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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2014

or

o	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: 0-24746

 

TESSCO Technologies Incorporated

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(410) 229-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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.

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding as of October 31, 2014, was 8,297,443.

 

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TESSCO Technologies Incorporated

Index to Form 10-Q

 

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

TESSCO Technologies Incorporated

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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TESSCO Technologies Incorporated

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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TESSCO Technologies Incorporated

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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TESSCO Technologies Incorporated

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

TESSCO Technologies Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (TESSCO, we, our, or the Company), architects and delivers innovative product and value chain solutions to support wireless broadband systems. The Company provides marketing and sales services, knowledge and supply chain management, product-solution delivery and control systems, utilizing extensive Internet and information technology. Approximately 98% of the Company’s sales are made to customers in the United States. The Company takes orders in several ways, including phone, fax, online and through electronic data interchange. Over 99% of the Company’s sales are made in United States Dollars.

In management’s opinion, the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements of the Company include all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position for the interim periods presented. These statements are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements have been omitted from these statements, as permitted under the applicable rules and regulations. The results of operations presented in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2014.

Note 2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance will supersede Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, in addition to other industry-specific guidance, once effective. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  The accounting standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new standard may have on our ongoing financial reporting and determining what transition method will be used.

In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation. This pronouncement provides guidance on accounting for share-based awards where the performance target could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. The Company currently does not have any share based arrangements of this type; therefore, this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. Refer to Note 3 for details of the Company’s stock based compensation.

Note 3. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal quarter and six months ended September 28, 2014 includes $228,000 and $677,600, respectively, of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal quarter and six months ended September 29, 2013 includes $517,000 and $1,096,900, respectively, of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Stock-based compensation expense is primarily related to our Performance Stock Unit (PSU) Program. In addition, the Company recorded an excess tax benefit directly to shareholders’ equity of $1,173,300 and $905,300, primarily related to the PSUs which vested during the six months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively.

Performance Stock Units: The following table summarizes the activity under the Company’s PSU program for the first six months of fiscal 2015:

 

 

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Of the 235,265 shares available for issuance under outstanding PSUs but not yet vested as of September 28, 2014, 146,265 shares have been earned in respect of the applicable measurement year, and assuming the respective participants remain employed by or associated with the Company on these dates, the shares earned in respect of each measurement year will vest and be issued in installments beginning on or about May 1 of the fiscal year following the applicable measurement year and continuing on or about May 1 of each of the three immediately following fiscal years.

During fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of the full Board of Directors, granted PSUs to select key employees, providing them with the opportunity to earn up to 91,000 additional shares of the Company’s common stock in the aggregate, depending upon whether certain threshold or goal earnings per share targets are met, and subject to individual performance. These PSUs have a one year measurement period (fiscal 2015), with any shares earned at the end of fiscal 2015 vested and issued ratably on or about May 1 of each of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, provided that the respective participants remain employed by or associated with the Company on each date. For the six months ending September 28, 2014 we have not recognized any expense related to these awards.

The PSUs cancelled during fiscal 2015 related primarily to the fiscal 2014 grant of PSUs, which had a one year measurement period (fiscal 2014). The PSUs were cancelled because the applicable fiscal 2014 performance targets were not fully attained. Per the provisions of the 1994 Plan, the shares related to these forfeited and cancelled PSUs were added back to the 1994 Plan and became available for future issuance.

If the entire number of PSUs granted in fiscal 2015 is assumed to be earned, total unrecognized compensation costs, on these PSUs plus all earned but unvested PSUs would be approximately $3.3 million, net of estimated forfeitures, as of September 28, 2014, and would be expensed through fiscal 2018. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from what is anticipated or the maximum number of PSUs granted in fiscal 2015 is not earned, stock-based compensation related to these awards will be different from this amount.

