UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
¨ |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
þ |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
¨ |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period
from
to
OR
¨ |
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company
report
Commission file number 001-35135
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SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS S.A. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
French Republic
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
15-55 Boulevard Charles de Gaulle
92700 Colombes, France
(Address of principal executive offices)
Georges Karam
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Sequans Communications S.A.
15-55 Boulevard Charles de Gaulle
92700 Colombes, France
Telephone: +33 1 70 72 16 00
Facsimile: +33 1 70 72 16 09
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
American Depositary Shares, each representing one |
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New York Stock Exchange |
ordinary share, nominal value 0.02 per
share Ordinary shares, nominal value 0.02 per
share |
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New York Stock Exchange* |
* |
Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares. |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Not Applicable
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act.
Not Applicable
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the
issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
Ordinary
shares, nominal value 0.02 per share: 59,144,741 as of December 31, 2014
Indicate by check mark if the
registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. ¨ Yes þ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨ No þ
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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated file, or a non-accelerated filer. See the
definitions of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated
filer þ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark which basis for accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financing statements included in
this filing:
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U.S. GAAP ¨ |
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International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board þ |
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Other ¨ |
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which
financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. ¨ Item 17 ¨ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes ¨ No þ
SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS S.A.
FORM 20-F
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
INTRODUCTION
Unless otherwise indicated, Sequans Communications S.A., Sequans Communications, the Company,
we, us and our refer to Sequans Communications S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
In
this annual report, references to the euro or are to the euro currency of the European Union and references to U.S. dollars or $ are to United States dollars.
Reference to the the Shares are references to Sequans Communications Ordinary Shares, nominal value 0.02 per
share, and references to the ADSs are to Sequans Communications American Depositary Shares (each representing one Ordinary Share), which are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that are based on our managements beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. All
statements other than present and historical facts and conditions contained in this annual report on Form 20-F, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial positions, business strategy, plans and our objectives for
future operations, are forward looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future
results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those concerning the following:
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forecasts and trends in the markets in which we compete and in which our products are sold, including statements regarding the LTE and WiMAX markets;
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our intent to expand our product platform to address the single-mode LTE market; |
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our expectations regarding our expenses, sales and operations; |
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our expectations regarding our operating results; |
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our expectations regarding our customer concentration; |
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trends and challenges in the markets in which we operate, including average selling price reductions, cyclicality in the wireless communications
industry and transitions to new process technologies; |
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our ability to anticipate the future market demands and future needs of our customers; |
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our ability to achieve new design wins or for design wins to result in shipments of our products at levels and in the timeframes we currently expect;
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our plans for future products and enhancements of existing products; |
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anticipated features and benefits of our current and future products; |
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the sources of future demand for our products; |
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our growth strategy elements and our growth rate; |
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our ability to enter into strategic alliances or partnerships; |
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our ability to protect and defend our intellectual property against potential third party intellectual property infringement claims;
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general economic conditions in our domestic and international markets; and |
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our future cash needs and our estimates regarding our capital requirements and our need for additional financing. |
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as anticipates, believes,
could, estimates, expects, intends, may, plans, potential, predicts, projects, should, will, would as
well as similar expressions. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors. We operate in a very competitive and
rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. We cannot assure you that our plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated,
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report, including, but not limited to, those factors described in Item 3.DRisk Factors, Item 4Information on the Company and
Item 5Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. Given these risks, uncertainties and other important factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable
to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth in this annual report. Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date such
forward-looking statements are made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
1
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
A. Selected Financial Data
The following tables set forth our selected
consolidated financial and other data. You should read the following selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and our consolidated financial statements and the
related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future periods. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2013 and 2014, the consolidated statements of financial position data at December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the consolidated statements of cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 have been derived from our
audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, consolidated statements of financial position data at
December 31, 2010 and 2011, and the consolidated statements of cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, have been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements not included in this annual report.
Our financial statements included in this annual report were prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
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Years ended December 31, |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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(in thousands, except per share data) |
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Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: |
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Revenue: |
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Product revenue |
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$ |
64,933 |
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$ |
91,742 |
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$ |
19,600 |
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$ |
10,708 |
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$ |
19,836 |
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Other revenue |
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3,611 |
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1,972 |
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2,654 |
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3,004 |
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2,766 |
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Total revenue |
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68,544 |
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93,714 |
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22,254 |
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13,712 |
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22,602 |
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Cost of revenue(1): |
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Cost of product revenue |
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33,272 |
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46,167 |
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11,781 |
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8,616 |
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15,435 |
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Cost of other revenue |
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340 |
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247 |
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176 |
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205 |
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346 |
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Total cost of revenue |
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33,612 |
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46,414 |
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11,957 |
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8,821 |
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15,781 |
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Gross profit |
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34,932 |
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47,300 |
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10,297 |
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4,891 |
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6,821 |
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% of revenue |
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51 |
% |
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50 |
% |
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46 |
% |
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36 |
% |
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30 |
% |
Operating expenses(1): |
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Research and development |
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17,917 |
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24,926 |
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28,365 |
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28,357 |
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28,634 |
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Sales and marketing |
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13,541 |
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12,960 |
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6,562 |
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4,449 |
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5,278 |
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General and administrative |
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3,953 |
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8,323 |
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8,093 |
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7,528 |
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6,969 |
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Total operating expenses |
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35,411 |
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46,209 |
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43,020 |
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40,334 |
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40,881 |
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Operating income (loss) |
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(479 |
) |
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1,091 |
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(32,723 |
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(35,443 |
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(34,060 |
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Financial income (expense) |
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(2,063 |
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(1,133 |
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(21 |
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(1 |
) |
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98 |
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Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
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(2,542 |
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(42 |
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(32,744 |
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(35,444 |
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(33,962 |
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Income tax expense (benefit) |
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150 |
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371 |
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234 |
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142 |
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162 |
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Profit (Loss) |
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$ |
(2,692 |
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$ |
(413 |
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$ |
(32,978 |
) |
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$ |
(35,586 |
) |
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$ |
(34,124 |
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Basic earnings (loss) per share(2) |
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$ |
(0.11 |
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$ |
(0.01 |
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$ |
(0.95 |
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$ |
(0.78 |
) |
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$ |
(0.58 |
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Diluted earnings (loss) per share(2) |
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$ |
(0.11 |
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$ |
(0.01 |
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$ |
(0.95 |
) |
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$ |
(0.78 |
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$ |
(0.58 |
) |
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Number of shares used for computing(2): |
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Basic |
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24,980 |
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32,611 |
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34,680 |
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45,456 |
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59,142 |
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Diluted |
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24,980 |
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32,611 |
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34,680 |
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45,456 |
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59,142 |
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2
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At December 31, |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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(in thousands) |
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data: |
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Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
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$ |
9,739 |
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$ |
57,220 |
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$ |
28,751 |
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$ |
37,244 |
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$ |
12,489 |
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Total current assets |
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39,365 |
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86,255 |
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49,539 |
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60,658 |
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36,315 |
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Total assets |
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49,717 |
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101,030 |
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68,402 |
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73,528 |
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49,415 |
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Current loans and borrowings |
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3,564 |
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2,133 |
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Total current liabilities |
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27,556 |
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16,087 |
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11,954 |
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13,258 |
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19,048 |
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Total equity |
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20,699 |
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84,244 |
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55,471 |
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58,929 |
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25,115 |
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Year ended December 31, |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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(in thousands) |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Data: |
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Net cash flow from (used in) operating activities |
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$ |
1,481 |
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$ |
2,763 |
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$ |
(22,848 |
) |
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$ |
(24,345 |
) |
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$ |
(24,406 |
) |
Net cash flow used in investments activities |
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(7,377 |
) |
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(10,252 |
) |
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(5,511 |
) |
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(3,956 |
) |
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(5,625 |
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Net cash flow from financing activities |
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7,844 |
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54,976 |
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(119 |
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36,791 |
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5,121 |
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Net foreign exchange difference |
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(1 |
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(6 |
) |
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9 |
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3 |
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(5 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 |
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7,792 |
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9,739 |
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57,220 |
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28,751 |
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37,244 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 |
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9,739 |
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57,220 |
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28,751 |
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37,244 |
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12,329 |
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(1) Includes share-based compensation as follows: |
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Year ended December 31, |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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(in thousands) |
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Cost of revenue |
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$ |
23 |
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$ |
208 |
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|
$ |
156 |
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|
$ |
112 |
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$ |
47 |
|
Operating expenses |
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|
1,108 |
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|
3,966 |
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|
3,033 |
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|
2,052 |
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|
|
1,230 |
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Share-based compensation |
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$ |
1,131 |
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$ |
4,174 |
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$ |
3,189 |
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$ |
2,164 |
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|
$ |
1,277 |
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(2) |
All per share data reflect a 1-for-2 reverse split of our share capital that was effective on April 12, 2011. |
Exchange Rate Information
In this annual report, for convenience only, we have translated the euro amounts reflected in our financial statements as of and for the
year ended December 31, 2014 into U.S. dollars at the rate of 1.00 = $1.2101, the noon buying rate for euros in New York City, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, on December 31, 2014. You
should not assume that, on that or on any other date, one could have converted these amounts of euros into U.S. dollars at that or any other exchange rate.
The following table sets forth, for each period indicated, the low and high exchange rates for euros expressed in U.S. dollars, the exchange rate at the end of such period and the average of such exchange
rates on the last day of each month during such period, based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in euros as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The source of the exchange rate is
the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The exchange rates set forth below demonstrate trends in exchange rates, but the actual exchange rates used throughout this annual report may vary.
