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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES INCmxwlex312930201510q.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES INCmxwlex311930201510q.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES INCmxwlex32930201510q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended September 30, 2015
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 1-15477
 
 
MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
 
Delaware
 
95-2390133
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
3888 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, California
 
92123
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(858) 503-3200
(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.    YES  x    NO  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  x    NO  ¨
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell Company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of October 27, 2015 is 31,792,264 shares.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2


PART I – Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
The following condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, consisting of the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.
The following condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, which has been derived from audited financial statements, does not include all of the information and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
In the opinion of management, these unaudited statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise indicated) necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented as required by Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01.
In addition, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the year ending December 31, 2015.

3


MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
24,813

 
$
24,732

Restricted cash
 
400

 

Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $244 and $143, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
 
36,297

 
43,698

Inventories, net
 
40,841

 
44,856

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
3,378

 
2,426

Total current assets
 
105,729

 
115,712

Property and equipment, net
 
33,355

 
39,223

Goodwill
 
24,049

 
23,599

Pension asset
 
8,191

 
7,362

Other non-current assets
 
533

 
704

Total assets
 
$
171,857

 
$
186,600

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
29,616

 
$
27,011

Accrued employee compensation
 
8,129

 
9,348

Deferred revenue and customer deposits
 
1,206

 
703

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
 
47

 
15,549

Deferred tax liability
 
1,203

 
1,111

Total current liabilities
 
40,201

 
53,722

Deferred tax liability, long-term
 
5,453

 
3,304

Long-term debt, excluding current portion
 
59

 
20

Other long-term liabilities
 
3,125

 
2,601

Total liabilities
 
48,838

 
59,647

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.10 par value per share, 40,000 shares authorized; 31,792 and 29,846 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
 
3,176

 
2,982

Additional paid-in capital
 
290,465

 
277,314

Accumulated deficit
 
(178,232
)
 
(158,066
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
7,610

 
4,723

Total stockholders’ equity
 
123,019

 
126,953

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
171,857

 
$
186,600

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
 
$
45,076

 
$
41,593

 
$
117,542

 
$
133,668

Cost of revenue
 
30,820

 
26,113

 
80,830

 
83,728

Gross profit
 
14,256

 
15,480

 
36,712

 
49,940

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
9,070

 
10,839

 
30,169

 
32,192

Research and development
 
5,781

 
6,923

 
19,629

 
19,317

Restructuring and exit costs
 
56

 

 
2,396

 

Total operating expenses
 
14,907

 
17,762

 
52,194

 
51,509

Loss from operations
 
(651
)
 
(2,282
)
 
(15,482
)
 
(1,569
)
Interest expense, net
 
25

 
49

 
189

 
116

Amortization of prepaid debt costs
 
5

 
5

 
12

 
15

Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, net
 
(97
)
 
(6
)
 
316

 
514

Loss from operations before income taxes
 
(584
)
 
(2,330
)
 
(15,999
)
 
(2,214
)
Income tax provision
 
865

 
962

 
4,167

 
1,940

Net loss
 
$
(1,449
)
 
$
(3,292
)
 
$
(20,166
)
 
$
(4,154
)
Net loss per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
(0.66
)
 
$
(0.14
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
31,529

 
29,284

 
30,440

 
29,146

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net loss
 
$
(1,449
)
 
$
(3,292
)
 
$
(20,166
)
 
$
(4,154
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(2,750
)
 
(7,119
)
 
2,776

 
(6,487
)
Defined benefit pension plan, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of deferred loss, net of tax benefit of $2 for the three months ended September 30, 2015; net of tax benefit of $6 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
9

 

 
27

 

Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax benefit of $7 for each of the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; net of tax benefit of $21 for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
27

 
28

 
84

 
86

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(2,714
)
 
(7,091
)
 
2,887

 
(6,401
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(4,163
)
 
$
(10,383
)
 
$
(17,279
)
 
$
(10,555
)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(20,166
)
 
$
(4,154
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
8,633

 
8,267

Amortization of intangible assets
 
153

 
153

Amortization of prepaid debt costs
 
12

 
15

Pension benefit
 
(60
)
 
(77
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
2,906

 
2,934

Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange rates
 
2,240

 

Provision for losses on accounts receivable
 
90

 
(27
)
Provision for losses on inventory
 
424

 
604

Provision for warranties
 
854

 
594

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Trade and other accounts receivable
 
7,475

 
(1,294
)
Inventories, net
 
3,672

 
(8,171
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
(911
)
 
(538
)
Pension asset
 
(487
)
 
(554
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
1,750

 
4,906

Deferred revenue and customer deposits
 
508

 
2,158

Accrued employee compensation
 
(1,236
)
 
1,561

Deferred tax liability, long term
 
2,161

 

Other long-term liabilities
 
512

 
(126
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
8,530

 
6,251

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
 
(2,779
)
 
(5,195
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(2,779
)
 
(5,195
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Principal payments on long-term debt and short-term borrowings
 
(18,833
)
 
(4,626
)
Proceeds from long-term debt and short-term borrowings
 
3,040

 
6,292

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of offering costs
 
9,565

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under equity compensation plans
 
876

 
1,430

Restricted cash - compensating balance
 
(400
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(5,752
)
 
3,096

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(1
)
 
4,152

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
82

 
(4,001
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
81

 
151

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
24,732

 
30,647

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
24,813

 
$
30,798

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "Maxwell," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our," refer to Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries; all references to “Maxwell SA” refer to the Company’s Swiss subsidiary, Maxwell Technologies, SA.
Note 1 – Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in 1965 under the name Maxwell Laboratories, Inc. In 1983, the Company completed an initial public offering, and in 1996, changed its name to Maxwell Technologies, Inc. The Company is headquartered in San Diego, California, has three manufacturing facilities located in San Diego, California; Rossens, Switzerland; and Peoria, Arizona. In addition, the Company has two contract manufacturers located in China. Maxwell operates as one operating segment, which is comprised of three product lines:
Ultracapacitors: The Company’s primary focus, ultracapacitors, are energy storage devices that possess a unique combination of high power density, extremely long operational life and the ability to charge and discharge very rapidly. The Company’s ultracapacitor cells, multi-cell packs and modules provide highly reliable energy storage and power delivery solutions for applications in multiple industries, including automotive, bus, rail and truck in transportation and grid energy storage, and wind in renewable energy.
High-Voltage Capacitors: The Company’s CONDIS® high-voltage capacitors are designed and manufactured to perform reliably for decades in all climates. These products include grading and coupling capacitors and capacitive voltage dividers that are used to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy.
Radiation-Hardened Microelectronic Products: The Company’s radiation-hardened microelectronic products for satellites and spacecraft include single board computers and components, such as high-density memory and power modules. Many of these products incorporate our proprietary RADPAK® packaging and shielding technology and novel architectures that enable them to withstand the effects of environmental radiation and perform reliably in space.
The Company’s products are designed and manufactured to perform reliably for the life of the products and systems into which they are integrated. The Company achieves high reliability through the application of proprietary technologies and rigorously controlled design, development, manufacturing and test processes.
Financial Statement Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has prepared the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the standards of accounting measurement set forth in the Interim Reporting Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Consequently, the Company has not necessarily included in this Form 10-Q all information and footnotes required for audited financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise indicated) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. for all periods presented. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
Reclassifications
Foreign currency exchange gains and losses have been reclassified from "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expenses to "foreign currency exchange gains and losses, net" in the condensed consolidated statement of

8


operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications do not impact reported net loss and do not otherwise have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. These estimates include, but are not limited to, assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, applied and unapplied production costs, production capacities, the usage and recoverability of inventories and long-lived assets, including deferred income taxes, the incurrence of warranty obligations, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, estimation of the cost to complete certain projects, accruals for estimated losses from legal matters, and estimation of the value of stock-based compensation awards, including the probability that the performance criteria of restricted stock awards will be met.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash as of September 30, 2015 consists of a $400,000 cash balance on deposit to secure certain ongoing banking transactions.
Income Taxes
At September 30, 2015, the Company has a cumulative valuation allowance recorded offsetting its worldwide net deferred tax assets of $64.2 million, of which the significant majority represents the valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax asset. The Company has established a valuation allowance against its U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of such assets. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and at such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that U.S. deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly. Any such release would result in recording a tax benefit that would increase net income in the period the valuation is released.
The Company records taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless the subsidiaries’ earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. As a result of changes in business circumstances, the Company changed its estimate of the amount of foreign subsidiary earnings considered permanently reinvested, and recorded a deferred tax liability in 2014 for Swiss withholding taxes of $1.6 million associated with $31.8 million of undistributed earnings of our Swiss subsidiary that were no longer considered indefinitely reinvested. In June 2015, based on revisions to the Company's long term plans, the Company again changed its estimate of the amount of foreign earnings considered permanently reinvested. Therefore, in the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded an additional deferred tax liability for Swiss withholding taxes of $2.1 million associated with an additional $41.7 million of undistributed earnings of our Swiss subsidiary that are no longer considered indefinitely reinvested. In the event that the Company repatriates these funds, these withholding taxes would become payable.
Warranty Obligation
The Company provides warranties on all product sales for terms ranging from one to eight years. The Company accrues for the estimated warranty costs at the time of sale based on historical warranty experience plus any known or expected changes in warranty exposure. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the accrued warranty liability included in "accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets was $1.1 million and $716,000, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of manufactured products directly to customers. Product revenue is recognized, according to the guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Numbers 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, and 104, Revenue Recognition, when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists (upon contract signing or receipt of an authorized purchase order from a customer); (2) title passes to the customer at either shipment from the Company’s facilities or receipt at the customer facility, depending on shipping terms; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. This policy has been consistently applied from period to period.
Revenue is not recognized for sales that do not meet the revenue recognition criteria at the time of sale. Revenue is recognized once all of the criteria for revenue recognition are determined to have been met. For example, if the Company does not believe that collection of the sales price is reasonably assured at the time of sale, it defers revenue recognition until cash is received.

