFAS No. 131, 
"Disclosures  about Segments of and Enterprise  and Related  Information".  This 
statement  establishes  standards for the way that public  business  enterprises 
report information about operating  segments in annual financial  statements and 
requires that those  enterprises  report  selected  information  about operating 
segments in interim  financial  reports issued to  shareholders.  This statement 
supercedes SFAS No. 14,  "Financial  Reporting for Segments of a Business",  but 
retains  the  requirement  to report  information  about major  customers.  This 
statement   also  amends   SFAS  No.  94,   "Consolidation   of   Majority-Owned 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiaries".  This statement is effective for financial statements for periods 
beginning after December 31, 1997 and requires that comparative  information for 
earlier years be restated for comparative  purposes.  The effect of the adoption 
of SFAS No.  131 will not have a  material  impact  on the  Company's  financial 
condition, results of operations or cash flows. 

Year 2000 

         The  Company  is in the  process of  selecting  a  replacement  for its 
existing  computer  system.  The Company has engaged a consulting firm to advise 
the Company regarding the selection and  implementation of a Year 2000 compliant 
computer system. The estimated cost of consulting  services,  computer hardware, 
training  and  software  is expected to be less than $0.5  million  dollars.  In 
addition the Company has identified the need for a chief information officer and 
is actively recruiting to fill this position. 

Inflation 

         The Company  believes that  inflation has not had a material  effect on 
its results of operations. 

Market Risk Disclosure 

         Not applicable. 

Forward Looking Statements 

         This "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and 
Results of Operations" contains forward looking statements that are subject to a 
number of risks and uncertainties.  Among the important factors that could cause 
actual  results to differ  materially  from those  anticipated by the statements 
made above are the following: 

         The Company's future growth will depend to a considerable extent on the 
expansion of sales of its marine  antenna-aiming  products.  To date, the market 
for mobile  satellite  communications  products has been limited.  The Company's 
first satellite  communications  product, an antenna-aiming  system for use with 
satellites  operated  by  the  International   Maritime  Satellite  Organization 
("INMARSAT"),  was introduced in late 1993. The Company's  TracVision system for 
mobile reception of direct broadcast  satellite  television  services ("DBS-TV") 
was introduced in late 1995, and the Tracphone mobile satellite telephone system 
for use with  the  SKYCELL  voice,  fax and data  services  offered  by AMSC was 
introduced in the second  quarter of 1996.  The TracVision II a smaller and less 
expensive version of the TracVision, was introduced in September of 1997 and the 
TracPhone 50, a smaller,  less  expensive  version of the ASAP line of products, 
was  introduced  in  September  of 1997 as a  turnkey  system  offering  airtime 
services  provided  by Station 12 with KVH  hardware.  The  Company's  business, 
financial  condition and results of operation could be adversely affected if any 
of the INMARSAT,  Station 12 or DBS-TV satellite networks experience  operating, 
financial or regulatory problems, if no significant maritime market develops for 
these services,  or if the Company's products do not achieve  significant market 
acceptance in these emerging  markets.  Also, if the Company builds inventory in 
anticipation of potential sales in the marine satellite  communications  market, 
the failure of that market to develop could result in inventory obsolescence. 

         The Company relies upon sales of new products under large  contracts to 
a small  number of  customers,  and the sales  cycles for some of the  Company's 
products  are long and  difficult  to predict,  resulting  in  variability  of a 
significant  portion of its product  revenues.  The introduction of new products 
involves the  identification  and  qualification  of new material and  component 
vendors. New products may contain undetected  component,  hardware,  software or 
mechanical  defects or failures when first  introduced or may develop defects or 
failures  after  commencement  of commercial  production or shipments.  Any such 
delays,  defects or failures could cause loss of goodwill with  distributors and 
with current or potential customers,  impair or prevent the market acceptance of 
the  Company's  products  and result in lost  revenue  due to  cancellations  or 
rescheduling of orders or shipments or to product recalls, returns or discounts. 
The Company could also incur unexpected and significant costs, including product 
redesign  costs  and costs  associated  with  customer  support.  The  Company's 
products are generally sold with a limited warranty against defects in materials 
and workmanship,  generally for a period of one year but in certain cases for as 
long as three to five years. If any of the Company's  products were found within 
the warranty  period to contain such  defects,  the Company could be required to 
repair,  replace or refund the purchase  price of the  defective  products.  The 
occurrence of any of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. 

         The Company  derives a  substantial  portion of its  revenues  from the 
armed  forces  of  the  United  States  and  of  foreign  governments  and  from 
contractors that manufacture military land vehicles for such governments.  There 
can be no assurance that such governments or their  contractors will continue to 
purchase  the  Company's  products in similar  amounts.  Changes in  procurement 
priorities or  significant  reductions or delays in procurement of the Company's 
products by the United  States or any foreign  government  would have a material 
adverse  effect on the Company's  business,  financial  condition and results of 
operations.  Generally,  the United States  government and its  contractors  and 
subcontractors  may terminate  their contracts with the Company for cause or for 
convenience,  upon certain terms and conditions.  In many instances,  the United 
States  government  or its  contractors  purchase  the  Company's  products on a 
purchase-order basis, without firm commitments. Moreover, even under firm orders 
by the United States government or its contractors, funding must nevertheless be 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
appropriated  in the budget  process in order for the government to complete the 
contract.  The Company experienced a significant growth in military contracts in 
1997 and anticipates that these contracts will not reoccur in 1998. As a result, 
the Company  anticipates  that product  gross  profits will decline in 1998 from 
1997 levels. 

         Satellite  communications  technologies  are  changing  rapidly  as new 
satellite  systems are placed into service.  The Iridium Low Earth Orbit ("LEO") 
system is close to completion, offering handheld products that will compete with 
larger,  more costly actively  stabilized antenna systems.  Although LEO service 
costs are  anticipated  to be more costly than  Inmarsat  services,  there is no 
assurance  that  this  technology  or other  technologies  will not  reduce  the 
Inmarsat market share. 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

         The Company's consolidated financial statements and supplementary data, 
together  with the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,  independent  auditors,  are 
included in Part IV of this Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and  
          Financial Disclosure. 

         Not applicable 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                    PART III 

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. 

         Reference is made to the information set forth in the definitive  Proxy 
Statement  relating to the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (to be filed with 
the Securities and Exchange  Commission within 120 days after December 31, 1997) 
(the "Proxy Statement"), under the caption "Directors and Executive Officers". 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation. 

         Reference is made to the  information  set forth in the Proxy Statement 
under the caption "Renumerature of Executive Officers and Directors". 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. 

         Reference is made to the  information  set forth in the Proxy Statement 
under  the  caption  "Security   Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and 
Management". 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. 

         None. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     PART IV 

Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K. 