Restricted Stock / Restricted Stock Units: In fiscal 2007, the Company granted 225,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as a restricted stock award under the 1994 Plan. These shares were issued (subject to the risk of forfeiture) and vest ratably over ten fiscal years based on service, beginning on the last day of fiscal 2007 and ending on the last day of fiscal 2016, subject, however, to the terms applicable to the award, including terms providing for possible acceleration of vesting upon death, disability, change in control or certain other events. The fair value for these shares at the grant date was $10.56 per share. As of September 28, 2014, 45,000 shares remained unvested, and there was no activity related to these restricted shares during the first six months of fiscal 2015. As of September 28, 2014, there was approximately $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, related to this issuance of restricted stock. Unrecognized compensation costs are expected to be recognized ratably over a remaining period of approximately two years.

In addition the Company has issued restricted stock units (RSUs) to its non-employee directors. The following table summarizes, by date of grant and number of shares covered, the RSU awards granted to non-employee directors of the Company during the current and prior two fiscal years:

 

These awards provide for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock in accordance with a four year annual vesting schedule, from the date of grant, provided that the director remains associated with the Company (or meets other criteria as prescribed in the applicable award agreement) on each such date.  As of September 28, 2014, there was approximately $0.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all outstanding restricted stock unit awards. Unrecognized compensation costs are expected to be recognized ratably over a remaining period of approximately three years.

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PSUs and RSUs are expensed based on the grant date fair value, calculated as the closing price of TESSCO common stock as reported by NASDAQ on the date of grant minus the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the common stock before the award vests, because dividends or dividend-equivalent amounts do not accrue and are not paid on unvested PSUs and RSUs. Dividends do, however, accrue on both the vested and unvested shares subject to the restricted stock award made to the Company’s Chairman.

To the extent the actual forfeiture rates are different from what is estimated, stock-based compensation related to the restricted awards will be different from the Company’s expectations.

Note 4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company complies with the FASB standard regarding fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities carried at fair value.  Accordingly, assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

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Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

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Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

·

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company had no assets or liabilities recorded at fair value as of September 28, 2014 or as of March 30, 2014.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable,  trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values as of September 28, 2014 and March 30, 2014 due to their short term nature. As of September 28, 2014 and March 30, 2014 our revolving debt facility had a zero balance.

Fair value of long-term debt is calculated using current market interest rates, which we consider to be a Level 2 input as described in the fair value accounting guidance on fair value measurements, and future principle payments, as of September 28, 2014 and March 30, 2014 is estimated as follows:

Note 5. Income Taxes

As of September 28, 2014, the Company had a gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits of $479,600 ($311,700 net of federal benefit).  As of March 30, 2014, the Company had a gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits of $1,665,000 ($309,400 net of federal benefit). The Company’s unrecognized tax benefit increased by $1,189,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, due to a change in its accounting method for certain accrued expenses. This amount was reclassified to income taxes payable in the first three months of fiscal 2015, due to the Company filing an automatic change to its method of accounting for certain accrued expenses with the IRS.

The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as part of the provision for income taxes. The total amount of interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the first six months of our fiscal 2015 was $33,100 (net of federal benefit). The cumulative amount included in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 28, 2014 was $328,600 (net of federal benefit). The total amount of interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the first six months of our fiscal 2014 was a benefit of $3,800 (net of federal benefit) due to the expiration of a statute of limitations relating to an uncertain tax position. The cumulative amount of interest and penalties included in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 30, 2014 was $295,500 (net of federal benefit).

 

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A reconciliation of the changes in the gross balance of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest is as follows:

Note 6. Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates earnings per share considering the FASB standard regarding accounting for participating securities, which requires the Company to use the two-class method to calculate earnings per share. Under the two-class method, earnings per common share is computed by dividing the sum of the distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities based on the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

Note 7. Business Segments

The Company evaluates its business as one segment, as the chief operating decision maker assesses performance and allocates resources on a consolidated basis. However, to provide investors with increased visibility into the markets it serves, the Company also reports revenue and gross profit by the following customer market units:  (1) public carriers, contractors and program managers, that are generally responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure system and provide airtime service to individual subscribers; (2) private system operators and governments including commercial entities such as major utilities and transportation companies, federal agencies and state and local governments that run wireless networks for their own use; (3) commercial dealers and resellers that sell, install and/or service cellular telephone, wireless networking, broadband and two-way radio communications equipment primarily for the enterprise market; and (4) retailers, dealer agents and carriers.