9


If the Company receives cash payment from the customer prior to the achievement of the revenue recognition criteria, the amount received from the customer is recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. Total deferred revenue and customer deposits in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $1.2 million and $703,000, respectively, and relates to cash received from customers on sales for which the revenue recognition criteria had not been achieved, customer advances, as well as other less significant customer arrangements requiring the deferral of revenue.
Revenue from production-type contracts, which represent less than five percent of total revenue, is recognized using the percentage of completion method. The degree of completion is determined based on costs incurred, excluding costs that are not representative of progress to completion, as a percentage of total costs anticipated.
Liquidity
As of September 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $24.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, and working capital of $65.5 million. In July 2015, the Company entered into a loan agreement with East West Bank (“EWB”), whereby EWB made available to the Company a secured credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit which is available up to a maximum of the lesser of: (a) $25.0 million; or (b) a certain percentage of domestic and foreign trade receivables. As of September 30, 2015, there were no drawings under this revolving line of credit and the amount available was $20.4 million. Management believes the available cash balance, along with the available borrowings under the revolving line of credit, will be sufficient to fund operations, obligations as they become due, and capital investments for at least the next twelve months.
Net Loss per Share
In accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC, basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes the impact of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares were issued. Potentially dilutive securities are not considered in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share data):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net loss
 
$
(1,449
)
 
$
(3,292
)
 
$
(20,166
)
 
$
(4,154
)
Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
31,529

 
29,284

 
30,440

 
29,146

Net loss per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
(0.66
)
 
$
(0.14
)
The following table summarizes instruments that may be convertible into common shares that are not included in the denominator used in the diluted net loss per share calculation because to do so would be anti-dilutive (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Outstanding options to purchase common stock
 
956

 
701

 
956

 
701

Unvested restricted stock awards
 
263

 
543

 
263

 
543

Unvested restricted stock unit awards
 
870

 
168

 
870

 
168

Restructuring and Exit Costs
Restructuring and exit costs involve employee-related termination costs, facility exit costs and other costs associated with restructuring activities. The Company accounts for charges resulting from operational restructuring actions in accordance with ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (“ASC 420”) and ASC Topic 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits (“ASC 712”).
The recognition of restructuring costs requires the Company to make certain assumptions related to the amounts of employee severance benefits, the time period over which leased facilities will remain vacant and expected sublease terms and

10


discount rates. Estimates and assumptions are based on the best information available at the time the obligation arises. These estimates are reviewed and revised as facts and circumstances dictate; changes in these estimates could have a material effect on the amount accrued in the consolidated balance sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard provides companies with a single model for accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective date, which defers the required adoption date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. As a result of the deferred effective date, ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted but not before the original effective date of the new standard of the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company is in the process of evaluating the transition method that will be elected and the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  The update changes the presentation of debt issuance costs to a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, and the new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The new guidance was issued to more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards. The core principle of this updated guidance is that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 apply to inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on its financial statements.
Note 2 – Balance Sheet Details (in thousands)
Inventories, net
 
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
Raw materials and purchased parts
 
$
22,803

 
$
23,042

Work-in-process
 
3,398

 
2,522

Finished goods
 
18,097

 
23,311

Reserves
 
(3,457
)
 
(4,019
)
Total inventories, net
 
$
40,841

 
$
44,856


11


Goodwill
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
23,599

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
450

Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
24,049

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Affected Line Items in the Statement of Operations
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
8,359

 
$
(3,636
)
 
$
4,723

 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
 
2,776

 

 
2,776

 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 
111

 
111

 
Cost of Sales, Selling, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expense
Net other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
2,776

 
111

 
2,887

 
 
Balance as of September 30, 2015
 
$
11,135

 
$
(3,525
)
 
$
7,610

 
 
Note 3 – Credit Facilities
Revolving Line of Credit
In July 2015, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with East West Bank (“EWB”), whereby EWB made available to the Company a secured credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Line of Credit”). The Revolving Line of Credit is available up to a maximum of the lesser of: (a) $25.0 million; or (b) a certain percentage of domestic and foreign trade receivables. As of September 30, 2015 the amount available under the Revolving Line of Credit was $20.4 million. In general, amounts borrowed under the Revolving Line of Credit are secured by a lien on all of the Company’s assets, including its intellectual property, as well as a pledge of 100% of its equity interests in the Company’s Swiss subsidiary. The obligations under the Loan Agreement are guaranteed by the Swiss Subsidiary. The Revolving Line of Credit will mature on July 3, 2018; however, repayment of amounts owed pursuant to the Loan Agreement may be accelerated in the event that the Company is in violation of the representations, warranties and covenants made in the Loan Agreement, including certain financial covenants set forth therein. The financial covenants that the Company is required to meet during the term of the credit agreement include a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA, a quarterly minimum quick ratio and a monthly cash requirement.
Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Line of Credit bear interest, payable monthly. Such interest shall accrue based upon, at the Company’s election, subject to certain limitations, either a Prime Rate plus a margin ranging from 0% to 0.50% or the LIBOR Rate plus a margin ranging from 2.75% to 3.25%, the specific rate for each as determined based upon the Company’s leverage ratio from time to time.
The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee equal to $125,000, and an unused commitment fee of the average daily unused amount of the Revolving Line of Credit, payable monthly, equal to a per annum rate in a range of 0.30% to 0.50%, as determined by the Company’s leverage ratio on the last day of the previous fiscal quarter. No amounts have been borrowed under this Revolving Line of Credit as of September 30, 2015.
Former Credit Facility
In December 2011, the Company had obtained a secured credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit (the “Former Revolving Line of Credit”) and an equipment term loan (the “Equipment Term Loan”) (together, the “Former Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the Former Credit Facility bore interest, payable monthly, at either (i) the bank's prime rate or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.25%, at the Company's option subject to certain limitations. The Equipment Term Loan was available to finance 80% of eligible equipment purchases made between April 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012. During this period, the Company borrowed $5.0 million under the Equipment Term Loan. The balance of the Equipment Term Loan was paid in full by the maturity date of April 30, 2015. Concurrently with entering into the Loan Agreement described above, in July 2015, the Company repaid all outstanding loans under the Former Revolving Line of Credit and terminated the Former Credit Facility. The Company did not incur any early termination or prepayment penalties under the Former Credit Facility in connection with the above transactions.

12


Other Long-term Borrowings
The Company has various financing agreements for vehicles. These agreements are for up to an original three year repayment period with interest rates ranging from 1.9% to 3.9%. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $106,000 and $110,000, respectively, was outstanding under these financing agreements.
Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements
The Company records certain financial instruments at fair value in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC. As of September 30, 2015, the financial instruments to which this topic applied were foreign currency forward contracts. As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts was a liability of $46,000 which is recorded in “accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of these derivative instruments is measured using models following quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments, which is a Level 2 input under the fair value hierarchy of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC. All forward contracts as of September 30, 2015 had approximately a one-month original maturity term and mature on November 3, 2015.
The carrying value of short-term and long-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the relative short maturity of these instruments and the interest rates the Company could currently obtain.
Note 5 – Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments
Maxwell uses forward contracts to hedge certain monetary assets and liabilities, primarily receivables, payables and cash balances, denominated in foreign currencies. The change in fair value of these forward contracts represents a natural hedge as gains and losses on these instruments partially offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities due to movements in currency exchange rates. These forward contracts generally expire in one month. These contracts are considered economic hedges but are not designated as hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC, therefore, the change in the fair value of the instrument is recognized each period in the consolidated statement of operations.
The net gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts included in "foreign currency exchange gains and losses, net" in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total gain (loss)
 
$
(157
)
 
$
(2,715
)
 
$
2,242

 
$
(3,055
)
The net gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts were offset by net gains and losses on the underlying monetary assets and liabilities. Foreign currency gains and losses on those underlying monetary assets and liabilities included in "foreign currency exchange gains and losses, net" in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total gain (loss)
 
$
254

 
$
2,721

 
$
(2,558
)
 
$
2,505

As of September 30, 2015, the total notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges was $899,000.
The following table presents gross amounts, amounts offset and net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the Company's derivative instruments measured at fair value (in thousands):
 
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31, 2014
Gross amounts of recognized asset (liabilities)
 
$
(59
)
 
$
(1,993
)
Gross amounts offset in the condensed consolidated balance sheets
 
13

 
350

Net amount of recognized liability presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets
 
$
(46
)
 
$
(1,643
)
The Company has the legal right to offset these recognized assets and liabilities upon settlement of the derivative instruments. For additional information, refer to Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements.