(a)  Documents filed as part of this report:                                Page 

1. Financial Statements: 

Report of Independent Accountants                                             20 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997, and 1996                 21 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1997 
1996 and 1994                                                                 22 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the 
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 
                                                                              23 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended 
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                                              24 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                    25 

2. Financial Statement Schedule. See "Independent Auditors Report and 
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts" included on pages 36 
and 37. All other schedules have been omitted since the information is 
not required to be presented, or because the information required is 
included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K: 

Report on Form 8-K was filed on November 14, 1997. The report contains 
the asset purchase agreement between the Company and Andrew Corporation 
and a Common Stock Warrant both dated October 30,1997. 

(c) Exhibit Number         Description                                      Page 

   3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1) 
   3.5 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company 
  10.1 1986 Executive Incentive Stock Option Plan (1) 
  10.2 Amended and Restated 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan of the Company (1) 
  10.3 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1) 
  10.5 Credit Agreement dated September 8, 1993 between the Company and 
       Fleet National Bank (1) 
  10.6 $500,000 Revolving Credit Note dated September 8,1993 between the Company 
       and Fleet National Bank (1) 
  10.7 Security Agreement dated September 8, 1993 between the Company and 
       Fleet National Bank (1) 
  10.8 Modification to Security Agreement dated May 30, 1994 between the Company 
       and Fleet National Bank (1) 
  10.9 Second Modification to Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Note dated 
       May 30, 1994 between the Company and Fleet National Bank (1) 

Exhibit No.            Description                                          Page 

 10.10 Second Modification to Security Agreement dated March 17, 1995 between 
       the Company and Fleet National Bank (1) 
 10.11 Third Modification to Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Note dated 
       March 17, 1995 between the Company and Fleet National Bank (1) 
 10.12 Third Modification to Security Agreement dated December 12, 1995 between 
       the Company and Fleet National Bank (1) 
 10.13 Fourth Modification to Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Note dated 
       December 12, 1995 between the Company and Fleet National Bank (1) 
 10.14 Lease dated February 27, 1989 between the Company and Middletown 
       Technology Associates IV (1) 
 10.17 Registration Rights Agreement dated May 20, 1986 by and among the 
       Company and certain stockholders of the Company (1) 
 10.18 Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated 
       January 25, 1988, by and among the Company, Fleet 
       Venture Resources, Inc., and Fleet Venture Partners I 
       and certain stockholders of the Company (1) 
 10.19 Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated 
       October 25, 1988 by and among the Company and certain 
       stockholders of the Company (1) 
 10.20 Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated July 21, 1989 by and 
       among the Company and certain stockholders of the Company (1) 
 10.21 Third Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement 
       dated November 3, 1989 by and among the Company and 
       certain stockholders of the Company (1) 
 10.28 Technology License Agreement dated December 22, 1992 between the 
       Company and Etak, Inc. (1) 
 10.29 Agreement dated September 28, 1995 between the Company and Thomson 
       Consumer Electronics, Inc. (1) 
 10.30 Agreement dated September 28, 1995 between the Company and Thomson 
       Consumer Electronics, Inc. (1) 
 10.31 Agreement regarding Technology Affiliates Program between Jet 
       Propulsion Laboratory and the Company (1) 
 10.32 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 18, 1996, 50 Enterprise Center, 
       Middletown, Rhode Island between the Company and SKW Real Estate 
       Limited Partnership (2) 
 10.33 Fifth Modification to Credit Agreement and Revolving Note dated 
       August 8, 1996 between the Company and Fleet National Bank 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10.34 Andrew Corporation Asset Purchase and Warrant Agreement (3) 
 11.1  Computation of Earnings per Share (2)                                  38 
 21.1  List of Subsidiaries of the Company (1) 
 23.1  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP                                       39 
 27.1  Financial Data Schedule                                                40 

(1)      Incorporated  by Reference to Exhibit  Index on Form S-1 filed with the 
         Securities and Exchange Commission dated March 28, 1996, Registration 
         No. 333-01258. 
(2)      Filed by paper with the Securities and Exchange Commission.. 
(3)      Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 1 & 2 on Form 8-K filed with the 
         Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 14, 1997. 

 
 
                                   SIGNATURES 

      Pursuant  to the  requirements  of  Section  13 or  Section  15(d)  of the 
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 the  registrant has the duly caused this report 
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

                                       KVH Industries, Inc. 

DATE: March 25, 1998                   By:  /s/  Martin A. Kits van Heyningen 
                                                ------------------------------ 
                                                 Martin A. Kits van Heyningen 
                                                 President 

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, this 
report has been signed below by the following  persons in the  capacities and on 
the dates indicated. 

         Signature                      Title                         Date 

/s/ Martin A. Kits van Heyningen    President  
     Martin A. Kits van Heyningen  (Chief Executive Officer)      March 25, 1998 

/s/ Richard C. Forsyth              Chief Financial Officer 
     Richard C. Forsyth             (Principal Financial and      March 25, 1998 
                                        Accounting Officer) 

/s/ Arent H. Kits van Heyningen     Chairman of the Board         March 25, 1998 
     Arent H. Kits van Heyningen 

/s/ Robert W. B. Kits van Heyningen Director                      March 25, 1998 
     Robert W. B. Kits van Heyningen 

/s/ Stanley K. Honey                Director                      March 25, 1998 
     Stanley K. Honey 

/s/ James A. Saalfield              Director                      March 25, 1998 
     James A. Saalfield 

/s/  Werner Trattner                Director                      March 25, 1998 
      Werner Trattner 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 

Board of Directors and Stockholders 
KVH Industries, Inc. and Subsidiary: 

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated balance sheets of KVH Industries, 
Inc.  and  subsidiary  as of  December  31,  1997  and  1996,  and  the  related 
consolidated statements of income,  stockholders' equity and cash flows for each 
of  the  years  in  the  three-year   period  ended  December  31,  1997.  These 
consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of the  Company's 
management.  Our  responsibility is to express an opinion on these  consolidated 
financial statements based on our audits. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing 
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable  assurance about whether the  consolidated  financial  statements are 
free of material  misstatement.  An audit includes  examining,  on a test basis, 
evidence  supporting the amounts and disclosures in the  consolidated  financial 
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant  estimates  made by  management,  as well as evaluating  the overall 
consolidated  financial  statement  presentation.  We  believe  that our  audits 
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present 
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KVH Industries, Inc. 
and  subsidiary at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations 
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 
31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 

/s/  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 

Providence, Rhode Island 
February 3, 1998 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets 

                           December 31, 1997 and 1996 

          Assets (note 5)                                                                    1997             1996 
          ---------------                                                                    ----             ---- 

Current assets: 