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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High |
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|
1.4536 |
|
|
|
1.4875 |
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|
|
1.3463 |
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1.3816 |
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|
|
1.3927 |
|
Low |
|
|
1.1959 |
|
|
|
1.2926 |
|
|
|
1.2062 |
|
|
|
1.2774 |
|
|
|
1.2101 |
|
Period End |
|
|
1.3269 |
|
|
|
1.2973 |
|
|
|
1.3186 |
|
|
|
1.3779 |
|
|
|
1.2101 |
|
Average Rate |
|
|
1.3261 |
|
|
|
1.3931 |
|
|
|
1.2859 |
|
|
|
1.3281 |
|
|
|
1.3297 |
|
The following table sets forth, for each of the last six months, the low and high exchange rates for
euros expressed in U.S. Dollars and the exchange rate at the end of the month based on the noon buying rate as described above. The source of the exchange rate is the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.
3
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Six Months |
|
|
|
October |
|
|
November |
|
|
December |
|
|
January |
|
|
February |
|
|
March |
|
High |
|
|
1.2812 |
|
|
|
1.2554 |
|
|
|
1.2504 |
|
|
|
1.2015 |
|
|
|
1.1462 |
|
|
|
1.1212 |
|
Low |
|
|
1.2517 |
|
|
|
1.2394 |
|
|
|
1.2101 |
|
|
|
1.1279 |
|
|
|
1.1197 |
|
|
|
1.0524 |
|
End of Month |
|
|
1.2530 |
|
|
|
1.2438 |
|
|
|
1.2101 |
|
|
|
1.1290 |
|
|
|
1.1197 |
|
|
|
1.0741 |
|
On April 10, 2015, the noon buying rate for euros in New York City, as certified for customs
purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was 1.00 = $1.0598.
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Our business faces significant risks. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this annual report and in our
other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the following risk factors which we face and which are faced by our industry. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be
materially adversely affected by any of these risks. This report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our results could materially differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, as a
result of certain factors including the risks described below and elsewhere in this report and our other SEC filings. See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements on page 1.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We have a history of losses and have experienced a significant decline in revenue since 2011, and we may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future, on a quarterly or annual basis.
We were established in 2003 and began operations in 2004, and have incurred losses on an annual basis since
inception. We experienced net losses of $33.0 million, $35.6 million and $34.1 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2014, our accumulated deficit was $157.4 million. We expect to incur significant expense related to the
development of our LTE products and expansion of our business, including research and development and sales and administrative expenses. Additionally, we may encounter unforeseen difficulties, complications, product delays and other unknown factors
that require additional expense. As a result of these increased expenditures, we will have to generate and sustain substantially increased revenue to achieve profitability. We experienced a significant decline in revenue in the year ended
December 31, 2013 to $13.7 million from $22.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2012 and $93.7 million in 2011 due to lower sales of WiMAX products, following changes in the WiMAX market in the United States beginning in the second
half of 2011 and followed by many other markets in subsequent periods, and delays in the building out of LTE networks. Although revenue grew again in 2014 to $22.6 million, our revenue growth trends in periods prior to 2012 may not be repeated.
Accordingly, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability, and we may continue to incur significant losses in the future.
We
have historically derived a significant portion of our revenue from sales of our semiconductor solutions for the WiMAX segment of the 4G market, although that portion has been declining as revenue from sales of our LTE semiconductor solutions has
increased. We expect the WiMAX market and WiMAX sales to continue to decline, both as a percentage of total revenue and in absolute terms, over time. If we are unable to continue to increase revenue from the LTE market to compensate for the
reduction in WiMAX revenue, our results of operations will be further harmed.
Historically, and through the end of
2014, we have derived a significant portion of our revenue from the sale of our semiconductor solutions for the WiMAX market. In the second half of 2011, the WiMAX market experienced a decline due to global economic factors and a shift in strategy
by large WiMAX carriers, including Sprint, the largest driver of demand for WiMAX semiconductor solutions, to LTE, which significantly harmed our results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2011 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and
2013. We believe this reduction in the size of the WiMAX market to be permanent, although we expect the market will continue to exist on a much reduced basis for a number of years, as it will take time for all WiMAX operators to make the transition
to LTE. We further believe that sales of WiMAX solutions in the future will be significantly lower than in the past, uneven and unpredictable as our customers manage their inventory and most likely begin the end-of-life process for some or all of
their WiMAX products. We have invested substantial time and resources in developing products that support LTE, and have begun to generate substantial LTE revenue starting in the third quarter of 2013. If we fail to accurately predict market
requirements or market demand for LTE, or if our solutions are not successfully developed or adopted by our customers, we will be unable to generate significant revenue from the LTE market and our business will suffer. If LTE networks are deployed
to a lesser extent or more slowly than we currently anticipate, especially in light of the decline of the WiMAX market, or if other competing 4G protocols achieve greater market acceptance or operators do not migrate to LTE, we may not realize any
benefits from this investment. As a result, our business, operating results and financial condition will be significantly harmed.
4
Our LTE semiconductor solutions do not incorporate support for 2G or 3G protocols, and we currently
focus on selling our solutions into the market for LTE-only devices. If the market for LTE-only devices materializes more slowly or at a lower volume level than we anticipate, our results of operations may be harmed.
Our semiconductor solutions currently support only 4G protocols. As a result, our LTE strategy focuses primarily on selling into the
LTE-only device market. The growth rate and size of the market for LTE-only devices is dependent on a number of factors, including the degree of geographic and population coverage by LTE networks. If this coverage does not materialize as quickly as
we expect, if fewer LTE carriers than we expect offer comprehensive LTE coverage in their geographic operating areas, or if these LTE carriers require support for 2G or 3G protocols in a larger proportion of their overall device portfolio than we
expect, then demand for LTE-only semiconductor solutions like ours would be lower and our results of operations would be harmed.
If we are unsuccessful in developing and selling new products on a timely and cost-effective basis or in penetrating new markets, in particular the single-mode LTE market, our business and operating
results would suffer.
Our industry is subject to rapid technological change that could result in decreased demand for our products and
those of our customers or result in new specifications or requirements on our products, each of which could negatively affect our revenues, margins and operating results.
The markets in which we and our customers compete or plan to compete are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and industry
standards and technological obsolescence. Our ability to compete successfully depends on our ability to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market and support new products and enhancements on a timely and cost-effective basis. A
fundamental shift in technologies in any of our target markets could harm our competitive position within these markets. In addition, such shifts can cause a significant decrease in our revenues and adversely affect our operating results, as we saw
in 2012 and 2013 with technology shifting from WiMAX to LTE. Our failure to anticipate these shifts, to develop new technologies or to react to changes in existing technologies could materially delay our development of new products, which could
result in product obsolescence, decreased revenue and a loss of design wins. The development of new technologies and products generally requires substantial investment before they are commercially viable. We intend to continue to make substantial
investments in developing new technologies and products, including our LTE products, and it is possible that our development efforts will not be successful and that our new technologies and products will not be accepted by customers or result in
meaningful revenue. If the semiconductor solutions we develop fail to meet market or customer requirements or do not achieve market acceptance, our operating results and competitive position would suffer.
Our success and the success of our new products will depend on accurate forecasts of future technological developments, customer and
consumer requirements and long-term market demand, as well as on a variety of specific implementation factors, including:
|
|
|
accurate prediction of the size and growth of the LTE markets, and in particular the market for LTE-only, also referred to as single-mode LTE, products
where no fall back to 2G or 3G technology is required; |
|
|
|
accurate prediction of changes in device manufacturer requirements, technology, industry standards or consumer expectations, demands and preferences;
|
|
|
|
accurate prediction of the growth of the Internet of Things market and the adoption of industry standards allowing devices to connect and communicate
with each other; |
|
|
|
timely and efficient completion of process design and transfer to manufacturing, assembly and test, and securing sufficient manufacturing capacity to
allow us to continue to timely and cost-effectively deliver products to our customers; |
|
|
|
market acceptance, adequate consumer demand and commercial production of the products in which our semiconductor solutions are incorporated;
|
|
|
|
the quality, performance and reliability of our products as compared to competing products and technologies; and |
|
|
|
effective marketing, sales and customer service. |
The markets for our semiconductor solutions are characterized by frequent introduction of next generation and new products, short product life cycles and significant price competition. If we or our
customers are unable to manage product transitions in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business and results of operations would suffer. In addition, frequent technology changes and introduction of next generation products may result in
inventory obsolescence, which could reduce our gross margins and harm our operating performance. If we fail to timely introduce new products that meet the demands of our customers or our target markets, or if we fail to penetrate new markets, our
revenue will decrease and our financial condition would suffer.
5
Certain of our customers use third party suppliers for LTE radio transceivers. If such third party
suppliers are unable to assure supply to our customers, our sales of LTE basebands to these customers could be adversely affected.
While we have our own radio transceiver (RF) solution for certain frequencies, are currently sampling our own additional RF solutions in other frequency bands and frequently evaluate alternative external
solutions, a number of our current LTE design wins are for products in frequency bands not supported by our existing internal RF solutions or solutions we are currently sampling and therefore use RF solutions provided by third party suppliers. If
such third party suppliers are unable to supply their RF solutions, have technical or quality problems with their RF solutions, or declare their RF solutions end-of-life, the success of our customers products which incorporate such third
party RF solutions may be adversely impacted. For example, one such supplier, Fujitsu, announced in early 2014 that it will no longer manufacture certain RF solutions. As a result, we have purchased the estimated quantities of these RF components
that existing customer products will require before the products reach end-of-life or are redesigned based on our new RF solutions. If these quantities are insufficient and if we are unable to secure additional inventory for our customers of RF
solutions that have been declared end-of-life until we can transition our customers to our own or other alternative RF solutions, our sales of LTE baseband products integrated in these customers products could be adversely impacted.
Conversely, if we have overestimated the quantities required by our customers, we could be forced to reduce the value of the inventory resulting in additional loss.
If we fail to successfully develop, commercialize, produce and sell our module product line, our business, revenue and operating results may be harmed.