 

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The Company evaluates revenue, gross profit, and income before provision for income taxes in the aggregate.  Certain cost of sales and other applicable expenses have been allocated to each market unit based on a percentage of revenues and/or gross profit, where appropriate.

Market unit activity for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

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To provide investors with better visibility, the Company also discloses revenue and gross profit by its four product categories:

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Base station infrastructure products are used to build, repair and upgrade wireless telecommunications. Products include base station antennas, cable and transmission lines, small towers, lightning protection devices, connectors, power systems, miscellaneous hardware, and mobile antennas. Our base station infrastructure service offering includes connector installation, custom jumper assembly, site kitting and logistics integration.

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Network systems products are used to build and upgrade computing and Internet networks.  Products include fixed and mobile broadband equipment, distributed antenna systems (DAS), wireless networking, filtering systems, two-way radios and security and surveillance products.  This product category also includes training classes, technical support and engineering design services.

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Installation, test and maintenance products are used to install, tune, maintain and repair wireless communications equipment. Products include sophisticated analysis equipment and various frequency-, voltage- and power-measuring devices, as well as an assortment of tools, hardware, GPS, safety and replacement and component parts and supplies required by service technicians.

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Mobile device accessories include cellular phone and data device accessories such as replacement batteries, cases, speakers, mobile amplifiers, power supplies, headsets, mounts, car antennas, music accessories and data and memory cards. Retail merchandising displays, promotional programs, customized order fulfillment services and affinity-marketing programs, including private label Internet sites, complement our mobile devices and accessory product offering.

Supplemental revenue and gross profit information by product category for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

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Note 8. Stock Buyback

On April 23, 2014, the Board of Directors expanded the Company’s existing stock buyback program and authorized the purchase on a non-accelerated basis of up to $10.0 million of the Company’s stock over a 24-month period, ending in April 2016. Shares may be purchased from time to time in the open market, by block purchase, or through negotiated transactions, or possibly other transactions managed by broker-dealers. During the second fiscal quarter the Company purchased 7,733 shares under the expanded stock buyback program for approximately $0.2 million, or an average cost of $29.86 per share. Subsequent to quarter end, and through October 31, 2014, the Company purchased an additional 33,272 shares under this program for approximately $1.0 million, or an average of $29.32. As of October 31, 2014, $8.8 million remained available for repurchase under this program.

Our revolving credit facility and term loan with SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, limits the aggregate dollar value of shares that may be repurchased to $30.0 million.  As of September 28, 2014, we had the ability to purchase approximately $16.1 million in additional shares of common stock without violating this covenant.

The Company also withholds shares from its employees and directors at their request, equal to the minimum federal and state tax withholdings related to vested performance stock units, stock option exercises and restricted stock awards. For the six months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 the allocated value of the shares withheld totaled $1,411,800 and $1,428,400, respectively.

Note 9. Concentration of Risk

The Company’s future results could be negatively impacted by the loss of certain customer and/or vendor relationships. For the fiscal quarter and six months ended September 28, 2014, American Tower Corporation accounted for 9.5% and 9.8% of total consolidated revenue, respectively. For both the fiscal quarter and six months ended September 29, 2013, no customer accounted for more than 5.0% of total consolidated revenues. For the fiscal quarter and six months ended September 28, 2014, sales of CommScope Incorporated products accounted for 15.1% and 16.4% of consolidated revenue, respectively. For the fiscal quarter and six months ended September 29, 2013, sales of CommScope Incorporated products accounted for 16.7% and 15.8% of consolidated revenue, respectively.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. This commentary should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2014.

Business Overview and Environment

TESSCO Technologies Incorporated (TESSCO, we, or the Company) architects and delivers innovative product and value chain solutions, at lower costs, to support wireless broadband systems. Although we sell products to customers in many countries, approximately 98% of our sales are made to customers in the United States. We have operations and office facilities in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Reno, Nevada and San Antonio, Texas.