   Cash and cash equivalents                                                            $   4,757,614         7,005,682 
   Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 
     of $73,909 in 1997 and $49,955 in 1996 (note 11)                                       4,338,992         6,130,567 
   Contract receivables                                                                       156,777            29,226 
   Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings 
     on uncompleted contracts                                                                 406,014           835,720 
   Inventories (note 3)                                                                     4,751,792         3,242,270 
   Prepaid expenses and other deposits                                                        222,015           179,705 
   Deferred income taxes (note 9)                                                             387,567           134,552 
                                                                                         ------------      ------------ 
          Total current assets                                                             15,020,771        17,557,722 
                                                                                           ----------        ---------- 

Property and equipment, net (note 4)                                                        5,974,635         3,881,088 
Other assets, less accumulated amortization of 
   $194,837 in 1997 and $168,859 in 1996                                                      731,000            25,978 
Deferred income taxes (note 9)                                                                 78,535            88,862 
                                                                                        -------------     ------------- 

                                                                                         $ 21,804,941        21,553,650 
                                                                                           ==========        ========== 

     Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 

Current liabilities: 
   Current installments of obligations under capital leases (note 6)                            7,278            57,676 
   Accounts payable                                                                         1,618,295         1,031,309 
   Accrued expenses (note 7)                                                                  960,488         1,371,193 
   Customer deposits (note 11)                                                                 25,068         2,527,500 
                                                                                        -------------       ----------- 
          Total current liabilities                                                         2,611,129         4,987,678 

Obligations under capital leases, excluding current installments (note 6)                          -              3,341 
                                                                                               ------       ----------- 

          Total liabilities                                                                 2,611,129         4,991,019 
                                                                                          -----------       ----------- 

Stockholders' equity (note 8): 
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value.  Authorized 1,440,390 shares; 
     none issued.                                                                                  -                 - 
   Common stock, $.01 par value.  Authorized 7,490,582 shares; 
     issued 7,086,046 shares in 1997 and 6,993,246 in 1996                                     70,860            69,932 
   Additional paid-in capital                                                              15,298,558        14,884,806 
   Retained earnings                                                                        3,824,394         1,607,893 
                                                                                          -----------       ----------- 

          Total stockholders' equity                                                       19,193,812        16,562,631 
                                                                                           ----------        ---------- 

Commitment and other information (notes 6 and 10) 
                                                                                         $ 21,804,941        21,553,650 
                                                                                           ==========        ========== 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

                        Consolidated Statements of Income 

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 

                                                                           1997              1996             1995 
                                                                           ----              ----             ---- 

Net sales (note 11)                                                     $ 25,570,347       25,687,495        14,150,147 
Cost of goods sold                                                        14,085,463       14,607,584         8,446,728 
                                                                          ----------       ----------         --------- 

           Gross profit                                                   11,484,884       11,079,911         5,703,419 

Operating expenses: 
   Research and development                                                3,175,181        2,430,755         1,278,841 
   Sales and marketing                                                     3,738,605        3,039,483         2,494,071 
   General and administrative                                              1,895,031        1,624,270         1,058,073 
                                                                         -----------      -----------       ----------- 

           Operating profit                                                2,676,067        3,985,403           872,434 

Other deductions (income): 
   Interest income                                                          (336,157)        (293,494)          (23,761) 
   Interest expense                                                            8,893           15,938            51,507 
   Other expense (income)                                                    (95,083)          14,303            20,385 
   Loss (gain) on foreign currency translation                              (138,272)          50,087            (4,300) 
                                                                        ------------    -------------    -------------- 

           Income before income tax expense (benefit)                      3,236,686        4,198,569           828,603 

Income tax expense (benefit) (note 9)                                      1,020,185        1,742,538          (364,995) 
                                                                         -----------      -----------      ------------ 

           Net income                                                  $   2,216,501        2,456,031         1,193,598 
                                                                         ===========      ===========       =========== 

Per share information (notes 8 and 13): 
   Net  income per common share - basic                             $          0.31              0.39             0.25 
                                                                     ===============   ==============    ============= 
   Net income per common share - diluted                            $          0.30              0.35             0.21 
                                                                     ==============    ===============   ============= 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding: 
   Basic                                                                   7,049,125        6,370,272         4,862,450 
                                                                         ===========      ===========       =========== 
   Diluted                                                                 7,497,695        7,055,309         5,710,177 
                                                                         ===========      ===========       =========== 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 

                                                                            Additional        Retained            Total 
                                                Preferred     Common          Paid-in         Earnings        Stockholders'
                                                  Stock        Stock          Capital         (Deficit)          Equity 

Balances at December 31, 1994                  $ 12,982        16,006        4,463,941        (2,041,736)       2,451,193 

Net income                                           -             -                -          1,193,598        1,193,598 

Stock option transaction                             -            154            9,104                -             9,258 
                                                    ---      --------   --------------               ---   -------------- 

Balances at December 31, 1995                    12,982        16,160        4,473,045          (848,138)       3,654,049 

Net income                                           -             -                -          2,456,031        2,456,031 

Exercise of stock options and 
  warrants                                           -          3,274          457,203                -           460,477 

Initial public offering of common stock, net 
  of issuance costs of $1,736,555 (note 8)           -         18,000        9,945,445                -         9,963,445 

Conversion of 1,298,182 shares of preferred 
  stock to 3,245,500 shares of common stock     (12,982)       32,455          (19,473)               -                - 

Issuance of common stock under 
  benefit plans                                      -             43           28,586                -            28,629 
                                                    ---     ---------    -------------               ---    ------------- 

Balances at December 31, 1996                        -         69,932       14,884,806         1,607,893       16,562,631 

Net income                                           -             -                -          2,216,501        2,216,501 

Issuance of common stock under 
   benefit plan                                      -            127           67,404                -            67,531 

Exercise of stock options                            -            801          151,913                -           152,714 

Issuance of warrants (notes 2 and 8)                 -             -           194,435                -           194,435 
                                                    ---           ---     ------------               ---     ------------ 

Balances at December 31, 1997                     $  -         70,860       15,298,558         3,824,394       19,193,812 
                                                    ===        ======     ============         =========       ========== 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 

                                                                            1997              1996              1995 
                                                                            ----              ----              ---- 
Cash flows from operating activities: 

   Net income                                                            $ 2,216,501        2,456,031         1,193,598 
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by 
    (used in) operating activities: 
   Depreciation and amortization                                             797,761          285,049           143,080 
   Provision for doubtful accounts                                               284          (45,000)           39,816 
   Provision for deferred taxes                                             (242,688)         315,381          (376,395) 
   Decrease (increase) in accounts and contract receivables                1,827,202       (2,932,821)       (2,220,826) 
   Decrease (increase) in costs and estimated earnings in excess 
     of billings on uncompleted contracts                                    429,706           80,474           (53,698) 
   Increase in inventories                                                  (649,213)      (1,489,098)         (819,657) 
   Increase in prepaid expenses and other deposits                           (42,310)         (23,030)          (84,253) 
   Increase in accounts payable                                              586,986           72,802           551,586 
   (Decrease) increase in accrued expenses                                  (554,922)       1,035,297           162,819 
   (Decrease) increase in customer deposits                               (2,502,432)        (342,095)        2,835,600 
                                                                           ---------     ------------         --------- 

          Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities              1,866,875         (587,010)        1,371,670 
                                                                           ---------     ------------         --------- 

Cash flows from investing activities: 
  Acquisition (note 2)                                                    (1,946,026)              -                 - 
  Capital expenditures                                                    (2,335,423)      (3,703,327)         (210,801) 
                                                                           ---------      -----------        ---------- 

          Net cash used in investing activities                           (4,281,449)      (3,703,327)         (210,801) 
                                                                           ---------      -----------        ---------- 

Cash flows from financing activities: 
   Repayments on note payable to bank                                             -                -           (455,278) 
   Repayments of obligations under capital lease                             (53,739)         (52,209)          (10,610) 
   Stock option and benefit plan transactions                                220,245          489,106             9,258 
   Proceeds from initial public offering (note 8)                                 -         9,963,445                - 
                                                                                 ---      -----------               -- 

          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                166,506       10,400,342          (456,630) 
                                                                          ----------       ----------        ---------- 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      (2,248,068)       6,110,005           704,239 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                             7,005,682          895,677           191,438 
                                                                           ---------     ------------        ---------- 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                $  4,757,614        7,005,682           895,677 
                                                                           =========      ===========        ========== 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 
   Cash paid during the year for interest                            $         8,589           15,938            51,507 
                                                                        ============    =============       =========== 

   Cash paid during the year for income taxes                           $  1,872,049           20,250               250 
                                                                           =========    =============     ============= 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
   (a) Description of Business 
     KVH Industries,  Inc. (the "Company")  develops,  manufactures  and markets 
       proprietary  fiber  optic,  autocalibration  and sensor  technologies  to 
       produce  navigation  and  mobile  satellite  communications  systems  for 
       commercial, military and marine applications. 

   (b) Principles of Consolidation 
     The consolidated  financial  statements include the financial statements of 
       KVH  Industries,  Inc. and its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  KVH Europe A/S 
       ("KVH Europe").  All significant  intercompany  accounts and transactions 
       have been eliminated in consolidation. 

   (c)  Cash and Cash Equivalents 
     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity, at the 
       purchase date, of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

   (d) Revenue Recognition 
     Revenue is recognized when a product is shipped and services are performed. 

     Revenues on long-term  contracts  are  recognized  using the  percentage of 
       completion  method.  Under  this  method,  income is  recognized  as work 
       progresses  on  the  contracts.  The  percentage  of  work  completed  is 
       determined  principally  by comparing the  accumulated  costs incurred to 
       date with management's  current estimate of total costs to be incurred at 
       contract completion. On certain contracts where the delivery of equipment 
       is separable  from  development  and other aspects of the  contract,  the 
       Company  segments  the contract  and  recognizes  revenue on each segment 
       individually.  Revisions of costs and income  estimates  are reflected in 
       the period in which the facts that require the revisions become known. If 
       estimated total costs on a contract indicate a loss, the entire amount of 
       the estimated loss is provided for currently. 

   (e) Inventories 
     Inventories of finished  goods for sale and raw materials are stated at the 
       lower of cost or market using the first-in first-out costing method. Work 
       in process is valued at production  cost  represented by material,  labor 
       and overhead, and is not recorded in excess of net realizable values. 

   (f) Property and Equipment 
     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is 
       computed on the  straight-line  method over the estimated useful lives of 
       the respective assets. The principal lives, in years, used in determining 
       the depreciation rates of various assets are: leasehold improvements, ten 
       years;   machinery  and  equipment,   five  years;  office  and  computer 
       equipment,   five  to  seven  years  and  motor  vehicles,   four  years. 
       Amortization  of property and  equipment  under capital lease is provided 
       using the straight-line method over the lease terms. 

   (g) Other Assets 
     Other assets consist of patents,  capitalized costs of workforce  resulting 
       from an acquisition  and the  organization  costs incurred to KVH Europe. 
       These  costs are being  amortized  on a  straight-line  basis over period 
       ranging from five year to twelve years. The Company  continually  reviews 
       intangible assets to assess  recoverability from estimated future results 
       of operations and estimated future cash flows. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

   (h) Progress Payments 
     Progress  payments  received from customers are offset against  inventories 
       associated with the contracts for which the payments were received. Under 
       contractual arrangements by which progress payments are received from the 
       United States Government,  the United States Government has a lien on the 
       inventories identified with related contracts. 

   (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 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. 

   (j) Research and Development 
     Expenditures  for  research  and  development,   including  customer-funded 
       research and development, are expensed in the year incurred. Revenue from 
       customer-funded  research and  development is included in net sales,  and 
       the related product development costs are included in cost of goods sold. 
       Revenues   from   customer-funded   research  and   development   totaled 
       approximately $957,000, $1,050,000 and $3,200,000, respectively, in 1997, 
       1996 and 1995,  and related costs  included in cost of goods sold totaled 
       approximately   $630,000,   $869,000  and   $2,445,000   in  such  years, 
       respectively. 

   (k)  Foreign Currency Transaction 
     The  financial   statements  of  the  Company's   foreign   subsidiary  are 
       re-measured  into  the  United  States  dollar  functional  currency  for 
       consolidation and reporting purposes.  Current rates of exchange are used 
       to re-measure  monetary assets and  liabilities  and historical  rates of 
       exchange are used for nonmonetary assets and related elements of expense. 
       Revenue  and other  expense  elements  are  re-measured  at rates,  which 
       approximate  the  rates in  effect on the  transaction  dates.  Gains and 
       losses  resulting  from  this   re-measurement   process  are  recognized 
       currently in the consolidated statements of income. 

   (l)  Stock Option Plan 
     Prior to January 1, 1996,  the Company  accounted for its stock option plan 
       in accordance with the provisions of Accounting  Principles Board ("APB") 
       Opinion No. 25,  Accounting  for Stock Issued to  Employees,  and related 
       interpretations.  As such,  compensation expense would be recorded on the 
       date of grant only if the current  market price of the  underlying  stock 
       exceeded the exercise price. On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS 
       No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,  which permits entities 
       to  recognize  as expense  over the vesting  period the fair value of all 
       stock-based awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also 
       allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 
       and provide pro forma net income and earnings per share  disclosures  for 
       employee  stock  option  grants  made in 1995 and future  years as if the 
       fair-value-based  method  defined in SFAS No. 123 had been  applied.  The 
       Company has elected to  continue to apply the  provisions  of APB Opinion 
       No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(m)  Use of Estimates 
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted 
     accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions 
     that affect the reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities at the date of 
     the financial  statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses 
     during  the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from those 
     estimates. 