13


Note 6 – Stock Plans
The Company has two active stock-based compensation plans as of September 30, 2015: the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the 2013 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units can be granted to employees and non-employee directors.
Prior to 2011, the Company had issued stock options as the primary form of equity award to its employees. From 2011 to 2014, the Company granted restricted stock awards to employees as the primary form of equity award. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company began issuing restricted stock units to employees instead of restricted stock awards as the primary form of equity award.
In the first quarter of 2015, executives received three forms of equity awards, including stock options with time based vesting, restricted stock units with time based vesting and performance-based restricted stock units with vesting contingent on continued services and the achievement of specified financial performance targets. Non-executive employees received restricted stock units with time-based vesting.
It is typical for the Company to issue the majority of employee stock compensation grants in the first quarter of the year; other grants issued during the year are typically for new employees.
Stock Options
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 58,641 stock options which had an average grant date fair value per share of $4.72. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 321,844 stock options which had an average grant date fair value per share of $6.72. No stock options were granted during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Compensation expense recognized for stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $75,000 and $33,000, respectively, and $156,000 and $74,000, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The fair value of the stock options granted during three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2015
Expected dividends
 
$

 
$

Exercise price
 
$
4.72

 
$
6.72

Expected volatility
 
60
%
 
61
%
Average risk-free interest rate
 
1.60
%
 
1.59
%
Expected life/term (in years)
 
5.0

 
5.0

Fair value per share
 
$
2.44

 
$
2.32

Restricted Stock Awards
Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, the Company ceased granting restricted stock awards and began granting restricted stock units to employees as part of its annual equity incentive award program. No restricted stock awards were issued during the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2015, or the three months ended September 30, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted 255,600 shares under restricted stock awards which had an average grant date fair value per share of $14.20. The following table summarizes the amount of compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service-based restricted stock awards
 
$
546

 
$
696

 
$
1,545

 
$
1,834

Performance-based restricted stock awards
 

 
7

 
(44
)
 
20

Total compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards
 
$
546

 
$
703

 
$
1,501

 
$
1,854


14


Restricted Stock Units
Non-employee director restricted stock units
Non-employee directors receive an annual restricted stock unit award, normally in February of each year, as part of their annual retainer compensation, which vests one year from the date of grant. Additionally, new directors normally receive restricted stock unit awards upon their election to the board. Each restricted stock unit represents the right to receive one unrestricted share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, no restricted stock units were granted to non-employee directors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, non-employee directors were granted a total of 93,212 and 65,891 restricted stock units, respectively, with an average grant date fair value per share of $7.08 and $9.03, respectively. Compensation expense recognized for non-employee director restricted stock units for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $171,000 and $146,000, respectively, and $459,000 and $467,000, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
Employee restricted stock units
Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, the Company ceased granting restricted stock awards and began granting restricted stock units to employees as part of its annual equity incentive award program. The Company grants two forms of restricted stock units, service-based restricted stock units which typically vest in equal annual installments over four years of continuous service, and performance-based restricted stock units with vesting contingent on continued services and the achievement of specified financial targets. Each restricted stock unit represents the right to receive one unrestricted share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 40,190 service-based restricted stock units to employees with an average grant date value of $4.72. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 715,073 restricted stock units to employees of which 500,242 were service-based restricted stock units with an average grant date value of $6.96 per share and 214,831 were performance-based restricted stock units with an average grant date fair value of $7.19 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 the Company granted 137,000 restricted stock units to employees of which 67,000 were service-based restricted stock units with an average grant date value of $15.17 per share and 70,000 were market-condition restricted stock units vesting upon the achievement of certain stock price thresholds and the completion of three years of continuous employment from the date of the grant with an average grant date fair value of $7.71 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company did not grant any employee restricted stock units.
The following table summarizes the amount of compensation expense recognized for employee restricted stock units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service-based restricted stock units
 
$
229

 
$
51

 
$
516

 
$
83

Performance-based restricted stock units
 
(60
)
 

 
(28
)
 
$

Market-condition restricted stock units
 
34

 
34

 
102

 
56

Total compensation expense recognized for employee restricted stock units
 
$
203

 
$
85

 
$
590

 
$
139

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) permits substantially all employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions, at 85% of the lower of the trading price of the stock at the beginning or at the end of each six month offering period commencing on January 1 and July 1. The number of shares purchased is based on participants’ contributions made during the offering period.
Compensation expense recognized for the ESPP for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $60,000 and $57,000, respectively, and was $200,000 and $400,000, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The fair value of the ESPP shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model for a call and a put option with the following weighted-average assumptions:

15


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Expected dividends
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Exercise price
 
$
5.42

 
$
8.72

 
$
5.83

 
$
8.09

Expected volatility
 
68
%
 
61
%
 
58
%
 
68
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.01
%
 
0.02
%
 
0.08
%
 
0.05
%
Expected life/term (in years)
 
0.25

 
0.3

 
0.44

 
0.5

Fair value per share
 
$
5.42

 
$
2.37

 
$
5.83

 
$
5.89

Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Compensation cost for restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock options and the ESPP included in cost of revenue; selling, general and administrative expense; and research and development expense is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Cost of revenue
 
$
186

 
$
145

 
$
539

 
$
587

Selling, general and administrative
 
708

 
716

 
1,732

 
1,705

Research and development
 
161

 
150

 
635

 
642

Total stock-based compensation expense
 
$
1,055

 
$
1,011

 
$
2,906

 
$
2,934

Note 7 – Shelf Registration Statement
On June 3, 2014, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to, from time to time, sell up to an aggregate of $125 million of any combination of its common stock, warrants, debt securities or units. On June 30, 2014, the registration statement was declared effective by the SEC. On April 23, 2015, the Company entered into an At-the-Market Equity Offering Sales Agreement (“Sales Agreement”) with Cowen and Company, LLC (“Cowen”) pursuant to which the Company could sell, at its option, up to an aggregate of $10.0 million in shares of common stock through Cowen, as sales agent. Under the Sales Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Cowen a commission equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of the Company’s common stock.
On June 11, 2015, the Company completed the sale of approximately $10.0 million of the company's common stock and terminated the offering. Approximately 1.83 million shares were sold in the offering at an average share price of $5.46. The Company received net proceeds of $9.6 million after commissions and offering costs of $406,000.
Note 8 – Defined Benefit Plan
Maxwell SA, the Company's Swiss subsidiary, has a retirement plan that is classified as a defined benefit pension plan. The employee pension benefit is based on compensation, length of service and credited investment earnings. The plan guarantees both a minimum rate of return as well as minimum annuity purchase rates. The Company’s funding policy with respect to the pension plan is to contribute the amount required by Swiss law, using the required percentage applied to the employee’s compensation. In addition, participating employees are required to contribute to the pension plan. This plan has a measurement date of December 31.
Components of net periodic pension benefit are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
 
$
239

 
$
211

 
$
726

 
$
645

Interest cost
 
83

 
174

 
251

 
532

Expected return on plan assets
 
(386
)
 
(446
)
 
(1,175
)
 
(1,361
)
Prior service cost amortization
 
34

 
35

 
105

 
107

Deferred loss amortization
 
11

 

 
33

 

Net periodic pension benefit
 
$
(19
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(77
)

16


Employer contributions of $145,000 and $182,000 were paid during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Employer contributions of $485,000 and $553,000 were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Additional employer contributions of approximately $96,000 are expected to be paid during the remainder of fiscal 2015.
Note 9 – Legal Proceedings
Although the Company expects to incur significant legal fees in connection with the below legal proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of such legal fees and therefore, such fees will be expensed in the period the legal services are performed.
FCPA Matter
As a result of being publicly traded in the U.S., the Company is subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), which prohibits companies from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Beginning in 2009, the Company conducted an internal review into payments made to its former independent sales agent in China with respect to sales of its high-voltage capacitor products produced by its Swiss subsidiary. In January 2011, the Company reached settlements with the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) with respect to charges asserted by the SEC and DOJ relating to the anti-bribery, books and records, internal controls, and disclosure provisions of the FCPA and other securities laws violations. The Company paid the monetary penalties under these settlements in installments such that all monetary penalties were paid in full by January 2013. With respect to the DOJ charges, a judgment of dismissal was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on March 28, 2014.
On October 15, 2013, the Company received an informal notice from the DOJ that an indictment against the former Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Swiss subsidiary had been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The indictment is against the individual, a former officer, and not against the Company and the Company does not foresee that further penalties or fines could be assessed against it as a corporate entity for this matter. However, the Company may be required throughout the term of the action to advance the legal fees and costs incurred by the individual defendant and to incur other financial obligations. While the Company maintains directors’ and officers’ insurance policies which are intended to cover legal expenses related to its indemnification obligations in situations such as these, the Company cannot determine if and to what extent the insurance policy will cover the legal fees for this matter. Accordingly, the legal fees that may be incurred by the Company in defending this former officer could have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
Swiss Bribery Matter
In August 2013, the Company's Swiss subsidiary was served with a search warrant from the Swiss federal prosecutor’s office. At the end of the search, the Swiss federal prosecutor presented the Company with a listing of the materials gathered by the representatives and then removed the materials from its premises for keeping at the prosecutor’s office. Based upon the Company’s exposure to the case, the Company believes this action to be related to the same or similar facts and circumstances as the FCPA action previously settled with the SEC and the DOJ. During initial discussions, the Swiss prosecutor has acknowledged both the existence of the Company's DPA with the DOJ and its cooperation efforts thereunder, both of which should have a positive impact on discussions going forward. Additionally, other than the activities previously reviewed in conjunction with the SEC and DOJ matters under the FCPA, the Company has no reason to believe that additional facts or circumstances are under review by the Swiss authorities. In late March 2015, the Company was informed that the Swiss prosecutor intended to inform the parties in April 2015 as to whether the prosecutor’s office will bring charges or abandon the proceedings. However, to date, the Swiss prosecutor has not issued its formal decision. At this stage in the investigation, the Company is currently unable to determine the extent to which it will be subject to fines in accordance with Swiss bribery laws and what additional expenses will be incurred in order to defend this matter. As such, the Company cannot determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss will be incurred nor can it estimate the range of any such potential loss. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued an amount for any potential loss associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
Government Investigations
In early 2013, the Company voluntarily provided information to the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") related to its announcement that it intended to file restated financial statements for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. On June 11, 2015, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC requesting certain documents related to, among other things, the facts and circumstances surrounding the restated financial