We evaluate our business as one segment.  However, to provide investors with increased visibility into the markets the we serve, we also report revenue and gross profit by the following market units: (1) public carriers, contractors and program managers; (2) private system operators and governments; (3) commercial dealers and resellers, and (4) retailers, dealer agents and carriers.

We offer a wide range of products that are classified into four product categories: base station infrastructure; network systems; installation, test and maintenance; and mobile device accessories. Base station infrastructure products are used to build, repair and upgrade wireless telecommunications. Sales of traditional base station infrastructure products, such as base station radios, cable and transmission lines and antennas are in part dependent on capital spending in the wireless communications industry. Network systems products are used to build and upgrade computing and Internet networks. We have also been growing our offering of wireless broadband, distributed antennas systems (DAS), network equipment, security and surveillance products, which are not as dependent on the overall capital spending of the industry. Installation, test and maintenance products are used to install, tune, and maintain wireless communications equipment. This category is made up of sophisticated analysis equipment and various frequency, voltage and power-measuring devices, replacement parts and components as well as an assortment of tools, hardware and supplies required by service technicians. Mobile device accessories products include cellular phone and data device accessories. 

Our second quarter revenue increased by 1.4% compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. We experienced growth within our retailers, dealer agents and carriers market of 8.8% primarily due to an increase in buyers as well as business driven by the iPhone 6 launch. This growth was partially offset by a decline in our private systems operators and governments market, with our other markets remaining relatively flat. We also experienced growth in sales of our mobile device and accessories products of 4.6%. We expect this growth in consumer demand to continue and to drive opportunities for the sale of mobile device accessories, as well as to augment the demand for network build-outs. We continue to see large enterprises, utilities, and governments increasing their use of wireless networks in their businesses and operations and expect this trend to continue.

Our second quarter gross profit declined by 2.9% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decline in gross profit was primarily the result of a change in product mix, as we continued to experience increased sales of lower-margin DAS equipment. Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 2.3% compared to the prior-year quarter primarily due to increased expenses associated with our investments in talent. Our provision for income taxes decreased by 21.6% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of lower income before provision for income taxes. As a result, net income decreased by 23.3% and diluted earnings per share decreased by 23.6% compared to the prior-year quarter.

The wireless communications distribution industry is competitive and fragmented and is comprised of several national distributors. In addition, many manufacturers sell direct. Barriers to entry for distributors are relatively low, particularly in the mobile devices and accessories market, and the risk of new competitors entering the market is high. Consolidation of larger wireless carriers has and will most likely continue to impact our current and potential customer base. In addition, the agreements or arrangements with our customers or vendors looking to us for product and supply chain solutions are typically of limited duration and are terminable by either party upon several months, or otherwise short notice. Our ability to maintain these relationships is subject to competitive pressures and challenges. Because of the nature of our business, we have been affected from time to time in the past by the loss and changes in the business habits of significant customer and vendor relationships, and expect that we will continue to be so affected in the future. We believe, however, that our strength in service, the breadth and depth of our product offering, our information technology system, industry experience and knowledge, and our large customer base and purchasing relationships with approximately 380 manufacturers, provide us with a significant competitive advantage over new entrants to the market.

 

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Results of Operations

Total Revenues. Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 increased 1.4%, compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Revenues in our retailers, independent dealer agents and carriers market increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the same period last year by 8.8% primarily due to an increase in buyers as well as business driven by the iPhone 6 launch. This growth was partially offset by a decrease in revenue of 5.2% within the private and government system operators market. In the second quarter of fiscal 2014 we saw an increase in this market as government agencies prepared for the government shutdown. We did not see a similar increase this year, as there was no threat of a government shutdown. Revenue from the public system operators, contractors and program managers market were flat. We have seen a decrease in spending from our Tier 1 carriers as compared to last year and expect this slow down to continue through the end of the calendar year. As discussed above, this decrease in spending was offset by an increase in demand for DAS products. Revenue within our commercial dealers and resellers market increased by 1.0% driven by an increase in demand for indoor cellular and data coverage.