In 2013 we introduced a new product module line. Our modules incorporate many components in addition to our chipsets. We may lack the
purchasing power to acquire at competitive prices certain components required to produce modules, and we do not expect to be able to command selling prices for those modules that allow us to maintain traditional semiconductor-only margins for the
full module. In the near future, modules could represent a large portion of our revenue mix, which could negatively impact our overall gross margin. Certain large customers may decide to buy the modules directly from the manufacturers who
purchase our chipsets, rather than us, in order to reduce their costs. This may result in a reduction of our gross profit, but an improvement of overall gross margin percentage, compared to the case where we sell the modules ourselves.
Module components may be sourced from numerous different suppliers. Some of these components may periodically be in short supply or
be subject to long lead times, which could affect our ability to meet customer demand for our modules, therefore delaying our revenue. In addition, we rely on various contract manufacturers to produce our modules. If these manufacturers
encounter any issues with production capacity, quality or reliability of their products, it could adversely affect our revenue and our reputation in the market. If our ability to expand our product platform is significantly delayed or if we are
unable to leverage our module as expected, our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
If customers request from us, and we agree to provide, a wide variety of module variants or stock-keeping units, or SKUs, to support
different operators or different end-applications, our expenses associated with developing, sourcing and certifying our module products would increase. In addition, managing supply and demand across multiple SKUs may increase the possibility
that we will under or over-forecast a given SKU, resulting in either delayed revenue or excess inventory.
Participating in
the module business could create a perception among our customers that we are competing with them if they are also in the module business, which could impair our chipset business prospects with such customers. The module can be considered an end
product with full LTE functionality; therefore, there is market pressure from manufacturers of products not normally incorporating a communication function for us to sell the module with essential IP indemnification. We intend to negotiate license
agreements for the module in order to offer standard indemnification to our manufacturing partners, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining licenses on acceptable terms.
We or our customers may be required to obtain licenses for certain so-called essential patents in order to comply with applicable
standards, which could require us to pay additional royalties on certain of our products. If we are unable to obtain such licenses, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be harmed.
We or our customers may be required to obtain licenses for third-party intellectual property. In particular, we may be required to obtain
licenses to certain third-party patents, so-called essential patents, that claim features or functions that are incorporated into applicable industry standards and that we are required to provide in order to comply with the standard. If
we need to license any third-party intellectual property, essential patents or other technology, we could be required to pay royalties on certain of our products. In addition, while the industry standards bodies and the antitrust laws in certain
countries may require participating companies to license their essential patents on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain such licenses on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
Although we have implemented a dedicated standard essential patents licensing-in reference policy, our inability to obtain required third-party intellectual property licenses on commercially reasonable terms or at all could harm our business,
results of operations, financial condition or prospects. If our customers are required to obtain such licenses, there can be no assurances that their businesses will not be adversely affected. In addition, if our competitors have significant numbers
of essential patents and/or patent license rights, they could be at an advantage in negotiating with our customers or potential customers, which could influence our ability to win new business or could result in downward pressure on our average
selling prices.
6
We depend on the commercial deployment of 4G wireless communications equipment, products and services
to grow our business, and our business may be harmed if wireless carriers delay or are unsuccessful in the commercial deployment of 4G technology or if they deploy technologies that are not supported by our solutions.
We depend upon the commercial deployment of 4G wireless communications equipment, products and services based on our technology. While
many wireless carriers have commercially deployed 3G networks, we cannot predict the timing or success of commercial deployments of 4G networks whether by existing 2G/3G network operators or by new wireless carriers. Deployment of new networks by
wireless carriers requires significant capital expenditures, well in advance of any revenue from such networks. In the past, wireless carriers have cancelled or delayed planned deployments of new networks. If existing deployments are not
commercially successful or do not continue to grow their subscriber base, or if new commercial deployments of 4G networks are delayed or unsuccessful, our business and financial results would be harmed.
During network deployment, wireless carriers often anticipate a certain rate of subscriber additions and, in response, operators
typically procure devices to satisfy this forecasted demand. If the rate of deployment of new networks by wireless carriers is slower than we expect or if 4G technology is not as widely adopted by consumers as we expect, the rate of subscriber
additions may be slower than expected, which will reduce the sales of our products and cause OEMs and ODMs to hold excess inventory. This would harm our sales and our financial results. A limited number of wireless carriers have started testing 4G
networks and a smaller number of wireless carriers have launched limited 4G networks, but the timing and extent of 4G network deployments remains uncertain, and we might not be successful in developing and marketing our semiconductor solutions
targeting 4G markets.
In addition, wireless carriers may choose to deploy technologies not supported by our solutions. If a
4G technology that is not supported by our semiconductor solutions gains significant market share or is favored by a significant wireless carrier, we could be required to expend a significant amount of time and capital to develop a solution that is
compatible with that alternative technology. If we are not successful, we could lose design wins with respect to that technology and our business and financial results would be harmed. Moreover, once a competitors solution is chosen by a
wireless carrier, OEM or ODM we will have difficulty supplanting those solutions with ours.
A portion of our software development and
testing activity is outsourced to a third-party provider based in Kiev, Ukraine. If recent political developments in Ukraine and Russia escalate to open hostilities, some of our product development activities and some customer software support
activities could be adversely affected.
While we have our key engineering competencies in-house, primarily in France,
the United Kingdom and the United States, we outsource some software development and testing activities to an independent third-party provider of engineering services. We work with a dedicated team of 22 software engineers based in Kiev, Ukraine. As
a result of the decision of the Russian government to annex the Crimea region of Ukraine, the United States and the European Community have imposed economic sanctions on Russia. If the political tensions escalate into open hostilities or further
political instability in Ukraine, these engineers may be unable to work for a sustained period of time, which could adversely impact our research and development operations. We also have our own electronic equipment physically in place in Kiev which
could be at risk in the event of violence in the region. We have developed a contingency plan to trigger if the engineers in Kiev are unable to continue working on their projects for us, but if we our contingency plan is not effective, we could
suffer delays in product introduction or delays in resolution of customer software bugs, which could have a negative impact on our revenues.
We depend on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenue. If we fail to retain or expand customer relationships, our
business could be harmed.
A significant amount of our total revenue is attributable to a small number of customers,
and we anticipate that this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. These customers may decide not to purchase our semiconductor solutions at all, to purchase fewer semiconductor solutions than they did in the past or to alter the
terms on which they purchase our products. In addition, to the extent that any customer represents a disproportionately high percentage of our accounts receivable, our exposure to that customer is further increased should they be unable or choose
not to pay such accounts receivable on a timely basis or at all.
Our top ten customers accounted 80%, 94% and 96% of our
total revenue in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The following table summarizes customers representing a significant portion of total revenue:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer |
|
% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, |
|
|
% of our accounts receivable at December 31, |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2014 |
|
Gemtek |
|
|
39 |
% |
|
|
14 |
% |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
Huawei |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
17 |
% |
Asian Information Technology Inc. |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
17 |
% |
Customer A (United States-based) |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
Customer B (United States-based) |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
9 |
% |
HTC |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
7
We expect that some of these customers, particularly those above 10% during 2014, could each
continue to represent at least 10% of our revenue in 2015 as the market for single-mode LTE devices is in its early stages and still concentrated in a relatively small number of device makers. The loss of any significant customer, a significant
reduction in sales we make to them in general or during any period, or any issues with collection of receivables from customers would harm our financial condition and results of operations. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2011 and for the
years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, our revenue decreased significantly compared to the prior periods as a result of the decline in sales to HTC. Furthermore, we must obtain orders from new customers on an ongoing basis to increase our
revenue and grow our business. If we fail to expand our customer relationships, our business could be harmed.
We have significant
ongoing capital requirements that could have a material effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations.
Our business requires significant capital investment to carry out extensive research and development in order to remain competitive. At the same time, demand for our products is highly variable and there
have been downturns. If our cash on hand, net proceeds from financing activities and cash generated from operations are not sufficient to fund our operations and capital requirements, we may be required to limit our growth, or enter into financing
arrangements at unfavorable terms, any of which could harm our business and financial condition.
Additionally, we anticipate
that that strategic alliances and partnerships will be an important source of revenue and possible financing for us going forward. If we are unable to develop alliances with or otherwise attract investment from strategic partners, or if strategic
partners are not willing to enter into transactions with us on favorable terms, our business and financial condition could be harmed.
We depend on one independent foundry to manufacture our products and do not have a long-term agreement with such foundry, and loss of this foundry
or our failure to obtain sufficient foundry capacity would significantly delay our ability to ship our products, cause us to lose revenue and market share and damage our customer relationships.
Access to foundry capacity is critical to our business because we are a fabless semiconductor company. We depend on a sole independent
foundry, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, or TSMC, in Taiwan to manufacture our semiconductor wafers. Because we outsource our manufacturing to a single foundry, we face several significant risks, including:
|
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|
constraints in or unavailability of manufacturing capacity; |
|
|
|
limited control over delivery schedules, quality assurance and control, manufacturing yields and production costs; and
|
|
|
|
the unavailability of, or potential delays in obtaining access to, key process technologies. |
If we do not accurately forecast our capacity needs, TSMC may not have available capacity to meet our immediate needs or we may be
required to pay higher costs to fulfill those needs, either of which could harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.
The ability of TSMC to provide us with semiconductor wafers is limited at any given time by their available capacity and we do not have a guaranteed level of manufacturing capacity. We do not have any
agreement with TSMC and place our orders on a purchase order basis. As a result, if TSMC raises its prices or is not able to satisfy our required capacity for any reason, including natural or other disasters, allocates capacity to larger customers
or to different sectors of the semiconductor industry, experiences labor issues or shortages or delays in shipment of semiconductor equipment or materials used in the manufacture of our semiconductors, or if our business relationship with TSMC
deteriorates, we may not be able to obtain the required capacity and would have to seek alternative foundries, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, in a timely manner, or at all.