17


statements. The Company is providing information to the SEC in response to that subpoena and continues to cooperate with the SEC. At this stage, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this investigation or whether it will result in any loss. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued an amount for any potential loss associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
Federal Shareholder Derivative Matter
On April 23, 2013 and May 7, 2013, two shareholder derivative actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, entitled Kienzle v. Schramm, et al., Case No. 13-cv-0966 (S.D. Cal. filed April 23, 2013) and Agrawal v. Cortes, et al., Case No. 13-cv-1084 (S.D. Cal. filed May 7, 2013). The complaints named as defendants certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors and named the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaints alleged that the individual defendants caused or allowed the Company to issue false and misleading statements about its financial condition, operations, management, and internal controls and falsely represented that it maintained adequate controls. The complaints asserted causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment. The lawsuits sought unspecified damages, an order directing the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures, restitution and disgorgement of profits, benefits, and other compensation, attorneys' and experts' fees, and costs and expenses. The court issued an order consolidating the two actions on October 30, 2013 under the heading In re Maxwell Technologies, Inc. Derivative Litigation. On September 19, 2014, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding concerning settlement of this matter related to certain corporate governance reforms to be implemented and/or maintained by the Company. On December 10, 2014, the parties signed a stipulation of settlement and on March 16, 2015, the court granted final approval of the settlement and dismissed this action. On July 13, 2015, the court issued an order establishing a fee award of $1.1 million to be paid to the plaintiffs in exchange for the benefit bestowed upon the Company due to the corporate governance reforms, and on August 10, 2015, the Company’s insurance carrier paid this amount in full. Therefore, during the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the Company released an accrued liability it has previously recorded for the $1.1 million settlement amount, as well as a previously recorded receivable from its insurance carrier of $1.1 million as the Company’s insurance carrier was expected to cover this settlement.
State Shareholder Derivative Matter
On April 11, 2013 and April 18, 2013, two shareholder derivative actions were filed in California Superior Court for the County of San Diego, entitled Warsh v. Schramm, et al., Case No. 37-2013-00043884 (San Diego Sup. Ct. filed April 11, 2013) and Neville v. Cortes, et al., Case No. 37-2013-00044911-CU-BT-CTL (San Diego Sup. Ct. filed April 18, 2013). The complaints named as defendants certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors as well as its former auditor McGladrey LLP. The Company was named as a nominal defendant. The complaints alleged that the individual defendants made or caused the Company to make false and/or misleading statements regarding its financial condition, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about its business, operations and prospects. The complaints asserted causes of action for breaches of fiduciary duty for disseminating false and misleading information, failing to maintain internal controls, and failing to properly oversee and manage the Company, as well as for unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, professional negligence and accounting malpractice, and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty. The lawsuits sought unspecified damages, an order directing the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures, restitution and disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation, attorneys' and experts' fees, and costs and expenses. On May 7, 2013, the court consolidated the two actions. On July 2, 2013, the Company filed a motion to stay the actions pending resolution of the federal derivative actions, which the state court granted on November 1, 2013. As a result of the settlement in the federal derivative action above, the parties filed a joint stipulation to dismiss this matter and, on May 13, 2015, the Court signed an order dismissing the matter with prejudice. The deadline to appeal this order lapsed on August 24, 2015.
Shareholder Inspection Letter
On April 9, 2013, Stephen Neville, a purported shareholder of the Company, sent a letter to the Company seeking to inspect its books and records pursuant to California Corporations Code Section 1601. The demand sought inspection of documents related to the Company's March 7, 2013 announcement that it would be restating its previously-issued financial statements for 2011 and 2012, board minutes and committee materials, and other documents related to its board or management discussions regarding revenue recognition from January 1, 2011 to the present. Pursuant to the stipulation of settlement in the federal shareholder derivative matter and following the settlement in the federal derivative action above, the parties filed a joint stipulation to dismiss this matter and, on May 12, 2015, the Court signed an order dismissing the matter with prejudice. The deadline to appeal this order lapsed on August 24, 2015.

18


Note 10 – Restructuring and Exit Costs
The Company has initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate U.S. manufacturing operations and to reduce headcount and operating expenses in order to align the Company’s cost structure with the current business forecast and to improve operational efficiency. The plan also includes the potential divestiture of a product line. In connection with the restructuring plan, the Company expects to incur total restructuring and related charges of approximately $3.8 million. The anticipated charges include $2.1 million in facilities costs related to the consolidation of manufacturing operations, $1.2 million in employee severance costs, $375,000 in accelerated equipment depreciation expense and $125,000 in relocation costs. Upon completion of the plan, which is anticipated to be by the end of the first quarter of 2016, total cash expenditures related to restructuring activities are expected to be approximately $2.2 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company paid $650,000 and $768,000, respectively, in restructuring expenses.
The Company accounts for charges resulting from restructuring and exit activities in accordance with ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (“ASC 420”), and, ASC Topic 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits (“ASC 712”) for employee termination benefits to be paid in accordance with its ongoing employee termination benefit arrangement.
In June 2015, the Company had ceased use of approximately 60,000 square feet of its Peoria, AZ manufacturing facility, and determined this leased space would have no future economic benefit to the Company based on the current business forecast. As a result, in June 2015, the Company recorded a liability for the future rent obligation associated with this space, net of estimated sublease income, in accordance with ASC Topic 420. The liability recorded related to the exit of this leased space was $1.2 million, before tax, and is a component of the total expected restructuring charge.
Restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 included $56,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, in employee severance costs for work force reductions. This amount included planned severance payments to be paid in consideration of past employee services under the Company’s ongoing employee termination benefit arrangement, which were probable of incurrence and estimable as of September 30, 2015.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded total charges related to its restructuring plan of $56,000 and $2.3 million, respectively, within "restructuring and exit costs", and recorded $125,000 and $310,000, respectively, of accelerated depreciation expense, within “cost of revenue”, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had a $419,000 liability associated with employee severances recorded in “accrued employee compensation”, $277,000 of lease obligation costs recorded within “other current liabilities” and $845,000 of lease obligation costs recorded within "other long term liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet.
The following table summarizes the restructuring and exit costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Employee Severance Costs
 
Lease Obligation Costs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Costs incurred for the quarter ended June 30, 2015
 
$
1,132

 
$
1,208

 
$

 
$
2,340

Amounts paid for the quarter ended June 30, 2015
 
(118
)
 

 

 
(118
)
Amounts reserved at June 30, 2015
 
1,014

 
1,208

 

 
2,222

Additional costs incurred for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
149

 

 

 
149

Amounts paid for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
(650
)
 

 

 
(650
)
Amounts released and other non-cash adjustments for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
(93
)
 
(86
)
 

 
(179
)
Amounts reserved at September 30, 2015
 
$
420

 
$
1,122

 
$

 
$
1,542


19


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Maxwell,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All references to “Maxwell SA” refer to our Swiss subsidiary, Maxwell Technologies, SA.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this document and incorporated herein by reference discuss our plans and strategies for our business or make other forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “continue,” “seek,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views and beliefs of our management; however, various risks, uncertainties and contingencies could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our statements. Such risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, the following:
our ability to remain competitive and stimulate customer demand through successful introduction of new products, and to educate our prospective customers on the products we offer;
dependence upon the sale of products to a small number of customers and vertical markets, some of which are heavily dependent on government funding or government subsidies which may or may not continue in the future;
dependence upon the sale of products into Asia and Europe, where macroeconomic factors outside our control may adversely affect our sales;
downward pressures on product pricing from increased competition and potential shift in sales mix with respect to low margin and high margin business;
risks related to our international operations including, but not limited to, our ability to adequately comply with the changing rules and regulations in countries where our business is conducted, our ability to oversee and control our foreign subsidiaries and their operations, our ability to effectively manage foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations arising from our international operations, and our ability to continue to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act as well as the anti-bribery laws of foreign jurisdictions;
risk that our restructuring efforts may not be successful and that we may not be able to realize the anticipated cost savings and other benefits;
successful acquisition, development and retention of key personnel;
our ability to effectively manage our reliance upon certain suppliers of key component parts, specialty equipment and logistical services;
our ability to match production volume to actual customer demand;
our ability to manage product quality problems;
our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and to defend claims against us;
our ability to effectively identify, enter into, manage and benefit from strategic alliances;
occurrence of a catastrophic event at any of our facilities;
occurrence of a technology systems failure, network disruption, or breach in data security;
our ability to obtain sufficient capital to meet our operating or other needs; and,
our ability to manage and minimize the impact of unfavorable legal proceedings.
Many of these factors are beyond our control. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will not incur new or additional unforeseen costs in connection with the ongoing conduct of our business. Accordingly, any forward-looking statements included herein do not purport to be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized.
For a discussion of important risks associated with an investment in our securities, including factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations referred to in the forward-looking statements, see Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A, of this document and Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended

20


December 31, 2014. We do not have any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:
Executive Overview
Highlights of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Critical Accounting Estimates
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Executive Overview
Maxwell is a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing energy storage and power delivery products for transportation, industrial, information technology and other applications and microelectronic products for space and satellite applications. Our products are designed and manufactured to perform reliably with minimal maintenance for the life of the applications into which they are integrated. We believe that this “life-of-the-application” reliability gives our products a competitive advantage and enables them to command higher profit margins than commodity products. We have three product lines: ultracapacitors with applications in multiple industries, including transportation and renewable energy; high-voltage capacitors applied mainly in electrical utility infrastructure; and radiation-hardened microelectronic products for space and satellite applications.
Our primary objective is to grow revenue and profit margins by creating and satisfying demand for ultracapacitor-based energy storage and power delivery solutions. We are focusing on establishing and expanding market opportunities for ultracapacitors and being the preferred supplier for ultracapacitor products worldwide. We believe that the transportation industry represents the largest market opportunity for ultracapacitors, primarily for applications related to engine starting, electrical system augmentation, and braking energy recuperation and hybrid electric drive systems for transit vehicles, trucks and autos, and electric rail vehicles. Backup power and power quality applications, including instantly available power for uninterruptible power supply systems, and stabilizing the output of renewable energy generation systems may also represent significant market opportunities.
We also seek to expand market opportunities and revenue for our high-voltage capacitors. The market for high-voltage capacitors consists mainly of expansion, upgrading and maintenance of existing electrical utility infrastructure and new infrastructure installations in developing countries. Such installations are capital-intensive and frequently are subject to regulation, availability of government funding and general economic conditions.
In 2015, management initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate U.S. manufacturing operations and to reduce headcount and operating expenses in order to align our cost structure with the current business forecast and to improve operational efficiency. We anticipate cost savings between $5 million and $6 million per year as a result of our restructuring activities, which we expect will be fully realized by the second quarter of 2016. We expect to incur total restructuring and related charges of approximately $3.8 million, which includes $3.4 million of restructuring and exit costs and accelerated equipment depreciation expense of $375,000. Upon completion of the plan, which is anticipated to be by the end of the first quarter of 2016, total cash expenditures related to restructuring activities are expected to be approximately $2.2 million. In addition, we expect to incur capital expenditures of $1.5 million required to facilitate the consolidation of operations.
In the third quarter of 2015, revenues were $45.1 million, representing an overall increase of 8% compared with $41.6 million in the same period one year ago. The increase is primarily attributable to higher revenue for our ultracapacitor products, for which revenue increased by 10% to $31.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $28.8 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to sales growth in the Chinese hybrid transit vehicle market.
Revenues for our high voltage capacitor products were $10.3 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared with $10.4 million for the same period in the prior year. Revenues for our microelectronics products increased by $644,000 to $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared with $2.4 million for the same period in 2014, due to a growth in demand for these products.

21


Overall gross profit margin during the quarter decreased to 32% compared with 37% in the third quarter of 2014, primarily related to pricing changes in our ultracapacitor products as a result of competition in the Chinese hybrid transit vehicle market. Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2015 decreased to 33% of revenue, compared with 43% of revenue in the same period one year ago, primarily attributable to our restructuring and cost reduction efforts.
Going forward, we will continue to focus on growing our business and strengthening our market leadership and brand recognition through further penetration of existing markets, entry into new markets and development of new products. Our primary focus will be to grow our ultracapacitor business by increasing sales into primary applications, including transportation, renewable energy and backup power. In order to achieve our growth objectives, we will need to overcome risks and challenges facing our business.
A significant challenge we face is our ability to manage dependence on a small number of vertical markets, including some that are driven by government policies and subsidy programs. For example, a large portion of our current ultracapacitor business is concentrated in the Chinese hybrid transit vehicle and wind energy markets, which are heavily dependent on government regulation and subsidy. These markets may decline or experience slower rates of growth when there are changes or delays in government policies and subsidy programs. In mid-2013, the Chinese government subsidy program which provided subsidies for diesel-electric hybrid transit vehicles concluded. The Chinese government then put into a place a new subsidy program which did not include subsidies for diesel-electric hybrid transit vehicles. However, our Chinese transit vehicle customers then began incorporating our ultracapacitor products into plug-in hybrid transit vehicles, which are subsidized by the new subsidy program. The current subsidy program is scheduled to expire at the end of 2015, although it may be renewed or replaced in the future.
More recently, we have begun to experience significant competition and pricing pressure in the Chinese hybrid transit vehicle market, which has historically represented a significant portion of our sales, mainly as a result of increased competition from local Chinese and other competitors. In the first quarter of 2015 we reduced our pricing and margins for the products sold in this market in order to remain competitive. We remain focused on reducing the cost of producing our ultracapacitors in order to offset in part the lower prices we are now offering in this particular market. However, initially, our cost reduction efforts are not expected to fully offset the impact of these lower prices.
Although we believe the long-term prospects for the automotive, wind and hybrid transit vehicle markets remain positive, we are pursuing growth opportunities for our products in other vertical markets, including applications for backup power, power quality, rail, grid and heavy vehicle engine starting in order to further diversify our market presence and augment our long-term growth prospects.
Other significant risks and challenges we face include the ability to achieve profitability; the ability to develop our management team, product development infrastructure and manufacturing capacity to facilitate growth; competing technologies that may capture market share and interfere with our planned growth; and hiring, developing and retaining key personnel critical to the execution of our strategy. We will be attentive to these risks and will focus on developing new products and promoting the value proposition of our products versus competing technologies and trying to grow our revenues and profits in the years to come.
Highlights of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we continued to focus on introducing new products, winning new customers, developing new product applications, adjusting production capacity, reducing costs to align with near-term revenue forecasts, and improving production and other operational processes. Some of these efforts are described below:
In February, we announced that we signed an agreement with Purkeys, an electrical systems solutions provider for the trucking industry, for distribution of Maxwell's ultracapacitor-based Engine Start Module (ESM) product line to the North American heavy duty trucking industry.
Also in February, we announced that Freqcon GmbH, a German developer and distributor of renewable energy systems, has deployed an energy storage system for the Tallaght Smart Grid Testbed in Ireland that uses Maxwell ultracapacitors and lithium-ion batteries to support grid stability in both residential and industrial settings.
In March, we announced that our ultracapacitor-based ESM will be offered as a factory-installed option on new Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks. Kenworth is the first original equipment manufacturer to offer Maxwell's ESM as a factory-installed option.
In April, we introduced our 24-volt ultracapacitor-based ESM for industrial equipment. The new product expands Maxwell's Engine Starting Solutions line to build on the success of its 12-volt ESM and deliver those benefits to diesel engine vehicles used in transportation, construction, military, agricultural, forestry, mining and other industries.

22


In July, we announced that we had been selected as exclusive capacitive energy storage supplier to China Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute, a subsidiary of one of the largest rail vehicle manufacturers in the world. The strategic partnership agreement will examine multi-year collaboration activities between the two companies to jointly develop new application-specific, next-generation capacitive energy storage solutions.
In August, we announced that Peterbilt Motors Company, a leading designer and manufacturer of premium trucks, is now offering Maxwell's ultracapacitor-powered ESM on new Model 579 and 567 trucks as a factory-installed option.
In September, we announced that Continental Automotive Systems' Maxwell-powered voltage stabilization system will be a standard feature on 2016 Cadillac ATS and CTS sedans and ATS coupes, excluding the ATS-V, CTS-V and CT6 models. General Motors is the first North American automotive original equipment manufacturer to integrate the Continental ultracapacitor-based voltage stabilization as part of the enhanced start-stop system, which lowers fuel costs, improves performance and reduces emissions, delivering an overall superior owner-driver experience.