Total Gross Profit. Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 decreased by 2.9%, compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2014. This decrease reflects a reduction in gross profit in our public system operators, contractors, and program managers market of 18.5% due to a shift within this market from traditional network build-outs to lower margin DAS builds. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in gross profit in our retailers, independent dealer agents and carriers market of 7.9%. Gross profit in our commercial dealers and resellers increased by 1.9% and our private and government system operators market decreased by 3.5%. Overall gross profit margin decreased to 23.9%, compared to 24.9% for the same period last year, primarily driven by the change in product mix mentioned above.

Our ongoing ability to earn revenues and gross profits from customers and vendors looking to us for product and supply chain solutions depends upon a number of factors. The terms, and accordingly the factors, applicable to each relationship often differ. Among these factors are the strength of the customer’s or vendor’s business, the supply and demand for the product or service, including price stability, changing customer or vendor requirements, and our ability to support the customer or vendor and to continually demonstrate that we can improve the way they do business. In addition, the agreements or arrangements on which our customer and vendor relationships are based are typically of limited duration, typically do not include any obligation in respect of any specific product purchase or sale and are terminable by either party upon several months or otherwise relatively short notice. Because of the nature of our business, we have been affected from time to time in the past by the loss and changes in the business habits of significant customer and vendor relationships, and we may continue to be so affected in the future. Our customer relationships could also be affected by wireless carrier consolidation or the overall global economic environment.

We account for inventory at the lower of cost or market, and as a result, write-offs and write-downs occur due to damage, deterioration, obsolescence, changes in prices and other causes. These expenses have been less than 1% of overall purchases of the last two fiscal years and for fiscal 2015 year to date.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 19.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, to 19.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Compensation expense increased by $1.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to growth in our business generation teams.

Pay for performance bonus expense (including both cash and equity plans) decreased by $2.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014. We changed our annual performance expectation during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. As a result, we recognized a benefit during the second quarter from reversal of the compensation expense accrued in the first quarter. Our bonus programs are primarily based on annual performance targets.  The relationship between expected performance and actual performance led to higher bonus accruals in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 than in fiscal 2015.

Information technology expense increased by $0.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014, due to an increase in consulting expenses as well as an increase in software maintenance expense.

 

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Marketing and sales promotion expense increased by $0.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014, due to an increase in sponsorships, direct marketing expenses, and participation in additional tradeshows.

Corporate support expense increased by $0.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014, due to an increase in bad debt expense, new product development costs related to our Ventev^® products, and recruiting expenses related to the expansion of our business generation teams.

We continually evaluate the credit worthiness of our existing customer receivable portfolio and provide an appropriate reserve based on this evaluation. We also evaluate the credit worthiness of prospective and current customers and make decisions regarding extension of credit terms to such customers based on this evaluation. We incurred bad debt expense of $338,400 and $181,900 for the second quarter ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively.

Interest, Net. Net interest expense decreased from $67,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to $49,400 in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Income Taxes, Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share. The effective tax rate increased from 39.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to 39.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Our provision for income taxes decreased by 21.6% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of lower income before provision for income taxes. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income decreased 23.3% and diluted earnings per share decreased 23.6% for the second quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the corresponding prior-year quarter.

First Six months of Fiscal Year 2015 Compared with First Six months of Fiscal Year 2014

Total Revenues. Revenues for the first six months of fiscal 2015 increased 3.7%, compared with the first six months of fiscal 2014. The public system operators, contractors and program managers market grew revenues by 5.0%. This growth was primarily driven by our customers’ need to increase bandwidth and upgrade their infrastructure to accommodate increasing wireless traffic, specifically as it relates to distributed antenna system (DAS) applications. Revenue within our commercial dealers and resellers market increased by 3.6%. Revenue within the private and government system operators markets decreased slightly by 0.9%. Revenues in our retailers, independent dealer agents and carriers market increased in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to the same period last year by 5.9%.

Total Gross Profit. Gross profit for the first six months of fiscal 2015 decreased by 1.7%, compared with the first six months of fiscal 2014. This decrease reflects a reduction in gross profit in our public system operators, contractors, and program managers market of 14.0% due to a shift within this market from traditional network build-outs to lower margin DAS builds. This decrease was largely offset by an increase in gross profit in our commercial dealers and resellers market, as well as our retailers, independent dealer agents and carriers market of 2.9% and 3.9%, respectively. Gross profit in our private and government system operators market decreased by 1.1%. Overall gross profit margin decreased to 23.4%, compared to 24.7% for the same period last year, primarily driven by the change in product mix mentioned.