Locating and qualifying a new foundry would require a significant amount of time, which would result in a delay in production of our
products. In addition, using foundries with which we have no established relationship could expose us to unfavorable pricing and terms, delays in developing and qualifying new products, unsatisfactory quality or insufficient capacity allocation. We
place our orders on the basis of our customers purchase orders and sales forecasts; however, foundries can allocate capacity to the production of other companies products and reduce deliveries to us on short notice. Many of the customers
of TSMC, or foundries that we may use in the future, are larger than we are, or have long-term agreements with such foundries, and as a result those customers may receive preferential treatment from the foundries in terms of price, capacity
allocation and payment terms. Any delay in qualifying a new foundry or production issues with any new foundry would result in lost sales and could damage our relationship with existing and future customers as well as our reputation in the market.
If our foundry vendor does not achieve satisfactory yields or quality, our reputation and customer relationships could be harmed.
The fabrication of semiconductor solutions such as ours is a complex and technically demanding process. Minor
deviations in the manufacturing process can cause substantial decreases in yields, and in some cases, cause production to be suspended. TSMC, or foundries that we may use in the future, could, from time to time, experience manufacturing defects and
reduced manufacturing yields. Changes in manufacturing processes or the inadvertent use of defective or contaminated materials by our foundry vendor could result in lower than anticipated manufacturing yields or unacceptable performance. Many of
these problems are difficult to detect at an early
8
stage of the manufacturing process and may be time consuming and expensive to correct. Poor yields from our foundry vendor, or defects, integration issues or other performance problems in our
semiconductor solutions could cause us significant customer relations and business reputation problems, harm our financial results and result in financial or other damages to our customers. In addition, because we have a sole source of wafer supply,
these risks are magnified because we do not have an alternative source to purchase from should these risks materialize. If TSMC fails to provide satisfactory product to us, we would be required to identify and qualify other sources, which could take
a significant amount of time and would result in lost sales. In addition, we indemnify our customers for losses resulting from defects in our products, which costs could be substantial. A product liability or other indemnification claim brought
against us, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time-consuming and costly to defend.
Our customers may cancel their orders, change
production quantities or delay production, and if we fail to forecast demand for our products accurately, we may incur product shortages, delays in product shipments or excess or insufficient product inventory, which could harm our business.
We do not have firm, long-term purchase commitments from our customers. Substantially all of our sales are made on a
purchase order basis which permits our customers to cancel, change or delay product purchase commitments with little or no notice to us and without penalty. Because production lead times often exceed the amount of time required to fulfill orders, we
often must manufacture in advance of orders, relying on an imperfect demand forecast to project volumes and product mix. Our ability to accurately forecast demand can be harmed by a number of factors, including inaccurate forecasting by our
customers, changes in market conditions, changes in our product order mix and demand for our customers products. Even after an order is received, our customers may cancel these orders or request a decrease in production quantities. Any such
cancellation or decrease subjects us to a number of risks, most notably that our projected sales will not materialize on schedule or at all, leading to unanticipated revenue shortfalls and excess or obsolete inventory, which we may be unable to sell
to other customers. Alternatively, if we are unable to project customer requirements accurately, we may not manufacture enough semiconductor solutions, which could lead to delays in product shipments and lost sales opportunities in the near term, as
well as force our customers to identify alternative sources, which could affect our ongoing relationships with these customers. We have in the past had customers significantly increase their requested production quantities with little or no advance
notice. If we do not fulfill customer demands in a timely manner, our customers may cancel their orders and we may be subject to customer claims for cost of replacement. Underestimating or overestimating demand would lead to insufficient, excess or
obsolete inventory and could harm our operating results, cash flow and financial condition, as well as our relationships with our customers and our reputation in the marketplace.
If customers do not design our semiconductor solutions into their product offerings or if our customers product offerings are not commercially successful, our revenue and our business would be
harmed.
We sell our semiconductor solutions directly to OEMs who include them in their products, and to ODMs who
include them in their products they supply to OEMs. As a result, we rely on OEMs to design our semiconductor solutions into the products they sell. Because our semiconductor solutions are generally a critical component of our customers
products, they are typically incorporated into our customers products at the design stage and the sales cycle typically takes 12 months or more to complete. Without these design wins, our revenue and our business would be significantly harmed.
We often incur significant expenditures on the development of a new semiconductor solution without any assurance that an OEM will select our semiconductor solution for design into its own product. Because the types of semiconductor solutions we sell
are a critical aspect of an OEMs product, once an OEM designs a competitors semiconductor into its product offering, it becomes significantly more difficult for us to sell our semiconductor solutions to that customer for a particular
product offering because changing suppliers involves significant cost, time, effort and risk for the customer. Further, if we are unable to develop new products in a timely manner for inclusion in such products, or if major defects or errors that
might significantly impair performance or standards compliance are found in our products after inclusion by an OEM, OEMs will be unlikely to include our semiconductor solutions into their products and our reputation in the market and future
prospects would be harmed.
Furthermore, even if an OEM designs one of our semiconductor solutions into its product offering,
we cannot be assured that its product will be commercially successful and that we will receive any revenue from that OEM. This risk is heightened because 4G technology is rapidly emerging and most of our customers do not have significant experience
designing products utilizing 4G technology. If our customers products incorporating our semiconductor solutions fail to meet the demands of their customers or otherwise fail to achieve market acceptance, our revenue and business would be
harmed.
If we are unable to compete effectively, we may not increase or maintain our revenue or market share, which would harm our
business.
We may not be able to compete successfully against current or potential competitors. If we do not compete
successfully, our revenue and market share may decline. In the LTE market, we face or expect to face competition from established semiconductor companies such as HiSilicon Technologies, Intel Corporation, Marvell Technology Group, Mediatek, Qualcomm
Incorporated, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., and Spreadtrum, as well as smaller entrants in the market such as GCT Semiconductor or Altair Semiconductor. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater resources and
name recognition, and a larger base of existing customers than us. In addition, recently there has been consolidation within the industry, notably the acquisition of smaller competitors by larger competitors. The significant resources of these
larger competitors may allow them to respond more quickly than us to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements or to bring new products to market in a more timely manner than us. In addition, these competitors may have greater
credibility with our existing and potential customers. Further,
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many of these competitors are located in Asia or have a significant presence and operating history in Asia and, as a result, may be in a better position than we are to work with manufacturers and
customers located in Asia. Moreover, many of our competitors have been doing business with customers for a longer period of time and have well-established relationships, which may provide them with advantages, including access to information
regarding future trends and requirements that may not be available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may provide incentives to customers or offer bundled solutions with complementary products, which could be attractive to some customers,
or adopt more aggressive pricing policies, which may make it difficult for us to gain or maintain market share.
Our ability
to compete effectively will depend on a number of factors, including:
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our ability to anticipate market and technology trends and successfully develop products that meet market needs; |
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our ability to deliver products in large volume on a timely basis at competitive prices; |
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our success in identifying and penetrating new markets, applications and customers; |
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our ability to accurately understand the price points and performance metrics of competing products in the market; |
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our products performance and cost-effectiveness relative to those of our competitors; |
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our ability to develop and maintain relationships with key customers, wireless carriers, OEMs and ODMs; |
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our ability to secure sufficient high quality supply for our products; |
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our ability to conform to industry standards while developing new and proprietary technologies to offer products and features previously not available
in the 4G market; and |
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our ability to recruit design and application engineers with expertise in wireless broadband communications technologies and sales and marketing
personnel. |
If we experience material changes to the competitive structure of our industry due to cooperation or
consolidation among our competitors, we may not increase or sustain our revenue or market share, which would harm our business.
Our current or future competitors may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties. In addition, there has recently been consolidation within our industry, notably the
acquisition of smaller competitors by larger competitors with significantly greater resources than ours. These events may result in the emergence of new competitors with greater resources and scale than ours that could acquire significant market
share, which could result in a decline of our revenue and market share. Our ability to maintain our revenue and market share will depend on our ability to compete effectively despite material changes in industry structure. If we are unable to do so,
we may not increase or sustain our revenue or market share, which would harm our business.
If we are unable to effectively manage our
business through periods of economic or market slow-down and any subsequent future growth, we may not be able to execute our business plan and our operating results could suffer.
Our future operating results depend to a large extent on our ability to successfully manage our business through periods of economic or
market slow-down and periods of subsequent expansion and growth. To manage our growth successfully and handle the responsibilities of being a public company, we believe we must, among other things, effectively:
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recruit, hire, train and manage additional qualified engineers for our research and development activities, especially in the positions of design
engineering, product and test engineering, and applications engineering; |
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add additional sales personnel and expand sales offices; |
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add additional finance and accounting personnel; |
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implement and improve our administrative, financial and operational systems, procedures and controls; and |
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enhance our information technology support for enterprise resource planning and design engineering by adapting and expanding our systems and tool
capabilities, and properly training new hires as to their use. |
Furthermore, to remain competitive and
manage further expansion and growth, we must carry out extensive research and development, which requires significant capital investment. During periods of economic or market slow-down we must also effectively manage our expenses to preserve our
ability to carry out such research and development. We decreased our operating expenses in 2012 and in 2013. Operating expenses remained fairly flat in 2014, and while we expect that our operating expenses will remain flat again in the first quarter
of 2015, we expect them to decrease in the second half of 2015. However, if we are successful in introducing and selling more new LTE products, we expect we will need to increase our investment in research and development, as well as sales and
marketing, general and administrative and other functions to support the growth of our business. We are likely to incur the costs associated with these increased investments earlier than some of the anticipated benefits and the return on these
investments, if any, may be lower, may develop more slowly than we expect, or may not materialize at all, which could harm our operating results.
If we are unable to manage our business during both periods of economic or market slow-down and growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities or develop new products and
we may fail to satisfy customer requirements, maintain product quality, execute our business plan or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could harm our operating results.
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The average selling prices of our semiconductor solutions have historically decreased over time and
will likely do so in the future, which could harm our gross profits and financial results.