(n)Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets and Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed of The 
   Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the 
     Impairment  of Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived to be Disposed of, on 
     January 1, 1996. This Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain 
     identifiable  intangibles  be reviewed for  impairment  whenever  events or 
     changes in circumstances  indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may 
     not be  recoverable.  Recoverability  of  assets  to be  held  and  used is 
     measured by a comparison  of the carrying  amount of an asset to future net 
     cash  flows  expected  to be  generated  by the asset.  If such  assets are 
     considered to be impaired,  the  impairment to be recognized is measured by 
     the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value 
     of the assets.  Assets to be  disposed of are  reported at the lower of the 
     carrying  amount  or fair  value  less  costs  to  sell.  Adoption  of this 
     Statement  did  not  have a  material  impact  on the  Company's  financial 
     position, results of operations, or liquidity. 

(o)  Net Income per Common Share 
   During 1997 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 128,  Earnings Per 
     Share.  Under the provisions of SFAS 128, basic earnings per share replaces 
     primary  earnings  per share and the dilutive  effect of stock  options and 
     warrants are excluded  from the  calculation.  Fully  diluted  earnings per 
     share are  replaced by diluted  earnings per share and include the dilutive 
     effect of stock options and warrants,  using the treasury stock method. All 
     prior period  earnings per share data have been  restated to conform to the 
     requirements of SFAS 128. 

    Areconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in 
     the  computation of the basic and diluted  earnings per share for the three 
     years ended December 31, 1997 is as follows: 

                                            1997          1996           1995 
                                            ----          ----           ---- 
     Weighted average shares (basic)      7,049,125    6,370,272       4,862,450 
     Effect of dilutive stock options       448,570       685,037        847,727 
                                            -------       -------        ------- 
      Weighted average shares (diluted)   7,497,695    7,055,309       5,710,177 
                                          =========    =========       ========= 

   The net income used in the  calculation  for basic and diluted  earnings  per 
     share  calculations  agrees with the net income  appearing in the financial 
     statements. 

(p) Fair Value of Financial Instruments 
   The carrying amounts of accounts receivable,  contracts receivable, costs and 
     estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, accounts 
     payable,  accrued expenses and obligations under capital leases approximate 
     fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. 

(2) Acquisition 
   OnOctober 30, 1997 the Company purchased certain operating assets and assumed 
     certain  liabilities of the Sensor Products Group of the Andrew Corporation 
     for approximately  $1.9 million of cash (including  acquisition  costs) and 
     warrants to purchase the Company's  common stock,  valued at  approximately 
     $194,000.  The assets acquired will provide the Company with the ability to 
     produce fiber optic rate sensors that will advance the  Company's  existing 
     product  performance  accuracy and range of operation.  The acquisition has 
     been  accounted for as a purchase.  The  allocation  of the purchase  price 
     resulted in intangibles,  primarily patents and workforce, of approximately 
     $731,000 which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of 
     5 - 12 years. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

(3)   Inventories 

   Inventories at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consist of the following: 
                                 1997               1996 
                             ----------          ---------- 

Raw materials                $3,242,580           1,887,634 
Work in process                 356,211             714,346 
Finished goods                1,153,001             640,290 
                             ----------          ---------- 

                             $4,751,792           3,242,270 
                             ==========          ========== 

     Project inventories  totaling $39,408 and $385,748,  respectively,  in 1997 
and 1996 have been offset against  related  progress  payments and included as a 
component of costs and estimated  earnings in excess of billings on  uncompleted 
contracts. 

(4)  Property and Equipment 
   Property  and  equipment,  net, at December  31, 1997 and 1996 consist of the 
following: 

                                                    1997           1996 
                                                 ----------     ---------- 

  Land                                           $  806,774        806,774 
  Building and improvements                       3,181,986      1,801,062 
  Leasehold improvements                               --           39,543 
  Machinery and equipment                         1,838,603      1,667,618 
  Office and computer equipment                   2,455,057      1,155,750 
  Motor vehicles                                     92,348         68,949 
                                                 ----------     ---------- 

                                                  8,374,768      5,539,696 

Less accumulated depreciation                     2,400,133      1,658,608 
                                                 ----------     ---------- 

                                                 $5,974,635      3,881,088 
                                                 ==========     ========== 

Depreciation  for the years  ended  December  31,  1997,  1996 and 1995 
amounted to $771,783,  $246,081  and $104,113, respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

(5)  Notes Payable to Bank 
   OnAugust 10,  1993,  the Company  entered  into a Secured  Revolving  Line of 
     Credit  Agreement (the "Revolving  Credit  Agreement")  with Fleet National 
     Bank which, as amended through August 8, 1996, provides for borrowings from 
     time to time of up to  $2,500,000  at the  bank's  prime  rate plus  1.25%. 
     Borrowings  are payable  upon demand by the bank or the  expiration  of the 
     Revolving  Credit  Agreement,  which expires June 30, 1998.  Borrowings are 
     secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, except for land, 
     building and  improvements.  As of December 31, 1997 and 1996,  the Company 
     had no borrowings  outstanding.  The Revolving  Credit  Agreement  includes 
     financial and other restrictive covenants relating to the maintenance of or 
     attainment  of certain  financial  criteria and  prohibits the Company from 
     paying cash  dividends.  The company is in  compliance  with all  covenants 
     related to the loan agreement. 

(6) Leases 
   The  Company  has  certain  capital  and  operating  leases  for  facilities, 
     automobiles,  and various  equipment.  The following is a summary of future 
     minimum  payments under capital leases and under operating leases that have 
     initial or  remaining  noncancelable  lease  terms in excess of one year at 
     December 31, 1997: 

                                                    Capitalized        Operating 
     Year ending December 31                           Leases            Leases 

          1998                                        $ 7,284           105,680 
          1999                                             -             58,500 
                                                          ---          -------- 

          Total minimum lease payments                  7,284           164,180 
                                                                        ======= 

     Imputed interest                                      (6) 

     Present value of minimum capital lease payment   $ 7,278 
                                                       ======= 

   Total rent  expense  incurred  under  operating  leases  for the years  ended 
     December  31,  1997,  1996 and 1995  amounted  to,  $433,908,  $435,124 and 
     $412,085,  respectively.  In 1997 the Company  reduced the amount of square 
     feet under a facility lease from 30,000 to 6,000. The Company paid $210,000 
     in the  fourth  quarter  of  1997  to  modify  the  lease  agreement.  As a 
     consequence  of reducing  the leased  square  footage the  Company's  lease 
     liability decreases to $78,000 and $56,000 in 1998 and 1999 respectively. 