Our ongoing ability to earn revenues and gross profits from customers and vendors looking to us for product and supply chain solutions depends upon a number of factors. The terms, and accordingly the factors, applicable to each relationship often differ. Among these factors are the strength of the customer’s or vendor’s business, the supply and demand for the product or service, including price stability, changing customer or vendor requirements, and our ability to support the customer or vendor and to continually demonstrate that we can improve the way they do business. In addition, the agreements or arrangements on which our customer and vendor relationships are based are typically of limited duration, typically do not include any obligation in respect of any specific product purchase or sale and are terminable by either party upon several months or otherwise relatively short notice. Because of the nature of our business, we have been affected from time to time in the past by the loss and changes in the business habits of significant customer and vendor relationships, and we may continue to be so affected in the future. Our customer relationships could also be affected by wireless carrier consolidation or the overall global economic environment.

We account for inventory at the lower of cost or market, and as a result, write-offs and write-downs occur due to damage, deterioration, obsolescence, changes in prices and other causes. These expenses have been less than 1% of overall purchases of the last two fiscal years and for fiscal 2015 year to date.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared with the first six months of fiscal 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 19.7% in the first six months of fiscal 2014, to 19.5% in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

Compensation expense increased by $2.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to the first six months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to growth in our business generation teams.

Pay for performance bonus expense (including both cash and equity plans) decreased by $2.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to the first six months of fiscal 2014. Our bonus programs are primarily based on annual performance targets.  The relationship between expected performance and actual performance led to higher bonus accruals in the first six months of fiscal 2014 than in fiscal 2015.

Information technology expense increased by $0.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to the first six months of fiscal 2014, due to an increase in consulting expenses as well as an increase in software maintenance.

Marketing and sales promotion expense increased by $0.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to the first six months of fiscal 2014, due to an increase in sponsorships, direct marketing expenses, and participation in additional tradeshows.

Corporate support expense increased by $0.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to the first six months of fiscal 2014, due to an increase in bad debt expense, new product development costs related to our Ventev^® products, and recruiting expenses related to the expansion of our business generation teams.

We continually evaluate the credit worthiness of our existing customer receivable portfolio and provide an appropriate reserve based on this evaluation. We also evaluate the credit worthiness of prospective and current customers and make decisions regarding extension of credit terms to such customers based on this evaluation. We incurred bad debt expense of $573,200 and $325,900 for the six months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively.

Interest, Net. Net interest expense decreased from $121,600 in the first six months of fiscal 2014 to $77,800 in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

Income Taxes, Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share. The effective tax rate increased from 38.5% in the first six months of fiscal 2014 to 39.4% in the first six months of fiscal 2015. This increase is primarily the result of an expiration of a statute of limitations regarding an uncertain tax position that occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  As a result of the factors discussed above, net income decreased 19.0% and diluted earnings per share decreased 18.9% for the first six months of fiscal 2015 compared to the corresponding prior-year quarter.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes our cash flows used in operating, investing and financing activities for the six months ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013:

We used $3.7 million of net cash from operating activities in the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $4.6 million for the first six months of fiscal 2014. Our cash used by operating activities during the first six months of fiscal 2015 was driven by increases in accounts receivable and inventory partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to the timing of purchases from several of our larger customers. The increase in inventory was primarily due to anticipated support of increased builds in the public system operator, contractor and program manager market, which have been delayed.  We also increased inventory to support an increase in orders from the iPhone 6 launch, in preparation for the retail holiday season, as well as an increase in DAS inventory. The increase in accounts payable is related to the timing of inventory purchases.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities of $1.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2015 was down from expenditures of $2.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014. Cash used in both periods was due to capital expenditures. In the first six months of both fiscal 2015 and 2014, the capital expenditures were largely comprised of investments in information technology.