Average selling prices of
our semiconductor solutions have historically decreased over time, and we expect such declines to continue to occur. Our gross profits and financial results will suffer if we are unable to offset reductions in our average selling prices by reducing
our costs, developing new or enhanced semiconductor solutions on a timely basis with higher selling prices or gross profits, or increasing our sales volumes. Even if we are successful in reducing our costs or improving sales volumes, such
improvements may not be sufficient to offset declines in average selling prices in the future. Additionally, because we do not operate our own manufacturing, assembly or testing facilities, we may not be able to reduce our costs and our costs may
even increase, either of which would reduce our margins. We have reduced the prices of our semiconductor solutions in line with and at times in advance of competitive pricing pressures, new product introductions by us or our competitors and other
factors. We expect that we will have to do so again in the future.
Any increase in the manufacturing cost of our products would reduce
our gross margins and operating profit.
The semiconductor business is characterized by ongoing competitive pricing
pressure from customers and competitors. Accordingly, any increase in the cost of our products, whether by adverse purchase price or manufacturing cost variances or due to other factors, will reduce our gross margins and operating profit. We do not
have long-term supply agreements with our manufacturing, test or assembly suppliers and we typically negotiate pricing on a purchase order by purchase order basis. Consequently, we may not be able to obtain price reductions or anticipate or prevent
future price increases from our suppliers. Because we have a sole source of wafer supply and limited sources of test and assembly, we may not be able to negotiate favorable pricing terms from our suppliers. These and other related factors could
impair our ability to control our costs and could harm our operating results.
The semiconductor and communications industries have
historically experienced significant fluctuations with prolonged downturns, which could impact our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
The semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical, experiencing significant downturns in customer demand. Because a significant portion of our expenses is fixed in the near term or is incurred in
advance of anticipated sales, we may not be able to decrease our expenses rapidly enough to offset any unanticipated shortfall in revenue. If this situation occurs, it could harm our operating results, cash flow and financial condition. Furthermore,
the semiconductor industry has periodically experienced periods of increased demand and production constraints. If this occurs, we may not be able to obtain sufficient quantities of our semiconductor solutions to meet the increased demand, resulting
in lost sales, loss of market share and harm to our customer relationships. We may also have difficulty in obtaining sufficient assembly and test resources from our subcontract manufacturers. Any factor adversely affecting the semiconductor industry
in general, or the particular segments of the industry that we target, may harm our ability to generate revenue and could negatively impact our operating results.
The communications industry has experienced pronounced downturns, and these cycles may continue in the future. A future decline in global economic conditions could have adverse, wide-ranging effects on
demand for our semiconductor solutions and for the products of our customers, particularly wireless communications equipment manufacturers or other participants in the wireless industry, such as wireless carriers. Inflation, deflation and economic
recessions that harm the global economy and capital markets also harm our customers and our end consumers. Specifically, the deployment of new 4G networks requires significant capital expenditures and wireless carriers may choose not to undertake
network expansion efforts during an economic downturn or time of other economic uncertainty. Our customers ability to purchase or pay for our semiconductor solutions and services, obtain financing and upgrade wireless networks could be harmed,
and networking equipment providers may slow their research and development activities, cancel or delay new product development, reduce their inventories and take a cautious approach to acquiring our products, which would have a significant negative
impact on our business. If such economic situations were to occur, our operating results, cash flow and financial condition could be harmed. In the future, any of these trends may also cause our operating results to fluctuate significantly from year
to year, which may increase the volatility of the price of the ADSs.
Though we rely to a significant extent on proprietary intellectual
property, we may not be able to obtain, or may chose not to obtain, sufficient intellectual property rights to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage.
We depend significantly on intellectual property rights to protect our products and proprietary technologies against misappropriation by
others. We generally rely on the patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in Europe, the United States and certain other countries in which we operate or in which our products are produced or sold, as well as licenses and nondisclosure and
confidentiality agreements, to protect our intellectual property rights.
We may have difficulty obtaining patents and other
intellectual property rights, and the patents and other intellectual property rights we have and obtain may be insufficient to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage. We currently do not apply for patent protection in all
countries in which we operate. Instead we select and focus on key countries for each patent family. In addition, the protection offered by patents and other intellectual property rights may be inadequate or weakened for reasons or circumstances that
are out of our control. For instance, we may not be able to obtain patent protection or secure other intellectual property rights in all the countries in which we have filed patent applications or in which we operate, and under the laws of such
countries, patents and other intellectual property rights may be or become unavailable or limited in scope.
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We may not be able to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property against
improper use by our competitors or others and our efforts to do so may be costly to us, which may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our patents and patent applications, or those of our licensors, could face challenges, such as interference proceedings, opposition proceedings, nullification proceedings and re-examination proceedings.
Any such challenge, if successful, could result in the invalidation or narrowing of the scope of any such patents and patent applications. Any such challenges, regardless of their success, would also likely be time-consuming and expensive to defend
and resolve, and would divert management time and attention. Further, our unpatented proprietary processes, software, designs and trade secrets may be vulnerable to disclosure or misappropriation by employees, contractors and other persons. While we
generally enter into confidentiality agreements with such persons to protect our intellectual property, we cannot assure you that our confidentiality agreements will not be breached, that they will provide meaningful protection for our proprietary
technology and trade secrets or that adequate remedies will be available in the event they are used or disclosed without our authorization. Also, intellectual property rights are difficult to enforce in the Peoples Republic of China, or PRC,
and certain other countries, particularly in Asia, where the application and enforcement of the laws governing such rights may not have reached the same level as compared to other jurisdictions where we operate, such as Europe and the United States.
Consequently, because we operate in these countries and all of our manufacturing, test and assembly takes place in Taiwan and Singapore, we may be subject to an increased risk that unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise use our
intellectual property or the intellectual property of our suppliers or other parties with whom we engage or have licenses.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to protect our intellectual property rights, that our intellectual property rights will
not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable, or that we will have adequate legal recourse in the event that we seek legal or judicial enforcement of our intellectual property rights. Any inability on our part to adequately
protect or enforce our intellectual property may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may in the future initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our intellectual property rights to
protect these rights or to determine the scope and validity of our proprietary rights or the proprietary rights of competitors. These claims could result in costly litigation and the diversion of our technical and management personnel, and we may
not prevail in making these claims.
Assertions by third parties of infringement by us or our customers of their intellectual property
rights could result in significant costs and cause our operating results to suffer.
The markets in which we compete
are characterized by rapidly changing products and technologies and there is intense competition to establish intellectual property protection and proprietary rights to these new products and the related technologies. The semiconductor and wireless
communications industries, in particular, are characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights and positions, which has resulted in protracted and expensive litigation for many companies.
We may be unaware of the intellectual property rights of others that may cover some of our technology, products and services. In
addition, third parties may claim that we or our customers are infringing or contributing to the infringement of their intellectual property rights.
We have in the past received and, particularly as a public company operating in a highly competitive marketplace, we expect that in the future we will receive communications and offers from various
industry participants and others alleging that we infringe or have misappropriated their patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights and/or inviting us to license their technology and intellectual property. Any lawsuits resulting
from such allegations of infringement or invitations to license, including suits challenging the WiMAX or the LTE standards, could subject us to significant liability for damages and/or challenge our activities. Any potential intellectual property
litigation also could force us to do one or more of the following:
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stop selling products or using technology that contain the allegedly infringing intellectual property; |
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lose the opportunity to license our technology to others or to collect royalty payments based upon successful protection and assertion of our
intellectual property against others; |
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incur significant legal expenses; |
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pay substantial damages to the party whose intellectual property rights we may be found to be infringing; |
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redesign those products that contain the allegedly infringing intellectual property; or |
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attempt to obtain a license to the relevant intellectual property from third parties, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all.
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Our customers could also become the target of litigation relating to the patents and other intellectual
property rights of others. This could, in turn, trigger an obligation for us to provide technical support and/or indemnify such customers. These obligations could result in substantial expenses, including the payment by us of costs and damages
relating to claims of intellectual property infringement. In addition to the time and expense required for us to provide support or indemnification to our customers, any such litigation could disrupt the businesses of our customers, which in turn
could hurt our relationships with our customers and cause the sale of our products to decrease. We cannot assure you that claims for indemnification will not be made or that if made, such claims would not materially harm our business, operating
results or financial conditions.
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Any potential dispute involving our patents or other intellectual property could also include our
industry partners and customers, which could trigger our indemnification obligations to them and result in substantial expense to us.
In any potential dispute involving our patents or other intellectual property, our licensees could also become the target of litigation, and certain customers have received notices of written offers from
our competitors and others claiming to have patent rights in certain technology and inviting our customers to license this technology. Because we indemnify our licensees and customers for intellectual property claims made against them for products
incorporating our technology, any litigation could trigger technical support and indemnification obligations in some of our license agreements, which could result in substantial payments and expenses by us. In addition to the time and expense
required for us to supply support or indemnification to our licensees and customers, any such litigation could severely disrupt or shut down the business of our customers, which in turn could hurt our relations with our customers and cause the sale
of our proprietary technologies and products to decrease.
Our failure to comply with obligations under open source licenses could
require us to release our source code to the public or cease distribution of our products, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Some of the software used with our products, as well as that of some of our customers, may be derived from so-called open
source software that is generally made available to the public by its authors and/or other third parties. Such open source software is often made available to us under licenses, such as the GNU General Public License, which impose certain
obligations on us in the event we were to make available derivative works of the open source software. These obligations may require us to make source code for the derivative works available to the public, and/or license such derivative works under
a particular type of license, rather than the licenses we customarily use to protect our intellectual property. In addition, there is little or no legal precedent for interpreting the terms of certain of these open source licenses, including the
determination of which works are subject to the terms of such licenses. While we believe we have complied with our obligations under the various applicable licenses for open source software, in the event the copyright holder of any open source
software were to successfully establish in court that we had not complied with the terms of a license for a particular work, we could be required to release the source code of that work to the public and/or stop distribution of that work.
The complexity of our semiconductor solutions could result in unforeseen delays or expenses from undetected defects or design errors in
hardware or software, which could reduce the market acceptance for our semiconductor solutions, damage our reputation with current or prospective customers and increase our costs.