(7) Accrued Expenses 
   Accrued  expenses for the period ended  December 31, 1997 and 1996 consist of 
the following: 

                                                        1997              1996 
                                                        ----              ---- 

     Accrued payroll, bonus and other 
      related expenses payable                       $ 709,544           529,471 
     Federal income tax payable                             -            478,567 
     State income tax payable                           57,601           180,148 
     Professional fees                                 162,133           106,776 
     Other                                              31,210            76,231 
                                                      --------         --------- 

                                                     $ 960,488         1,371,193 
                                                       =======         ========= 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

(8) Stockholders Equity 
   (a)  Sale of Common Stock 
     OnMarch 28,  1996,  the  Company's  registration  statement  for an initial 
       public offering of common stock was declared  effective.  An aggregate of 
       1,800,000  shares of common  stock were issued by the Company on April 8, 
       1996 at an initial  public  offering of $6.50 per share that  resulted in 
       approximately $9.9 million in net proceeds. 

   (b) Employee's Stock Options and Warrants 
     The Company  has a 1986  Executive  Incentive  Stock  Option  Plan,  a 1995 
       Incentive Stock Option Plan, and a 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock 
       Option Plan (the "Plans"). 

     The Company has  reserved  915,000  shares of its common stock for issuance 
       upon exercise of options granted or to be granted under the Plans.  These 
       options  generally vest in equal annual amounts over four years beginning 
       on the date of the grant.  The Plans  provide  that options be granted at 
       exercise  prices  not less than  market  value on the date the  option is 
       granted and options are  adjusted  for such  changes as stock  splits and 
       stock dividends.  No options are exercisable for periods of more than ten 
       years after date of grant. 

     The per share  weighted-average  fair value of stock options granted during 
       1997, 1996 and 1995 was $4.12, $1.80 and $0.28 on the date of grant using 
       the   Black   Scholes    option-pricing    model   with   the   following 
       weighted-average   assumptions:   1997  -  expected  dividend  yield  0%, 
       risk-free interest rate 5.36%, expected volatility of 82.71% and expected 
       life of 2.56 - 3 years;  1996 -  expected  dividend  yield 0%,  risk-free 
       interest  rate of 6.4%,  expected  volatility  rate of 3% and an expected 
       life of 4 years; 1995 expected dividend yield 0%, risk-free interest rate 
       of 6.1%, expected volatility rate of 3% and an expected life of 2 years. 

     The Company  applies APB Opinion  No. 25 in  accounting  for its Plans and, 
       accordingly,  no  compensation  cost has been  recognized  for its  stock 
       options  in  the  financial   statements.   Had  the  Company  determined 
       compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock 
       options  under SFAS No. 123,  the  Company's  net income  would have been 
       reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: 

                                             1997            1996        1995 
                                             ----            ----        ---- 

   Net income             As reported    $ 2,216,501     2,456,031     1,193,598 
                          Pro forma        1,942,467     2,109,142     1,143,211 

   Net income per common  As reported         $ 0.30          0.35          0.21 
          share-diluted   Pro forma           $ 0.26          0.30          0.20 

     Pro forma net income  reflects only options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995. 
       Therefore,  the full impact of  calculating  compensation  cost for stock 
       options  under SFAS No. 123 is not  reflected in the pro forma net income 
       amounts  presented above because  compensation cost is reflected over the 
       options'  vesting  period of 4 years and  compensation  cost for  options 
       granted prior to January 1, 1995, is not considered. 

       (Continued) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

    At December 31, 1997, warrants, issued in conjunction with an acquisition of 
       the Sensor Products Group of the Andrew Corporation (note 2), to purchase 
       50,000 common  shares were  outstanding.  Each warrant  allows the holder 
       thereof to  acquire  one share of common  stock for a  purchase  price of 
       $8.00.  The warrants are exercisable from October 30,1997 through October 
       30, 2002. 

     The changes in outstanding employee stock options for the three years ended 
       December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows: 

                                                                                   Number of           Weighted-Average 
                                                                                    Shares              Exercise Price 

     Outstanding at December 31, 1994                                                 469,884               $  0.60 
       Granted                                                                        796,425                  1.22 
       Exercised                                                                      (15,430)                 0.60 
       Forfeited                                                                           -                     - 
       Expired and canceled                                                          (185,740)                 1.60 
                                                                                   ----------                  ---- 

     Outstanding at December 31, 1995                                               1,065,139                  1.11 
       Granted                                                                        362,000                  7.91 
       Exercised                                                                     (327,400)                 0.75 
       Forfeited                                                                      (66,080)                 0.60 
       Expired and canceled                                                           (12,332)                 5.72 
                                                                                  -----------                  ---- 

     Outstanding at December 31, 1996                                               1,021,327                  3.83 
       Granted                                                                         66,250                  7.13 
       Exercised                                                                      (86,728)                 0.76 
       Forfeited                                                                           -                     - 
       Expired and canceled                                                           (70,446)                 5.93 
                                                                                  -----------                  ---- 

     Outstanding at December 31, 1997                                                 930,403                $ 4.28 
                                                                                   ==========                  ==== 

     The following table summarizes  information about employee stock options at 
December 31, 1997: 

                                                                                     Number 
                                 Number           Average          Weighted-       Exercisable        Weighted- 
           Range of            Outstanding       Remaining          Average           As of            Average 
           Exercise Prices      12/31/97           Life         Exercise Price      12/31/97       Exercise Price 

       $0.60 - $0.60             116,165           2.53            $0.60               95,962           $0.60 
       $1.70 - $1.70             400,000           2.82            $1.70              306,250           $1.70 
       $5.50 - $7.98             174,238           4.05            $7.17               96,364           $7.03 
       $8.00 - $9.13             240,000           3.49            $8.26              148,000           $8.42 
                                 -------                                              ------- 

       $0.60 - $9.13             930,403           3.19            $4.28              646,576           $3.87 
                                 =======                                              ======= 

(Continued) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

     AtDecember 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995 the number of options  exercisable  was 
       646,576,  983,828 and  889,049,  respectively  and the  weighted  average 
       exercise price of those options was $3.87, $3.83 and $1.11 respectively. 

   (c) Employee's Stock Purchase Plan 
     The Employee  Stock  Purchase Plan (the "ESPP")  covers  substantially  all 
       employees  in the United  States and  Denmark.  The ESPP allows  eligible 
       employees the right to purchase  common stock on a  semi-annual  basis at 
       the  lower of 85% of the  market  price at the  beginning  or end of each 
       six-month offering period. During 1997 and 1996, 12,700 and 4,351 shares, 
       respectively,  were  issued  under this plan.  As of December  31,  1997, 
       132,949 shares were reserved for future issuance under the plan. 

(9) Income Taxes 
   Income tax expense  (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 
1995 are presented below. 