23


Results of Operations
The Quarter Ended September 30, 2015 Compared with the Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
The following table presents certain unaudited statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:


Quarter Ended
 

September 30,


2015

2014
Revenue

100
 %

100
 %
Cost of revenue

68
 %

63
 %
Gross profit

32
 %

37
 %
Operating expenses:




Selling, general and administrative

20
 %

26
 %
Research and development

13
 %

17
 %
Restructuring and exit costs
 
 %
 
 %
Total operating expenses

33
 %

43
 %
Loss from operations

(1
)%

(6
)%
Other expenses, net

 %

 %
Loss from operations before income taxes

(1
)%

(6
)%
Income tax provision

2
 %

2
 %
Net loss

(3
)%

(8
)%
Net loss reported for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.4 million, or $0.05 per share, compared with net loss of $3.3 million, or $0.11 per share, in the same quarter one year ago. This decrease in loss was primarily driven by an increase in revenue of 8% to $45.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared with $41.6 million for the same period of the prior year, and a decrease in operating expenses of 16% to $14.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $17.8 million in the same period of the prior year. Partially offsetting the higher revenues and lower operating expenses was a decline in gross profit as a percent of revenue to 32% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared with 37% in the same quarter of the prior year.
Revenue and Gross Profit
The following table presents a comparison of revenue, cost of revenue and gross profit for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Change
 
%
Change
Revenue
 
$
45,076

 
100
%
 
$
41,593

 
100
%
 
$
3,483

 
8
 %
Cost of revenue
 
30,820

 
68
%
 
26,113

 
63
%
 
4,707

 
18
 %
Gross profit
 
$
14,256

 
32
%
 
$
15,480

 
37
%
 
$
(1,224
)
 
(8
)%
Revenue. In the third quarter of 2015, revenue increased 8% to $45.1 million, compared with $41.6 million in the same quarter one year ago. The increase in revenue was influenced primarily by higher revenues for our ultracapacitor product line which increased by 10% to $31.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $28.8 million in the third quarter of 2014. Of the increase in ultracapacitor product revenues, approximately $7.6 million was associated with an increase in the volume of ultracapacitor sales as well as a change in the mix of products sold, which was offset by approximately $4.1 million associated with decreases in prices for our ultracapacitor products.
Revenues for our high voltage products decreased slightly to $10.3 million for the third quarter of 2015, compared with $10.4 million for the same quarter one year ago. Revenues for our microelectronics products increased by $644,000 to $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared with $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2014, as revenue for this product line can vary widely based on the timing of governmental and commercial programs incorporating our products.

24


A substantial amount of our revenue is generated through our Swiss subsidiary which has a functional currency of the Swiss Franc. As such, reported revenue can be materially impacted by the changes in exchange rates between the Swiss Franc and the U.S. Dollar, our reporting currency. Due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Swiss Franc during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 compared with the same period one year ago, revenue was negatively impacted by $458,000.
Gross Profit. In the third quarter of 2015, gross profit decreased $1.2 million or 8% to $14.3 million compared with $15.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit margin decreased to 32% in the third quarter of 2015 compared with 37% in the same quarter one year ago. Of the decrease in gross profit in absolute dollars, $4.1 million was associated with decreases in prices for our ultracapacitor products as well as a change in the mix of products sold, which was partially offset by $2.9 million associated with an increase in the volume of ultracapacitor products sold. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to a reduction in pricing for our ultracapacitor products.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
The following table presents selling, general and administrative expense for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Quarter Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
Selling, general and administrative
 
$
9,070

 
20
%
 
$
10,839

 
26
%
 
$
(1,769
)
 
(16
)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses were 20% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015, down from 26% in the same quarter in 2014, while total expenses decreased by $1.8 million, or 16%. The decrease in absolute dollars included a $1.4 million decrease in labor costs associated with reduced headcount as a result of our restructuring efforts and the elimination of our management bonus program for 2015. Additionally, consulting, travel and information systems expenses decreased by a total of $651,000 in the third quarter of 2015 compared with the same period in the prior year as a result of cost reduction efforts. Also, in the third quarter of 2015, we received a $475,000 refund of value-added-taxes related to our operations in China. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in external legal fees of $921,000 incurred in the third quarter of 2015 related to the ongoing U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 20% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015, down from 26% for the same quarter in 2014, as expenses were lower and revenues were higher for the third quarter of 2015.
Research and Development Expense
The following table presents research and development expense for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Quarter Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
Research and development
 
$
5,781

 
13
%
 
$
6,923

 
17
%
 
$
(1,142
)
 
(16
)%
Research and development expenses were 13% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015, down from 17% in the same quarter in 2014, while total expenses decreased by $1.1 million. The decrease in absolute dollars for the third quarter of 2015 was primarily a result of an increase in cost reimbursements under funded research and development programs of $682,000 and a $412,000 decrease in labor costs associated with reduced headcount as a result of our restructuring efforts as well as the elimination of our management bonus program for 2015. Research and development expenses decreased to 13% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015, down from 17% for the same quarter in 2014, as expenses were lower and revenues were higher for the third quarter of 2015.
Restructuring and Exit Costs
Management initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate U.S. manufacturing operations and to reduce headcount and operating expenses in order to align our cost structure with the current business forecast and to improve operational efficiency. Total restructuring and exit charges are expected to be approximately $3.4 million, including $2.1 million in facilities costs related to the consolidation of manufacturing operations, $1.2 million in employee severance costs, and $125,000 in relocation costs. Upon completion of the plan, which is anticipated to be by the end of the first quarter of 2016, total cash expenditures

25


related to restructuring activities are expected to be approximately $2.2 million. In addition, we expect to incur capital expenditures of $1.5 million required to facilitate the consolidation of operations.
Restructuring charges for the three months ended September 30, 2015 included $56,000 in employee severance costs for work force reductions. We paid $650,000 in employee severance costs during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
The following table summarizes the restructuring and exit costs for the three months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Employee Severance Costs
 
Lease Obligation Costs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Amounts reserved at June 30, 2015
 
$
1,014

 
$
1,208

 
$

 
$
2,222

Additional costs incurred for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
149

 

 

 
149

Amounts paid for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
(650
)
 

 

 
(650
)
Amounts released and other non-cash adjustments for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(86
)
 
$

 
$
(179
)
Amounts reserved at September 30, 2015
 
$
420

 
$
1,122

 
$

 
$
1,542

Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% primarily due to foreign income tax and the valuation allowance against our domestic deferred tax assets.
We recorded an income tax provision of $865,000 for the third quarter of 2015 compared with $962,000 for the same quarter in 2014. This provision is primarily related to income generated by our Swiss subsidiary.
At September 30, 2015, we have a cumulative valuation allowance of $64.2 million offsetting our worldwide net deferred tax assets of which the significant majority represents the valuation allowance on our U.S. net deferred tax asset. We have established a valuation allowance against our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of such assets. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and at such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that U.S. deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly.
The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
The following table presents certain unaudited statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
 
100
 %
 
100
 %
Cost of revenue
 
69
 %
 
63
 %
Gross profit
 
31
 %
 
37
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
25
 %
 
24
 %
Research and development
 
17
 %
 
14
 %
Restructuring and exit costs
 
2
 %
 
 %
Total operating expenses
 
44
 %
 
38
 %
Loss from operations
 
(13
)%
 
(1
)%
Other expense, net
 
 %
 
1
 %
Loss from operations before income taxes
 
(13
)%
 
(2
)%
Income tax provision
 
4
 %
 
1
 %
Net loss
 
(17
)%
 
(3
)%
Net loss reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $20.2 million, or $0.66 per share, compared with a net loss of $4.2 million, or $0.14 per share, in the same period one year ago. This increase in net loss was primarily driven by a

26


decrease in revenue of 12% to $117.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with $133.7 million for the same period of the prior year, and a decline in gross profit as a percent of revenue to 31% compared with 37% in the same period of the prior year. Additionally, the income tax provision increased to $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $1.9 million in the same period of the prior year, primarily associated with a $2.1 million deferred tax expense recorded in the second quarter of 2015 related to a change in the estimate of the amount of our foreign earnings considered permanently invested.
Revenue and Gross Profit
The following table presents a comparison of revenue, cost of revenue and gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Nine months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
Revenue
 
$
117,542

 
100
%
 
$
133,668

 
100
%
 
$
(16,126
)
 
(12
)%
Cost of revenue
 
80,830

 
69
%
 
83,728

 
63
%
 
(2,898
)
 
(3
)%
Gross profit
 
$
36,712

 
31
%
 
$
49,940

 
37
%
 
$
(13,228
)
 
(26
)%
Revenue. In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, revenue decreased 12% to $117.5 million, compared with $133.7 million in the same period one year ago. The decrease in revenue was influenced primarily by lower revenues for our ultracapacitor product line which decreased by 19% to $77.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $94.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Of the decline in ultracapacitor product revenues, approximately $11.1 million was associated with a decline in the volume of ultracapacitor sales as well as a change in the mix of products sold, and approximately $6.4 million was associated with decreases in prices for our ultracapacitor products.
Revenues for our high voltage products increased by $2.3 million to $32.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared with $30.5 million for the same period one year ago, primarily related to sales of newly developed products. Revenues for our microelectronics products decreased by $905,000 to $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with $8.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as revenue for this product line can vary widely based on the timing of governmental and commercial programs incorporating our products.
A substantial amount of our revenue is generated through our Swiss subsidiary which has a functional currency of the Swiss Franc. As such, reported revenue can be materially impacted by the changes in exchange rates between the Swiss Franc and the U.S. Dollar, our reporting currency. Due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Swiss Franc during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 compared with the same period one year ago, revenue was negatively impacted by $1.3 million.
Gross Profit. In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, gross profit decreased $13.2 million, or 26%, to $36.7 million compared with $49.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit margin decreased to 31% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with 37% in the same period one year ago. Of the decrease in gross profit in absolute dollars, $2.9 million was due to a decline in the volume of products sold as well as a change in the mix of products sold, $3.9 million was related to higher product costs primarily due to lower production volumes, and $6.4 million was associated with decreases in prices for our ultracapacitor products. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to lower overall sales volumes, higher product costs due to lower production volumes, as well as the reduction in pricing for our ultracapacitor products.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
The following table presents selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Nine months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Decrease
 