Highly complex semiconductor solutions such as ours can contain defects and design errors, which, if significant, could impair
performance or prevent compliance with industry standards. We have not in the past, but may in the future, experience such significant defects or design errors. In addition, our semiconductor solutions must be certified by individual wireless
carriers that such solutions function properly on the carriers network before our solutions can be designed into a particular product. If any of our semiconductor solutions have reliability, quality or compatibility problems from defects or
design errors we may not be able to successfully correct these problems in a timely manner, or at all. Furthermore, we may experience production delays and increased costs correcting such problems. Issues in the carrier certification process, which
varies among carriers, may also create delays. Consequently, and because our semiconductor solutions are a critical component of our customers products, our reputation may be irreparably damaged and customers may be reluctant to buy our
semiconductor solutions, which could harm our ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers and harm our financial results. In addition, these defects or design errors or delays in the carrier certification process could interrupt
or delay sales to our customers. If any of these problems are not found until after we have commenced commercial production of a new semiconductor solution, we may be required to incur additional development costs and product recalls, repairs or
replacement costs. Furthermore, we provide warranties on our products ranging from one to two years, and thus may be obligated to refund sales with respect to products containing defects, errors or bugs. These problems may also result in claims
against us by our customers or others, all of which could damage our reputation and increase our costs.
The loss of any of our key
personnel could seriously harm our business, and our failure to attract or retain specialized technical, management or sales and marketing employees could impair our ability to grow our business.
We believe our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled management,
engineering and sales and marketing personnel. The loss of any key employees or the inability to attract, retain or motivate qualified personnel, including engineers and sales and marketing personnel could delay the development and introduction of
and harm our ability to sell our semiconductor solutions. We believe that our future success is dependent on the contributions of Georges Karam, our co-founder and chief executive officer, and Bertrand Debray, our co-founder and vice president,
engineering. The loss of the services of Dr. Karam, Mr. Debray, other executive officers or certain other key personnel could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, if any of these
individuals were to leave unexpectedly, we could face substantial difficulty in hiring qualified successors and could experience a loss in productivity during the search for any such successor and while any successor is integrated into our business
and operations.
Our key technical and engineering personnel represent a significant asset and serve as the source of our
technological and product innovations. We plan to recruit additional design and application engineers with expertise in wireless broadband communications technologies. We may not be successful in attracting, retaining and motivating sufficient
technical and engineering personnel to support our anticipated growth. In addition, to expand our customer base and increase sales to existing customers, we will need to hire additional qualified sales personnel. The competition for qualified
marketing, sales, technical and engineering personnel in our
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industry is very intense. If we are unable to hire, train and retain qualified marketing, sales, technical and engineering personnel in a timely manner, our ability to grow our business will be
impaired. In addition, if we are unable to retain our existing sales personnel, our ability to maintain or grow our current level of revenue will be harmed.
Rapidly changing standards could make our semiconductor solutions obsolete, which would cause our operating results to suffer.
We design our semiconductor solutions to conform to standards set by industry standards bodies such as the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). We also depend on industry groups such as the WiMAX Forum, an industry-led, non-profit corporation formed to help promote
and certify the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products, to certify and maintain certification of our semiconductor solutions as well as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the PTS Type Certification Review Board
(PTCRB). If our customers adopt new or competing industry standards that are not compatible with our semiconductor solutions, if industry groups fail to adopt standards compatible with our semiconductor solutions or if our customers are requiring
chip certifications that we did not design our products for, our existing semiconductor solutions would become less desirable to our customers and our sales would suffer. The emergence of markets for our products is affected by a variety of factors
beyond our control. In particular, our semiconductor solutions are designed to conform to current specific industry standards. Competing standards may emerge that are preferred by our customers, which could also reduce our sales and require us to
make significant expenditures to develop new semiconductor solutions. Governments and foreign regulators may adopt standards that are incompatible with our semiconductor solutions, favor alternative technologies or adopt stringent regulations that
would impair or make commercially unviable the deployment of our semiconductor solutions. In addition, existing standards may be challenged as infringing upon the intellectual property rights of other companies or may become obsolete.
We outsource our assembly, testing, warehousing and shipping operations to third parties, and if these parties fail to produce and deliver our
products in a timely manner and in accordance with our specifications, our reputation, customer relationships and operating results could suffer.
We rely on third parties for the assembly, testing, warehousing and shipping of our products. We rely on United Test and Assembly Center Ltd., or UTAC, Siliconware Precision Industries Limited, or SPIL,
StatschipPac Limited, or SPC, and other third-party assembly and test subcontractors for assembly and testing. We further rely on a single company for logistics and storage. We depend on these parties to supply us with material of a requested
quantity in a timely manner that meets our standards for yield, cost and manufacturing quality. We are unable to maintain the same level of oversight and control of these outsourced operations as we would if we were to conduct them internally.
The services provided by these vendors could be subject to disruption for a variety of reasons, including natural disasters,
such as earthquakes, labor disputes, power outages, or if our relationship with a vendor is damaged. If we experience problems at a particular location, we would be required to transfer the impacted services to a backup vendor, which could be costly
and require a significant amount of time. During such a transition, we would be required to meet customer demand from our then-existing inventory, as well as any partially finished goods that can be modified to the required product specifications,
which may not be possible or cost effective. Further, we do not have any long-term agreements with any of these vendors. If one or more of these vendors terminates its relationship with us, allocates capacity to other customers or if we encounter
any problems with our supply chain, it could harm our ability to ship our products to our customers on time and in the quantity required, which in turn could cause an unanticipated decline in our sales and possibly damage our customer relationships.
We may experience difficulties in transitioning to new wafer fabrication process technologies or in achieving higher levels of design
integration, which may result in reduced manufacturing yields, delays in product deliveries and increased costs.
To
remain competitive, we expect to continue to transition our semiconductor products to increasingly smaller geometries and to achieve higher levels of design integration. These ongoing efforts require us from time to time to modify the manufacturing
processes for our semiconductor solutions and to redesign some solutions, which in turn may result in delays in product deliveries. We periodically evaluate the benefits of migrating to new process technologies to reduce cost and improve
performance. We may face difficulties, delays and increased expenses as we transition our products to new processes. We depend on our relationship with TSMC and our test and assembly subcontractors to transition to new processes successfully. We
cannot assure you that TSMC or our test and assembly subcontractors will be able to effectively manage the transition or that we will be able to maintain our relationship with TSMC or our test and assembly vendors or develop relationships with new
foundries and vendors if necessary. If TSMC, any of our subcontractors or we experience significant delays in transitioning to smaller geometries or fail to efficiently implement transitions, we could experience reduced manufacturing yields, or
delays in product deliveries and increased costs, all of which could harm our relationships with our customers, our margins and our operating results. As new processes become more prevalent, we expect to continue to integrate greater levels of
functionality, as well as end-customer and third-party intellectual property, into our products. However, we may not be able to achieve higher levels of design integration or deliver new integrated products on a timely or cost-effective basis.
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Changes in current laws or regulations or the imposition of new laws or regulations could impede the
sale of our products or otherwise harm our business.
Wireless networks can only operate in the spectrum allowed by
regulators and in accordance with rules governing how that spectrum can be used. Regulators in various countries have broad jurisdiction over the allocation of spectrum for wireless networks, and we therefore rely on these regulators to provide
sufficient spectrum and usage rules. For example, countries such as China, India, Japan or Korea heavily regulate all aspects of their wireless communication industries, and may restrict spectrum allocation or usage. If further restrictions were to
be imposed over the frequency bands where our semiconductor solutions are designed to operate, we may have difficulty selling our products in those regions. In addition, our semiconductor solutions operate in the 2.5 and 3.5 gigahertz, or GHz,
bands, which in some countries is also used by government and commercial services such as military and commercial aviation. European and United States regulators have traditionally protected government uses of the 2.5 and 3.5 GHz bands by
setting power limits and indoor and outdoor designation and requiring that wireless local area networking devices not interfere with other users of the band such as government and civilian satellite services. Changes in current laws or regulations
or the imposition of new laws and regulations in the markets in which we operate regarding the allocation and usage of the 2.5 and 3.5 GHz band may harm the sale of our products and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Adverse outcomes in tax disputes could subject us to tax assessments and potential penalties.
From time to time, we are subject to tax audits that could result in tax assessments and potential penalties, particularly with respect
to claimed research tax credits due to the judgment involved in determining which projects meet the tax codes criteria for innovation and fundamental research. For example, in December 2012, we were notified of proposed tax adjustments,
penalties and interest related to a French tax audit totaling 827 thousand ($1.1 million). We disagreed with essentially all of the proposed adjustments, filed our formal objections in February 2013 and were notified in March 2014 that
the tax authorities had accepted our position. Based on our assessment of the potential exposure in this dispute, we recorded a provision for potential tax adjustments or penalties while we contested the proposed tax adjustments; this provision was
reversed in the first quarter of 2014. At the end of December 2014, we received notification that another tax audit would begin in 2015. Our actual costs for any disputes in the future may be materially different from the provisions recorded if we
are not successful in our appeal of any assessment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Regulations related to
conflict minerals may force us to incur additional expenses, may result in damage to our business reputation and may adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.
In August 2012, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the SEC adopted requirements for companies
that use certain minerals and derivative metals (referred to as conflict minerals, regardless of their actual country of origin) in their products. Some of these metals are commonly used in electronic equipment and devices, including our
products. Depending on various circumstances, these new requirements will require companies to investigate, disclose and report whether or not such metals originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries. We have an extremely
complex supply chain, with numerous suppliers (many of whom are not obligated by the new law to investigate their own supply chains) for the components and parts used in each of our products. As a result, we may incur significant costs to comply
with the diligence and disclosure requirements, including costs related to determining the source of any of the relevant metals used in our products. In addition, because our supply chain is so complex, we may not be able to sufficiently verify the
origin of all the relevant metals used in our products through the due diligence procedures that we implement, which may harm our business reputation. We may also face difficulties in satisfying customers if they require that we prove or certify
that our products are conflict free. Key components and parts that can be shown to be conflict free may not be available to us in sufficient quantity, or at all, or may only be available at significantly higher cost to us. If
we are not able to meet customer requirements, customers may choose to disqualify us as a supplier. Any of these outcomes could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may harm our financial results.