                              Current              Deferred             Total 
                             -----------         -----------         ----------- 
  1997: 
  Federal                    $ 1,037,954            (212,586)            825,368 
  State                          157,997             (30,102)            127,895 
  Foreign                         66,922                --                66,922 
                             -----------         -----------         ----------- 

                             $ 1,262,873            (242,688)          1,020,185 
                             ===========         ===========         =========== 
1996: 
  Federal                    $ 1,062,392             246,986           1,309,378 
  State                          285,148              68,395             353,543 
  Foreign                         79,617                --                79,617 
                             -----------         -----------         ----------- 

                             $ 1,427,157             315,381           1,742,538 
                             ===========         ===========         =========== 
1995: 
  Federal                    $    11,400            (293,253)          (281,853) 
  State                             --               (83,142)           (83,142) 
  Foreign                           --                  --                 -- 
                             -----------         -----------         ----------- 

                             $    11,400            (376,395)          (364,995) 
                             ===========         ===========         =========== 

     (Continued) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

   The actual tax benefit  differs from the "expected"  tax expense  computed by 
     applying the U.S. Federal corporate tax rate of 34% to income before income 
     taxes as follows: 

                                                                             1997             1996              1995 
                                                                             ----             ----              ---- 

     Computed "expected" tax expense                                     $ 1,100,473        1,427,513           281,725 
     Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: 
       Change in beginning of the year balance of the 
         valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 
         allocated to income tax expense                                          -                -           (661,854) 
       Non-deductible expenses                                                26,262           25,025                - 
       Utilization of tax credits                                           (215,411)              -                 - 
       State income tax expense, net of Federal 
         income tax benefit                                                   84,411          233,674            12,562 
       Other                                                                  24,450           56,326             2,572 
                                                                         -----------       ----------         --------- 

           Net income tax expense (benefit)                              $ 1,020,185        1,742,538          (364,995) 
                                                                           =========        =========           ======= 

   The tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  that give  rise to  significant 
     portions  of  deferred  tax  assets at  December  31,  1997 and 1996 are as 
     follows: 

                                                                                               1997               1996 
                                                                                               ----               ---- 

     Accounts receivable, due to allowance for doubtful accounts                          $    24,126            25,672 
     Inventories, due to valuation reserve                                                    204,451            42,197 
     Inventories, due to differences in costing for tax purposes                                4,334             3,050 
     Inventories, due to unrealized gain                                                      130,416            42,627 
     Property, plant and equipment, due to differences in depreciation                          5,812            25,841 
     Accrued warranty costs                                                                    96,963            84,027 
                                                                                             --------          -------- 

       Deferred tax asset                                                                   $ 466,102           223,414 
                                                                                              =======           ======= 

   The  recognition  of the  deferred  tax asset of $466,102 is supported by the 
     Company's  expectation  that it will have future taxable income in 1998 and 
     beyond in order to realize the benefit of these future tax deductions. 

(10) 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan 
   The Company  has a 401(k)  Profit  Sharing  Plan (the Plan) for all  eligible 
     employees.  All  employees  with a minimum of one year of service  who have 
     attained age 21 are eligible to participate. Participants can contribute up 
     to 15% of total compensation,  subject to the annual IRS dollar limitation. 
     Participants become fully vested in Company  contributions after 7 years of 
     continuous  service.  Company  contributions to the plan are discretionary. 
     During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company did not make any  contributions  to 
     the Plan. 

(Continued) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

(11) Business and Credit Concentrations 
   InSeptember  1995 the Company  entered  into an  agreement  with AMSC for the 
     design and  manufacture of mobile  satellite  telephone  systems for use at 
     sea. The agreement provides for AMSC to purchase 5,000 systems, for a total 
     contract value of $10.2 million.  The Company received an advance from AMSC 
     totaling  $2.5 million to be applied to the  purchase  price of the last of 
     the systems covered by the agreement. The Company shipped approximately 70% 
     of the order in 1996 and the remainder in 1997. 

   The Company  derives a  substantial  portion of its  revenues  from the armed 
     forces of the United States and foreign governments.  The Company estimates 
     that approximately 52%, 37% and 52%, of the Company's revenues were derived 
     from United  States and foreign  military  and defense  related  sources in 
     fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Changes in procurement priorities 
     or  significant  reductions  or  delays  in  procurement  of the  Company's 
     products  by the  United  States or any  foreign  government  could  have a 
     material adverse effect on the Company's business,  financial condition and 
     results of operation.  A significant  portion of the Company's revenues are 
     also  derived  from  customers  outside  the  U.S.  Revenues  from  foreign 
     customers  accounted for 31%, 42% and 51% of total revenues in fiscal 1997, 
     1996, 1995, respectively. 

   Historically,  a significant portion of the Company's sales in any particular 
     period has been  attributable  to sales to a limited  number of  customers. 
     Sales to AMSC accounted for  approximately 12% and 27% of net sales in 1997 
     and 1996 respectively.  Sales to the United States Army Tank and Automotive 
     Command  accounted for approximately 28% of net sales in 1997. Sales to the 
     Government  of  Sweden  accounted  for  approximately  13%  and  14% of the 
     Company's net sales in 1997 and 1996 respectively.  Sales to General Motors 
     Corporation  of Canada  accounted  for  approximately  14% and 13%,  of the 
     Company's net sales in 1996 and 1995 respectively. 

(12) Segment Reporting 
   (a) Geographic Information 
     The  Company's  operations  are  located in the United  States and  Europe. 
     Inter-region  sales are not  significant to total revenue of any geographic 
     region.  Information about the Company's operations in different geographic 
     regions for each of the three-year  periods ended  December 31, 1997,  1996 
     and 1995 is as follows: 

                                                                            1997              1996              1995 
                                                                            ----              ----              ---- 

     Net revenues: 
       United States                                                    $ 23,258,557       23,809,807        12,609,029 
       Europe                                                              2,311,790        1,877,688         1,541,118 
                                                                           ---------      -----------       ----------- 

                                                                        $ 25,570,347       25,687,495        14,150,147 
                                                                          ==========       ==========        ========== 

     Operating profit: 
       United States                                                   $   2,612,003        3,790,663           720,669 
       Europe                                                                 64,064          194,740           151,765 
                                                                       -------------       ----------        ---------- 

                                                                       $   2,676,067        3,985,403           872,434 
                                                                         ===========        =========        ========== 

     (Continued) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY 

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued 

                                                                            1997              1996              1995 
                                                                            ----              ----              ---- 
     Identifiable assets: 

       United States                                                    $ 21,003,039       20,941,403         7,267,604 
       Europe                                                                801,902          612,247           663,669 
                                                                        ------------     ------------        ---------- 

                                                                        $ 21,804,941       21,553,650         7,931,273 
                                                                          ==========       ==========         ========= 

   (b) Export Sale Information 
     Export sales from the Company's  United States  operations to  unaffiliated 
       customers,  located primarily in Europe and Canada, totaled,  $7,813,138, 
       $9,051,291 and $5,712,658, respectively, in 1997, 1996 and 1995. 