%
Change
Selling, general and administrative
 
$
30,169

 
25
%
 
$
32,192

 
24
%
 
$
(2,023
)
 
(6
)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses were 25% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up from 24% in the same period in 2014, while total expenses decreased by $2.0 million, or 6%. The decrease in absolute dollars

27


for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included a $970,000 decrease in overall labor costs associated with reduced headcount as a result of our restructuring efforts and the elimination of our management bonus program for 2015, a $616,000 reduction in recruiting costs, a $587,000 decrease in travel costs, as well as other expense savings primarily as a result of our restructuring and cost reduction efforts. Also, in the third quarter of 2015, we received a $475,000 refund of value-added-taxes related to our operations in China. These decreases were partially offset by external legal fees of $1.2 million incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to the ongoing SEC and FCPA investigations. Despite the decrease in absolute dollars, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 25% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up from 24% for the same period in 2014, as revenues were lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Research and Development Expense
The following table presents research and development expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Nine months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenue
 
Increase
 
%
Change
Research and development
 
$
19,629

 
17
%
 
$
19,317

 
14
%
 
$
312

 
2
%
Research and development expenses were 17% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up from 14% in the same period in 2014, while total expenses increased by 2% or $312,000. The increase in absolute dollars was associated with an increase of $615,000 in labor costs as a result of hiring in the second half of 2014, and $542,000 in expense for product evaluation units used to support a grid energy storage demonstration project in 2015. These increases were offset by a $535,000 decrease in labor costs as a result of the elimination of our management bonus program for 2015. Research and development expenses increased to 17% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up from 14% for the same period in 2014, as both expenses were higher and revenues were lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Restructuring and Exit Costs
Management initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate U.S. manufacturing operations and to reduce headcount and operating expenses in order to align our cost structure with the current business forecast and to improve operational efficiency. Total restructuring and exit charges are expected to be approximately $3.4 million, including $2.1 million in facilities costs related to the consolidation of manufacturing operations, $1.2 million in employee severance costs, and $125,000 in relocation costs. Upon completion of the plan, which is anticipated to be by the end of the first quarter of 2016, total cash expenditures related to restructuring activities are expected to be approximately $2.2 million. In addition, we expect to incur capital expenditures of $1.5 million required to facilitate the consolidation of operations.
Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 include $1.2 million for future rent obligations, net of estimated sublease income, associated with the exit of a portion of a leased facility, and $1.2 million in employee severance costs for work force reductions. We paid $768,000 in employee severance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
The following table summarizes the restructuring and exit costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Employee Severance Costs
 
Lease Obligation Costs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Costs incurred for the quarter ended June 30, 2015
 
$
1,132

 
$
1,208

 
$

 
$
2,340

Amounts paid for the quarter ended June 30, 2015
 
(118
)
 

 

 
(118
)
Amounts reserved at June 30, 2015
 
1,014

 
1,208

 

 
2,222

Additional costs incurred for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
149

 

 

 
149

Amounts paid for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
(650
)
 

 

 
(650
)
Amounts released and other non-cash adjustments for the quarter ended September 30, 2015
 
(93
)
 
(86
)
 

 
(179
)
Amounts reserved at September 30, 2015
 
$
420

 
$
1,122

 
$

 
$
1,542


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Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% primarily due to foreign income tax and the valuation allowance against our domestic deferred tax assets.
We recorded an income tax provision of $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As a result of changes in our business plans in the second quarter of 2015, we changed our estimate of the amount of foreign earnings considered permanently reinvested. Therefore, during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, we recorded a $2.1 million deferred tax expense for Swiss withholding taxes associated with undistributed earnings of our Swiss subsidiary that are no longer considered permanently reinvested. In the event that the Company repatriates these funds, these withholding taxes would become payable. The remaining amount of our income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and the income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, is primarily related to income generated by our Swiss subsidiary.
At September 30, 2015, we have a cumulative valuation allowance of $64.2 million offsetting our worldwide net deferred tax assets of which the significant majority represents the valuation allowance on our U.S. net deferred tax asset. We have established a valuation allowance against our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of such assets. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and at such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that U.S. deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Changes in Cash Flow
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
2015
 
2014
Total cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
8,530

 
$
6,251

Investing activities
 
(2,779
)
 
(5,195
)
Financing activities
 
(5,752
)
 
3,096

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
82

 
(4,001
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
81

 
$
151

Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Cash provided by operations relates primarily to the net loss of $20.2 million, which included non-cash charges of $15.3 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of $7.5 million. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to the high volume of sales in the fourth quarter of 2014 which were then collected in the first quarter of 2015. In addition, there was a decrease in inventory of $3.7 million primarily associated with efforts to reduce our inventory levels.
The increase in operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2014 relates primarily to the decrease in accounts receivable of $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 versus an increase of $1.3 million in accounts receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This is primarily due to the lower sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, and therefore lower collections in the subsequent quarter. In addition, operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included a net loss of $20.2 million, with non-cash charges of $15.3 million, compared with the same period in 2014 where operating cash flows included a net loss of $4.2 million, with non-cash charges of $12.5 million. Finally, there was a decrease in inventory of $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with an increase of $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as inventory was built up during this period to support fourth quarter sales.
Net cash used in investing activities was $2.8 million and $5.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and related primarily to capital expenditures. Capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily focused on investments in our manufacturing operations and corporate research and development facilities in San Diego, California. Capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were primarily focused on investments in increased production capacity, including equipment for our manufacturing facility in San Diego, California, our contract manufacturing operations in Shenzhen, China, and our new manufacturing facility in Peoria, Arizona.

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Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared with $3.1 million provided by financing activities for the same period in 2014. Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily resulted from net proceeds from our at-the-market equity offering of $9.6 million after commissions and offering costs of $406,000 that was completed on June 11, 2015 and proceeds from exercises of employee stock options of $876,000, which were offset by net payments on long term and short term borrowings of $15.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily resulted from net proceeds from short term borrowings of $1.7 million and cash proceeds from exercises of employee stock options of $1.4 million.
Liquidity
As of September 30, 2015, we had approximately $24.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, and working capital of $65.5 million. All outstanding amounts due to our previous lender were paid in full on July 3, 2015. In July 2015, we entered into a loan agreement with East West Bank (“EWB”), whereby EWB made available to us a secured credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit. The Revolving Line of Credit is available up to a maximum of the lesser of: (a) $25.0 million; or (b) a certain percentage of domestic and foreign trade receivables. As of September 30, 2015, the amount available under the under the Revolving Line of Credit was $20.4 million. No amounts have been borrowed under this Revolving Line of Credit as of September 30, 2015.
In addition, in June 2014, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC to, from time to time, sell up to $125 million of our common stock, warrants, debt securities or units. On April 23, 2015,we entered into an At-the-Market Equity Offering Sales Agreement (“Sales Agreement”) with Cowen and Company, LLC (“Cowen”) pursuant to which we could sell, at our option, up to an aggregate of $10.0 million in shares of common stock through Cowen, as sales agent. Under the Sales Agreement, we agreed to pay Cowen a commission equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock. On June 11, 2015, we completed the sale of approximately $10.0 million of our common stock and terminated the offering. Approximately 1.83 million shares were sold in the offering at an average share price of $5.46. The Company received net proceeds of $9.6 million after commissions and offering costs of $406,000.
As of September 30, 2015, the amount of cash and short-term investments held by foreign subsidiaries was $16.7 million. If these funds are needed for our operations in the U.S. in the future, we may be required to pay taxes to repatriate these funds at a rate of approximately 5%. We have accrued the tax expense associated with potential future repatriation of these funds.
Credit Facilities
Revolving Line of Credit
In July 2015, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) and related agreements with East West Bank (“EWB”), whereby EWB made available to us a secured credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Line of Credit”). The Revolving Line of Credit is available up to a maximum of the lesser of: (a) $25.0 million; or (b) a certain percentage of domestic and foreign trade receivables. As of September 30, 2015, the amount available under the Revolving Line of Credit was $20.4 million. In general, amounts borrowed under the Revolving Line of Credit are secured by a lien on all of our assets, including our intellectual property, as well as a pledge of 100% of our equity interests in the Company’s Swiss subsidiary. The obligations under the Loan Agreement are guaranteed by the Swiss Subsidiary. The Revolving Line of Credit will mature on July 3, 2018; however, repayment of amounts owed pursuant to the Loan Agreement may be accelerated in the event that we are in violation of the representations, warranties and covenants made in the Loan Agreement, including certain financial covenants set forth therein. The financial covenants that we are required to meet during the term of the credit agreement include a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA, a quarterly minimum liquidity ratio and a minimum cash requirement.
Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Line of Credit bear interest, payable monthly. Such interest shall accrue based upon, at our election, subject to certain limitations, either a Prime Rate plus a margin or the LIBOR Rate plus a margin, ranging from 0% to 0.50% or the LIBOR Rate plus a margin ranging from 2.75% to 3.25%, the specific rate for each as determined based upon our leverage ratio from time to time.
We are required to pay an annual commitment fee equal to $125,000, and an unused commitment fee of the average daily unused amount of the Revolving Line of Credit, payable monthly, equal to a per annum rate in a range of 0.30% to 0.50%, as determined by our leverage ratio on the last day of the previous fiscal quarter. No amounts have been borrowed under this Revolving Line of Credit as of September 30, 2015.
Former Credit Facility
In December 2011, we obtained a revolving line of credit and an equipment term loan (the “Former Revolving Line of Credit”), and an equipment term loan (the “Equipment Term Loan”) (together, the “Former Credit Facility”). Borrowings under