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Substantially all of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars and the payment terms of all
of our significant supply chain vendors are also denominated in U.S. dollars. We incur operating expenses and hold assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro, and to a lesser extent the British
pound sterling, the Chinese yuan and the New Israeli shekel. As a result, our results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate. As we
grow our operations, our exposure to foreign currency risk could become more significant. If there had been a 10% increase or decrease in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the euro, we estimate the impact, in absolute terms, on operating
expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have been $2.0 million.
Commencing in 2009, we entered into foreign
currency hedging contracts primarily to reduce the impact of variations in the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate on our operating expenses denominated in euros. However, hedging at best reduces volatility and helps to lock in a target rate for the
following six to twelve months but cannot eliminate the fundamental exposure and may not be effective.
Certain natural disasters, such
as coastal flooding, large earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, may negatively impact our business. Any disruption to the operations of our foundry and assembly and test subcontractors could cause significant delays in the production or shipment of
our products.
If coastal flooding, a large earthquake, volcanic eruption or other natural disaster were to directly
damage, destroy or disrupt TSMCs manufacturing facilities or the facilities of our test and assembly contractors, it could disrupt our operations, delay new production and shipments of existing inventory or result in costly repairs,
replacements or other costs, all of which would negatively impact our business. For example, substantially all of our semiconductor solutions are manufactured and assembled by third-party contractors located in Taiwan and Singapore. The risk of an
earthquake or tsunami in Taiwan or Singapore, such as the major
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earthquakes that occurred in Taiwan in December 2006 and June 2003, and elsewhere in the Pacific Rim region is significant due to the proximity of major earthquake fault lines to the facilities
of our foundry vendor and assembly and test subcontractors. Even if these facilities are not directly damaged, a large natural disaster may result in disruptions in distribution channels or supply chains. Although our third-party contractors did not
suffer any significant damage as a result of the most recent earthquakes, the occurrence of additional earthquakes or other natural disasters could result in the disruption of our foundry vendor or assembly and test capacity. For instance, the
recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, though it did not directly cause damage to any of our third-party contractors, may impair the ability of such contractors to procure components from vendors in Japan, and alternative suppliers may not be
available in a timely manner or at all, and may impair the ability of our customers to procure components other than ours that are necessary to their production process, which in turn could result in a slowing of their production and consequently of
purchases of our products. Additionally, the dislocation of air transport services following volcanic eruptions in Iceland in April 2010 caused us delays in distribution of our semiconductor solutions. Any disruption resulting from such events could
cause significant delays in the production or shipment of our semiconductor solutions as well as significant increases in our transportation costs until we are able to shift our manufacturing, assembling or testing from an affected contractor to an
alternative vendor.
Our business and operations could suffer in the event of security breaches.
Attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems are becoming more sophisticated. These attempts,
which might be related to industrial or other espionage, include covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks and impersonating authorized users, among others. Hackers may also develop and deploy viruses, worms and other malicious
software programs that attack or otherwise exploit security vulnerabilities in our systems or products. Attacks may create system disruptions, cause shutdowns or result in the corruption of our engineering data, which could result in delays in
product development or software updates and harm our business. Additionally, the theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual property and/or confidential business information could harm our competitive position, reduce the value of
our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives or otherwise adversely affect our business. To the extent that any security breach results in inappropriate disclosure of our customers or business partners
confidential information, we may incur liability as a result. We seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their recurrence, but in some cases, we might be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects. While we have
identified some incidents involving attempts at unauthorized access, we are not aware of any that have succeeded. We expect to continue to devote resources to the security of our information technology systems.
Our global operations are subject to risks for which we may not be adequately insured.
Our global operations are subject to many risks including errors and omissions, infrastructure disruptions, such as large-scale outages
or interruptions of service from utilities or telecommunications providers, supply chain interruptions, third-party liabilities and fires or natural disasters. No assurance can be given that we will not incur losses beyond the limits or outside the
scope of coverage of our insurance policies. From time-to-time, various types of insurance may not be available on commercially acceptable terms or, in some cases, at all. We cannot assure you that in the future we will be able to maintain existing
insurance coverage or that premiums will not increase substantially. We maintain limited insurance coverage and in some cases no coverage for natural disasters and sudden and accidental environmental damages as these types of insurance are sometimes
not available or available only at a prohibitive cost. Accordingly, we may be subject to an uninsured or under-insured loss in such situations.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Shares and ADSs
Fluctuations in our operating results on a quarterly or annual basis and difficulty predicting our quarterly operating results could cause the market price of the ADSs to decline.
Our revenue and operating results have fluctuated significantly from period to period in the past and will do so in
the future. As a result, you should not rely on period-to-period comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance. In future periods, our revenue and results of operations may be below the expectations of analysts and
investors, which could cause the market price of the ADSs to decline.
Factors that may cause our operating results to
fluctuate include:
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reductions in orders or cancellations by our customers; |
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changes in the size, growth or growth prospects of the LTE and WiMAX markets; |
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changes in the competitive dynamics of our market, including new entrants or pricing pressures, and our ability to compete in the LTE market;
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timing and success of commercial deployments of and upgrades to 4G wireless networks; |
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timely availability, at a reasonable cost, of adequate manufacturing capacity with the sole foundry that manufactures our products;
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our ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet our customers needs;
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timing and growth rate of revenues from the LTE market; |
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changes in manufacturing costs, including wafer, test and assembly costs, mask costs and manufacturing yields; |
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the timing of product announcements by competitors or us; and |
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costs associated with litigation, especially related to intellectual property. |
Moreover, sales of our semiconductor solutions fluctuate from period to period due to cyclicality in the semiconductor industry and the
short product life cycles and wide fluctuations in product supply and demand characteristic of this industry. We expect these cyclical conditions to continue. Due to our limited operating history, we have yet to experience an established pattern of
seasonality. However, business activities in Asia generally slow down in the first quarter of each year during the lunar new year period, which could harm our sales and results of operations during the period. Our expense levels are relatively fixed
in the short-term and are based, in part, on our future revenue projections. If revenue levels are below our expectations, we may experience declines in margins and profitability or incur a loss from our operations. As a result, our quarterly
operating results are difficult to predict, even in the near term, which may result in our revenue and results of operations being below the expectations of analysts and investors and which could cause the market price of the ADSs to decline.
If securities or industry analysts cease to publish research reports about us or our industry, or if they adversely change their
recommendations regarding the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading
market for the ADSs is influenced by research reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our industry. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs would likely decline. If one or more
of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for the ADSs to decline.
We have no present intention to pay dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future and, consequently, your only opportunity to achieve
a return on your investment during that time is if the price of the ADSs appreciates.
We have no present intention to
pay dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Any recommendation by our board of directors to pay dividends will depend on many factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, legal requirements and other
factors. Accordingly, if the price of the ADSs falls in the foreseeable future, you will incur a loss on your investment, without the likelihood that this loss will be offset in part or at all by potential future cash dividends. In addition, even if
we were to pay a dividend on our ordinary shares, French law may prohibit paying such dividends to holders of the ADSs or the tax implications of such payments may significantly diminish what you receive.
French law may limit the amount of dividends we are able to distribute and exchange rate fluctuations may reduce the amount of U.S. dollars you
receive in respect of any dividends or other distributions we may pay in the future in connection with your ADSs.
Although our consolidated financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, under French law, the determination of whether we
have been sufficiently profitable to pay dividends is made on the basis of our unconsolidated annual financial statements under the French commercial code in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in France, which we refer to as
French GAAP. Therefore, we may be more restricted in our ability to declare dividends than companies not based in France. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations may affect the amount of euros that we are able to distribute, and the amount in
U.S. dollars that our shareholders receive upon the payment of cash dividends or other distributions we declare and pay in euros, if any. These factors could harm the value of the ADSs, and, in turn, the U.S. dollar proceeds that holders
receive from the sale of the ADSs.
You may not be able to exercise your right to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs.
Holders of ADSs may exercise voting rights with respect to the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs only in
accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement provides that, upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of our ordinary shares, the depositary will, as soon as practicable thereafter, fix a record date for the
determination of ADS holders who shall be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights. Upon timely receipt of notice from us, if we so request, the depositary shall distribute to the holders as of the record date (i) the
notice of the meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy sent by us and (ii) a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by the holders.
You may instruct the depositary of your ADSs to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. Otherwise, you will not be able to exercise your right to vote, unless you withdraw the ordinary shares
underlying the ADSs you hold. However, you may not know about the meeting far enough in advance to withdraw those ordinary shares. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary, upon timely notice from us, will notify you of the upcoming vote and
arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot guarantee you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ordinary shares or to withdraw your ordinary share so that you can
vote them yourself. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to
vote, and there may be nothing you can do if the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
You may be
subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs, which may be evidenced by ADRs, are transferable on
the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers
of your ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary think it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law, government or governmental body, or under any provision of the
deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
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As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from a number of rules under the U.S. securities laws and
are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a U.S. company; our ordinary shares are not listed, and we do not intend to list our shares, on any market in France, our home country. This may limit the information available to holders of
the ADSs.
We are a foreign private issuer, as defined in the SECs rules and regulations and,
consequently, we are not subject to all of the disclosure requirements applicable to public companies organized within the United States. For example, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that regulate disclosure obligations and
procedural requirements related to the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations applicable to a security registered under the Exchange Act, including the U.S. proxy rules under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our
officers and directors are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchases and sales of our securities. Moreover, while we have
and expect to continue to submit quarterly interim consolidated financial data to the SEC under cover of the SECs Form 6-K, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as
U.S. public companies and are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K under the Exchange Act. Furthermore, our ordinary shares are not listed and we do not currently intend to list our ordinary shares
on any market in France, our home country. As a result, we are not subject to the reporting and other requirements of listed companies in France. For instance, we are not required to publish quarterly or semi-annual financial statements.