Net cash used in financing activities was $3.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2015, compared to $3.5 million for the first six months of 2014. During both the first six months of fiscal 2015 and the first six months of fiscal 2014, we had cash outflows due to cash dividends paid to shareholders as well as repurchases of stock from employees and directors for minimum tax withholdings related to equity compensation, partially offset by the excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation.

We are party to an unsecured revolving credit facility with SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, with interest payable monthly at the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. Borrowing availability under this facility is determined in accordance with a borrowing base, and the applicable credit agreement includes financial covenants, including a minimum tangible net worth, minimum cash flow coverage of debt service, and a maximum funded debt to EBITDA ratio. These financial covenants also apply to the separate but related term loan secured by our Hunt Valley, Maryland facility discussed below. The terms applicable to our revolving credit facility and term loan also limit our ability to engage in certain transactions or activities, including (but not limited to) investments and acquisitions, sales of assets, payment of dividends, issuance of additional debt and other matters. As of September 28, 2014, we had a zero balance on our $35.0 million revolving credit facility; therefore, we had $35.0 million available on our revolving line of credit facility, subject to our continued compliance with the other applicable terms, including the covenants referenced above. We have entered into several modification agreements providing for term extensions and certain modifications to the provisions applicable to the credit facility. Currently the term for the credit facility goes through October 1, 2016, and the amount of allowable dividend payments under the credit facility is $8.0 million in any 12 month period, assuming continued compliance with the otherwise applicable terms.

This revolving credit facility states that we may repurchase up to $30.0 million of our common stock (measured forward to the present date from the date of inception of the Credit Agreement, May 31, 2007). As of September 28, 2014, we had repurchased an aggregate of $13.9 million of common stock since May 31, 2007, leaving $16.1 million available for future repurchases, without the consent of our lenders or a further amendment to the terms of the facility.

We have a term loan in the original principal amount of $4.5 million from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and SunTrust Bank, that is payable in monthly installments of principal and interest with the balance due at maturity.  The note is secured by a first position deed of trust encumbering the Company-owned real property in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The maturity date of the term loan is July 1, 2016, and the note currently bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%.  As of September 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all loan covenants.  The loan is subject to generally the same financial covenants as are applicable from time to time to our revolving credit facility, and had a balance of $2.2 million as of September 28, 2014.

On March 31, 2009, we entered into a term loan with the Baltimore County Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund for an aggregate principal amount of $250,000. The term loan is payable in equal monthly installments of principal and interest of $2,300, with the balance due at maturity on April 1, 2019. The term loan bears interest at 2.00% per annum and is secured by a subordinate position on our Hunt Valley, Maryland facility. At September 28, 2014, the principal balance of this term loan was $120,800.

We have made quarterly dividend payments to holders of our common stock since the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Since then, a dividend has been paid quarterly at amounts which have increased from time to time. Our most recent quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share was paid in August 2014. On October 23, 2014, we declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.20 per share, payable on November 22, 2014 to shareholders of record as of November 5, 2014. Any future declaration of dividends and the establishment of any corresponding record and payment dates remains subject to further determination from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

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We believe that our existing cash, payments from customers, and availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to support our operations for at least the next twelve months. To minimize interest expense, our policy is to use excess available cash to pay down any balance on our revolving credit facility. We expect to meet short-term and long-term liquidity needs through operating cash flow, supplemented by our revolving credit facility. In doing so, the balance on our revolving credit facility could increase depending on our working capital and other cash needs. If we were to undertake an acquisition or other major capital purchases that require funds in excess of existing sources of liquidity, we would look to sources of funding from additional credit facilities, debt and/or equity issuances. As of September 28, 2014, we do not have any material capital expenditure commitments.

In addition, our liquidity could be negatively impacted by decreasing revenues and profits resulting from a decrease in demand for our products or a reduction in capital expenditures by our customers, or by the weakened financial conditions of our customers or suppliers, in each case as a result of the downturn in the global economy, among other factors.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance will supersede Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, in addition to other industry-specific guidance, once effective. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  The accounting standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new standard may have on our ongoing financial reporting and determining what transition method will be used.