30


the Former Credit Facility bore interest, payable monthly, at either (i) the bank's prime rate or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.25%, at our option subject to certain limitations. The Equipment Term Loan was available to finance 80% of eligible equipment purchases made between April 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012. During this period, we borrowed $5.0 million under the Equipment Term Loan.
The balance of the Equipment Term Loan was paid in full by the maturity date of April 30, 2015. Concurrently with entering into the Loan Agreement described above, in July 2015, we repaid all outstanding loans under the Former Revolving Line of Credit and terminated the Former Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2015, no balance was outstanding under the Former Revolving Line of Credit. We did not incur any early termination or prepayment penalties under the Former Credit Facility in connection with the above transactions.
Other long-term borrowings
We have various financing agreements for vehicles. These agreements are for up to an original three year repayment period with interest rates ranging from 1.9% to 3.9%. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $106,000 and $110,000 respectively, was outstanding under these financing agreements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 1, Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. There have been no significant changes in our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of fiscal 2014.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard provides companies with a single model for accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the required adoption date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. As a result of the deferred effective date, ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted but not before the original effective date of the new standard of the first quarter of fiscal 2017. We are in the process of evaluating the transition method that will be elected and the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  The update changes the presentation of debt issuance costs to a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, and the new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The new guidance was issued to more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards. The core principle of this updated guidance is that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 apply to inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied

31


prospectively. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our financial statements.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We face exposure to financial market risks, including adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates. These exposures may change over time and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. We have not entered into or invested in any instruments that are subject to market risk, except as follows:
Foreign Currency Risk
Our primary foreign currency exposure is related to our subsidiary in Switzerland, Maxwell SA. Maxwell SA has Euro and local currency (Swiss Franc) revenue and operating expenses, as well as local currency loans. Changes in these currency exchange rates impact the reported amount (U.S. dollar) of revenue, expenses and debt. As part of our risk management strategy, we use forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures. Our objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with gains and losses on the forward contracts, thereby reducing volatility of earnings. We use the forward contracts to hedge certain monetary assets and liabilities, primarily receivables and payables, denominated in a foreign currency. The change in fair value of these instruments represents a natural hedge as their gains and losses partially offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities due to movements in currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2015, the impact of a theoretical detrimental change in foreign currency exchange rates of 10% on the foreign currency forward contracts would result in a hypothetical loss of $63,000, however, considering the offsetting impact of such a theoretical change in exchange rates on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged, the hypothetical loss is only $41,000, which would be recorded in income from continuing operations in the consolidated statement of operations. For local currency debt carried by our Swiss subsidiary, the impact of a hypothetical 10% detrimental change in foreign currency exchange rates would result in a hypothetical loss of $11,000, which would be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet.
Interest Rate Risk
At September 30, 2015, we had no outstanding balance under our Revolving Line of Credit. We have various financing agreements for vehicles. These agreements are for up to a five year repayment period with interest rates ranging from 1.9% to 3.9%. At September 30, 2015, $106,000 was outstanding under these financing agreements, $59,000 of which is classified as long-term debt. As these borrowings are minor, changes in interest rates would not significantly impact our financial results.
Fair Value Risk
We had a net pension asset of $8.2 million at September 30, 2015 and $7.4 million at December 31, 2014. As of the last fair value measurement date of December 31, 2014, the net pension asset included plan assets with a fair value of $40.4 million. The plan assets consisted of 55% debt and equity securities, 40% real estate and 5% of cash and cash equivalents. The fair values of debt and equity securities are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and are subject to interest rate risk. The fair value measurement of the real estate is subject to the real estate market forces in Switzerland. We manage our risk by having a diversified portfolio.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
We are committed to maintaining disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2015, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

32


There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


33


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
The information set forth under Note 9 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 of this report, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors update the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Annual Report") for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in the Annual Report, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Our restructuring activities could result in management distractions, operational disruptions and other difficulties.
We have initiated restructuring and other exit activities in an effort to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, and such efforts are expected to continue in the future. Our restructuring plan includes reductions-in-force, a U.S. manufacturing facility consolidation, and the potential divestiture of a product line. These actions are intended to better align our cost structure with near-term revenue, and also to improve engineering and operational efficiencies throughout the organization. Additional reductions- in-force and senior level employee replacements may be required as we continue to realign our business organization, operations and product lines. Our efforts to consolidate U.S. manufacturing operations may not be successful. For example, we may encounter issues with the quality and performance of products which are manufactured in an alternate facility where certain key manufacturing processes have not been practiced or qualified. Such difficulties, even if managed correctly, could result in delays in the actual consolidation of our manufacturing operations and therefore a delay in realizing anticipated reductions in expenses. Any restructuring efforts could also disrupt our ability to supply products to customers, detriment relationships with customers and other business partners, divert the attention of management away from other priorities, harm our reputation, expose us to increased risk of legal claims by terminated employees, increase our expenses, increase the workload placed upon remaining employees and cause employees to lose confidence in the future performance of the Company and decide to leave. In addition, if we continue to reduce our workforce, it may adversely impact our ability to respond rapidly to new growth opportunities or to remain competitive. Further, employees whose positions were or will be eliminated in connection with these restructuring activities or who otherwise determine to leave the Company may seek employment with our competitors, customers or suppliers. Although each of our employees is required to sign a confidentiality agreement with us at the time of employment, which agreement contains covenants prohibiting among other things the disclosure or use of our confidential information and the solicitation of our employees, we cannot guarantee that the confidential nature of our proprietary information will be maintained in the course of such future employment, or that our key continuing employees will not be solicited to terminate their employment with us. We cannot guarantee that any restructuring activities undertaken in the future will be successful, or that we will be able to realize the anticipated cost savings and other anticipated benefits from our restructuring plans.
Unfavorable results of legal proceedings could materially adversely affect us.
We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that have arisen out of the ordinary conduct of our business and are not yet resolved, and additional claims may arise in the future. Results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Regardless of merit, litigation may be both time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and could cause significant expense and diversion of management attention. From time to time, we are involved in major lawsuits concerning intellectual property, torts, contracts, shareholder litigation, administrative and regulatory proceedings and other matters, as well as governmental inquiries and investigations, the outcomes of which may be significant to our results of operations and may limit our ability to engage in our business activities. In recognition of these considerations, we may enter into material settlements to avoid ongoing costs and efforts in defending or pursuing a matter. Should we fail to prevail in certain matters, or should several of these matters be resolved against us in the same reporting period, we may be faced with significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. While we have insurance related to our business operations, it may not apply to or fully cover any liabilities we incur as a result of these lawsuits. We record reserves for potential liabilities where we believe the liability to be probable and reasonably estimable. However, our actual costs may be materially different from these estimates.
For example, as articulated in Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, we have several pending legal matters in the form of both government and regulatory investigations as well as civil lawsuits. Notably, we received a subpoena from the SEC on June 11, 2015 relating to an investigation into the underlying causes prompting the restatement of our 2011 and 2012 financial statements in 2013. The subpoena requests a range of documents, including documents relating to our revenue recognition practices and associated transactions and business relationships. We are unable at this time to predict the outcome of the investigation. It is possible that the investigation could lead to claims or findings of violations of securities laws. We expect to

34


incur substantial legal and administrative costs in connection with the investigation, and could incur other costs, damages or penalties, depending on the outcome. We are unable at this time to estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss that we may incur as a result of the investigation. Further, these lawsuits, including, notably the investigation by the SEC, could be both time-consuming and disruptive to our business and, our reputation could be harmed as a result of the allegations asserted in public statements and court documents throughout the course of the action. Consequently, our financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected.
Items 2, 3, and 4 are not applicable and have been omitted.

Item 6.
Exhibits

Exhibit
Number

 
Description of Document
 
 
 
31.1

 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 Certification) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
 
 
 
31.2

 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 Certification) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
 
 
 
32

 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 Certification), as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *
 
 
 
101

 
The following financial statements and footnotes from the Maxwell Technologies, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. *
_________ 
*
Filed herewith.





35


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
October 29, 2015
 
By:
/s/ Franz Fink
 
 
 
 
Franz Fink
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
October 29, 2015
 
By:
/s/ David Lyle
 
 
 
 
David Lyle
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

36