(13) Selected Quarterly Financial Results (Unaudited)  Financial information for 
   interim periods was as follows: 

                                                           First          Second             Third           Fourth 
     1997                                                 Quarter         Quarter           Quarter          Quarter 
     -----                                                -------         -------           -------          ------- 

     Net sales                                         $ 5,916,329         5,770,505        7,025,976        6,857,537 
     Gross profit                                        2,737,300         2,519,762        3,546,897        2,680,925 
     Net income                                            603,989           402,167        1,018,799          191,546 
     Earnings per share (a): 
       Basic                                       $         0.09              0.06             0.14              0.03 
                                                     ============      ============     ============        ========== 
       Diluted                                               0.08              0.05             0.14              0.03 
                                                      ===========      ============     ============        ========== 

     1996 
     Net sales                                         $ 4,780,659         5,113,602        7,147,270        8,645,964 
     Gross profit                                        2,088,270         2,284,354        2,918,469        3,788,818 
     Net income                                            187,568           320,099          920,513        1,027,851 
     Earnings per share (a): 
       Basic                                       $         0.04              0.05             0.13              0.15 
                                                     ============      ============     ============      ============ 
       Diluted                                     $         0.03              0.04             0.12              0.14 
                                                     ============      ============     ============      ============ 

     1995 
     Net sales                                         $ 2,767,878         3,080,851        3,278,670         5,022,748 
     Gross profit                                        1,230,492         1,188,118        1,353,736         1,931,073 
     Net income                                            351,084           210,313          174,670           457,531 
     Earnings per share (a): 
       Basic                                        $        0.07              0.04             0.04              0.09 
                                                      ===========      ============     ============      ============ 
       Diluted                                      $        0.06              0.04             0.03              0.08 
                                                      ===========      ============     ============      ============ 

(a)  Earnings per share are  computed  independently  for each of the  quarters. 
     Therefore,  the earnings per share for the four  quarters may not equal the 
     annual earnings per share data. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 

       The Board of Directors and Shareholders 
       KVH Industries, Inc. and Subsidiary: 

       Under the date of  February  3, 1998,  we  reported  on the  consolidated 
       balance sheets of KVH Industries, Inc., and subsidiary as of December 31, 
       1997 and December  31, 1996 and the related  consolidated  statements  of 
       income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the fiscal years 
       in the  three-year  period ended  December 31, 1997,  as contained in the 
       1997 annual report on Form 10-K for the year 1997. In connection with our 
       audits of the aforementioned  consolidated financial statements,  we also 
       audited the related financial statement schedule listed in Item 14(a)(2). 
       This financial  statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's 
       management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial 
       statement schedule based on our audits. 

       In our opinion,  such  financial  statement  schedule when  considered in 
       relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, 
       presents  fairly,  in all material  respects,  the  information set forth 
       therein. 

       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 

       Providence, Rhode Island 
       February 3, 1998 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Schedule II 

                              KVH Industries, Inc. 

                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

                                        Balance at      Additions 
                                      Beginning of     Charged to      Deductions    Balance at 
                  Description             Year           Cost or     from Reserve   End of Year 
                                     Expense 
           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                              (in thousands) 
           Deducted from accounts 
           receivable for doubtful 
           accounts 

                     1997                  50              24              -             74 
                     1996                  95               -            (45)            50 
                     1995                  55              40              -             95 

           Deducted from inventory 
           for estimated obsolescence 
                     1997                  105             556           (150)          511 
                     1996                  60              60            (15)           105 
                     1995                  54               6              -             60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                           
 
 
 
 
           Exhibit 11.1 

                              KVH INDUSTRIES, INC. 
                      COMPUTATION OF NET EARNINGS PER SHARE 
                      (in thousands, except per share data) 
                                                                                   Year Ended December 31, 
                                                                                1996         1996       1995 
           Calculation of earnings per share - basic 

           Net income                                                          $2,217        2,456      1,194 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 
           Shares: 
             Common stock outstanding                                           7,049        6,371       4,862 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 

           Net income per common share - basic                               $                0.39 
                                                                                 0.31                     0.25 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 

           Calculation of earnings per share - diluted 
           Net income                                                         $ 2,217        2,456       1,194 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 
           Shares: 
             Common stock outstanding , beginning of period                     6,993        1,601       1,601 

             Conversion of preferred stock                                        -          3,260         - 

             Weighted average common stock issued during the period                52        1,509          15 

             Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock                    -            -         3,245 

             Assumed exercise of common stock options                             561          852       1,015 

           Less: 
             Purchase of common stock under the treasury stock method            (152)        (167)       (189) 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 

           Weighted average number of common and common stock equivalent 
           shares outstanding                                                   7,497        7,055       5,710 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 

           Net income per common share - diluted                             $  0.30          0.35       0.21 
                                                                            ==========   ==========   ========= 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                  
 
 
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
                                                                                              
                                                                                                        
                                                                                   
                                                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 23.1 

                              ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT 

The Board of Directors 
KVH Industries, Inc. and Subsidiary: 

          We  consent  to  incorporation,   by  reference  in  the  Registration 
     Statement No.  333-01258 on Form S-8, of our report dated February 3, 1998, 
     relating to the  consolidated  balance sheets of KVH Industries,  Inc., and 
     subsidiary  as of  December  31,  1997 and  December  1996 and the  related 
     consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows and 
     related  schedule  for each of the fiscal  years in the  three-year  period 
     ended  December  31,  1997,  which  report  on the  consolidated  financial 
     statements  included  herein and which  report on the  related  schedule is 
     included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of KVH Industries, Inc., for the 
     fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. 

       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 

       Providence, Rhode Island 
       March 24, 1998 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     5 

     KVH Industries, Inc. Financial Data Schedule December 31, 1997 

                   Year 
                              DEC-31-1997 
                                   DEC-31-1997 
                                         4,757,614 
                                           0 
                                  4,412,901 
                                      73,909 
                                    4,751,792 
                              15,020,771 
                                         8,374,768 
                                 2,400,133 
                                21,804,941 
                                  0 
                                                0 
                                  0 
                                            0 
                                          70,860 
                                    19,122,952 
                  21,804,941 
                                       25,570,347 
                              25,570,347 
                                         14,085,463 
                                 14,085,463 
                               8,808,817 
                                       0 
                                 8,589 
                                3,236,686 
                                   1,020,185 
                            1,020,185 
                                         0 
                                        0 
                                              0 
                                   1,020,185 
                                        .31 
                                        .30