In June 2014, the FASB issue Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation. This pronouncement provides guidance on accounting for share-based awards where the performance target could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. The Company currently does not have any share-based arrangements of this type; therefore, this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. Refer to Note 3 in the notes to financial statements above for details of the Company’s stock based compensation.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

For a detailed discussion on our critical accounting policies, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Report may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions, but the absence of these words or phrases does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward looking. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those described in or contemplated by any such forward-looking statement for a variety of reasons, including those risks identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the SEC, under the heading “Risk Factors” and otherwise. Consequently, the reader is cautioned to consider all forward-looking statements in light of the risks to which they are subject.

 

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We are not able to identify or control all circumstances that could occur in the future that may adversely affect our business and operating results. Without limiting the risks that we describe in our periodic reports and elsewhere, among the risks that could lead to a materially adverse impact on our business or operating results are the following: termination or non-renewal of limited duration agreements or arrangements with our vendors and affinity partners that are typically terminable by either party upon several months or otherwise relatively short notice; loss of significant customers or relationships, including affinity relationships; loss of customers as a result of consolidation among the wireless communications industry; the strength of our customers', vendors' and affinity partners' business; economic conditions that may impact customers' ability to fund or pay for our products and services; changes in customer and product mix that affects gross margin; effect of “conflict minerals” regulations on the supply and cost of certain of our products; failure of our information technology system or distribution system; system security or data protection breaches; technology changes in the wireless communications industry; third-party freight carrier interruption; increased competition; our relative bargaining power and inability to negotiate favorable terms with our vendors and customers; our inability to access capital and obtain financing as and when needed; claims against us for breach of the intellectual property rights of third parties; product liability claims; and the possibility that, for unforeseen reasons, we may be delayed in entering into or performing, or may fail to enter into or perform, anticipated contracts or may otherwise be delayed in realizing or fail to realize anticipated revenues or anticipated savings.

Available Information

Our Internet Website address is: www.tessco.com. We make available free of charge through our Website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also available on our Website is our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk:

We are exposed to an immaterial level of market risk from changes in interest rates. We have from time to time previously used interest rate swap agreements to modify variable rate obligations to fixed rate obligations, thereby reducing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We do not have a current interest rate swap relating to our bank term loan. Our variable rate debt obligations of approximately $2.2 million at September 28, 2014, expose us to the risk of rising interest rates, but management does not believe that the potential exposure is material to our overall financial position or results of operations. Based on September 28, 2014 borrowing levels, a 1.0% increase or decrease in current market interest rates would have an immaterial effect on our statement of income.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk:

We are exposed to an immaterial level of market risk from changes in foreign currency rates.  Over 99% of our sales are made in U.S. Dollars so we have an immaterial amount of foreign currency risk.  Those sales not made in U.S. Dollars are made in Canadian Dollars.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. During the period covered by this quarterly report, there have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Lawsuits and claims are filed against us from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that any lawsuits or claims currently pending against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, are material, or will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, from time to time, we are also subject to review from federal and state taxing authorities in order to validate the amounts of income, sales and/or use taxes which have been claimed and remitted.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2014. Nevertheless, information that we have disclosed or will disclose from time to time in our public filings (including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act) may provide additional data or information relative to our previously disclosed risk factors.

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

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of TESSCO common stock by the Company or any affiliated purchasers during the second quarter of fiscal year 2015.

(1)

On April 23, 2014, the Board of Directors expanded the Company’s existing stock buyback program, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $10.0 million of common stock over a 24-month period, ending April 2016. As of September 28, 2014, 7,733 shares have been repurchased under the expanded stock buyback program for a total of approximately $0.2 million or an average of $29.86 per share. Shares may be purchased from time to time under this program in the open market, by block purchase, or through negotiated transactions, or possibly other transactions managed by broker-dealers. Our revolving credit facility and term loan with SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, limits the aggregate dollar value of shares that may be repurchased to $30.0 million.  As of September 28, 2014, we had the ability to purchase approximately $16.1 million in additional shares of common stock without violating this covenant.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

 

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

(a)

Exhibits:

*

Filed herewith

 

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Signature

 

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

                                                                                    

 

 

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