Accordingly, there is less publicly available information concerning our company than there would be if we were a U.S. public company.
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ
significantly from NYSE corporate governance listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with NYSE corporate governance listing standards.
As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, we are subject to NYSE corporate governance listing standards. However, NYSE rules permit
a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in France, which is our home country, may differ significantly from NYSE corporate governance listing
standards. For example, neither the corporate laws of France nor our by-laws require a majority of our directors to be independent and we could include non-independent directors as members of our compensation committee and nominating committee, and
our independent directors would not necessarily hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. Currently, we intend to comply with the NYSE corporate governance listing standards to the extent possible under
French law. However, if we choose to change such practice to follow home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under NYSE corporate governance listing standards applicable to
U.S. domestic issuers.
U.S. holders of the ADSs may suffer adverse tax consequences if we are characterized as a Passive Foreign
Investment Company.
Generally, if for any taxable year 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or at least
50% of our assets are held for the production of, or produce, passive income, we would be characterized as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To determine if at least 50% of our assets are held for
the production of, or produce, passive income, we may use the market capitalization method for certain periods. Under the market capitalization method, the total asset value of a company would be considered to equal the fair market value of its
outstanding shares plus outstanding indebtedness on a relevant testing date. Because the market price of the ADSs has fluctuated substantially and is likely to fluctuate in the future, and the market price may affect the determination of whether we
will be considered a PFIC, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. While we do not believe we were a PFIC for 2014 there is no assurance that we will not be a PFIC in 2015 or later years. If we are
characterized as a PFIC, U.S. holders of the ADSs may suffer adverse tax consequences, including having gains realized on the sale of the ADSs treated as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, the loss of the preferential rate applicable to
dividends received on the ADSs by individuals who are U.S. holders, having interest charges apply to distributions by us and the proceeds of ADS sales and additional reporting requirements. We do not expect to provide to U.S. holders the information
needed to report income and gain pursuant to a qualified electing fund election, which election would alleviate some of the adverse tax consequences of PFIC status, and we make no undertaking to provide such information in the event that
we are a PFIC. See Item 10.ETaxationMaterial United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.
You may be unable
to recover in civil proceedings for U.S. securities laws violations.
We are a corporation organized under the laws of
France. The majority of our directors are citizens and residents of countries other than the United States, and the majority of our assets are located outside of the United States. Accordingly, it may be difficult for investors to obtain
jurisdiction over us or our directors in courts in the United States and enforce against us or them judgments obtained against us or them. In addition, we cannot assure you that civil liabilities predicated upon the federal securities laws of
the United States will be enforceable in France.
The rights of shareholders in companies subject to French corporate law differ in
material respects from the rights of shareholders of corporations incorporated in the United States.
We are a French
company with limited liability. Our corporate affairs are governed by our by-laws and by the laws governing companies incorporated in France. The rights of shareholders and the responsibilities of members of our board of directors are in many ways
different from the rights and obligations of shareholders in companies governed by the laws of U.S. jurisdictions. For example, in the performance of its duties, our board of directors is required by French law to consider the interests of our
company, its shareholders, its employees and other stakeholders, rather than solely our shareholders and/or creditors. It is possible that some of these parties will have interests that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a
stockholder.
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Our by-laws and French corporate law contain provisions that may delay or discourage a takeover
attempt.
Provisions contained in our by-laws and the corporate laws of France, the country in which we are
incorporated, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our shareholders. In addition, provisions of our by-laws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more
difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate actions. These provisions include the following:
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our shares are in registered form only and we must be notified of any transfer of our shares in order for such transfer to be validly registered;
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our by-laws provide for directors to be elected for three year terms, and we intend to elect one third of the directors every year;
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our shareholders may grant our board of directors broad authorizations to increase our share capital; |
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our board of directors has the right to appoint directors to fill a vacancy created by the resignation, death or removal of a director, subject to the
approval by the shareholders of such appointment at the next shareholders meeting, which prevents shareholders from having the sole right to fill vacancies on our board of directors; |
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our board of directors can only be convened by its chairman except when no board meeting has been held for more than two consecutive months;
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our board of directors meetings can only be regularly held if at least half of the directors attend either physically or by way of secured
telecommunications; |
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approval of at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an ordinary shareholders general meeting is required to remove directors with
or without cause; |
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advance notice is required for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at a
shareholders meeting; and |
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the sections of the by-laws relating to the number of directors and election and removal of a director from office may only be modified by a resolution
adopted by 66 2/3% of our shareholders present or represented at the meeting. |
The exercise or conversion of
outstanding stock options, founders warrants and warrants into ordinary shares will dilute the percentage ownership of our other shareholders and the sale of such shares may adversely affect the market price of the ADSs.
As of December 31, 2014, there are outstanding stock options, founders warrants and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
approximately 6.5 million of our ordinary shares and more options and warrants will likely be granted in the future to our officers, directors, employees and consultants. We may issue additional warrants in connection with acquisitions,
borrowing arrangement or other strategic or financial transactions. The exercise of outstanding stock options will dilute the percentage ownership of our other shareholders. The exercise of these options and warrants and the subsequent sale of the
underlying ordinary shares could cause a decline in the market price of the ADSs.
If we raise additional capital in the future, your
ownership in us could be diluted.
Any issuance of equity we may undertake in the future to raise additional capital
could cause the price of the ADSs to decline, or require us to issue shares or ADSs at a price that is lower than that paid by holders of our shares or ADSs in the past, which would result in those newly issued shares or ADSs being dilutive. If we
obtain funds through a credit facility or through the issuance of debt or preferred securities, these securities would likely have rights senior to your rights as an ADS holder, which could impair the value of the ADSs.
Item 4. Information on the Company
A. |
History and Development of the Company |
Our History
Sequans Communications S.A. was incorporated as a
société anonyme under the laws of the French Republic on October 7, 2003, for a period of 99 years. We are registered at the Nanterre Commerce and Companies Register under the number 450 249 677. Our principal
executive offices are located at 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle, 92700 Colombes, France, and our telephone number is +33 1 70 72 16 00. Our agent for service of process in the U.S. is GKL Corporate/Search, Inc., One Capitol Mall,
Suite 660, Sacramento, California 95814.
Our website is www.sequans.com. The information on, or that can be accessed
through, our website is not part of this annual report.
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As of the date of this annual report, there has been no indication of any public takeover
offers by third parties in respect of our ADSs or ordinary shares or by the Company in respect of other companies shares.
Principal
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 amounted to $5.6
million, $3.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. These investments in property and equipment and intangible assets primarily consisted of purchases related to LTE product development and, to a lesser extent in 2014, leasehold improvements and
furnishing for our new corporate office. We anticipate our capital expenditures in the year ended December 31, 2015 to be for ongoing LTE product development. We anticipate our capital expenditure in 2015 to be financed from our cash on hand
plus financing from strategic alliances, R&D project financing and/or debt. Should we decide to broaden our product range by acquiring or developing complementary technologies, we would need additional capital expenditures in order to support
development of multi-mode products.
Overview
We are a
leading fabless designer, developer and supplier of 4G LTE and WiMAX semiconductor solutions for wireless mobile broadband applications, with a specific focus on the single-mode device market. Our solutions incorporate baseband processor and radio
frequency, or RF, transceiver integrated circuits, or ICs, along with our proprietary signal processing techniques, algorithms and software stacks. Our high performance ICs deliver high throughput, low power consumption and high reliability in a
small form factor and at a competitive price. In the LTE market, we believe the single-mode, or LTE-only, device market is a potentially large and underserved segment of the overall LTE device market, and that these devices are characterized by
attractive attributes not typically found in the traditional multi-mode device market. Specifically, we believe there are significant advantages in size, power consumption, product cost, development costs and certification costs for our customers
producing LTE-only devices compared to their more expensive, larger, more power hungry and more complex multi-mode counterparts. As a result, we believe that the LTE-only market will continue to increase, especially as operators fully deploy their
LTE networks and as the volume of data traffic continues to grow. We believe our LTE solutions are among the most highly optimized, efficient and mature solutions in the industry, and that they are differentiated from both the multi-mode solutions
providers and from rivals providing single-mode 4G solutions.
We have successfully brought to market six generations of 4G
wireless chipsets, including three generations of LTE chipsets. The cost, size and power efficiency of our LTE chip designs, coupled with our deep understanding of system-level architecture, our advanced wireless signal processing intellectual
property and our RF expertise, enable us to provide high-performance, low-power and cost-efficient 4G semiconductor solutions, allowing us to target a wide range of wireless broadband devices. Our solutions serve as the core wireless broadband
communications platform in these devices, including smartphones; USB dongles; portable routers; embedded wireless modems for laptops, tablets, and other consumer multimedia and industrial devices; and customer-premises equipment, such as fixed
wireless access modems, routers and residential gateways.
From 2005 through December 31, 2014, we shipped approximately
18.5 million 4G baseband-based semiconductor solutions, which have been deployed by leading wireless carriers around the world. Until the end of 2012, our shipments were primarily WiMAX products. In the years ended December 31, 2013 and
2014, shipments of our LTE products exceeded our WiMAX shipments, and we anticipate that this trend will increase as the LTE market continues its growth and the WiMAX market declines.
Given that LTE and WiMAX share a common technology platform, we have leveraged our leadership in WiMAX to successfully develop highly
competitive LTE semiconductor solutions that are being deployed globally. Our LTE solutions are currently in commercial deployments in the United States, China, South Korea, Australia and Brazil. Our LTE product line comprises two families: our
StreamrichLTE family addresses the high-performance, feature-rich device segment, while the StreamliteLTE family is designed specifically to address the unique price/performance requirements of the Internet of Things market,
including connected consumer electronics and machine-to-machine devices. In 2013, we introduced the EZLinkLTE family of LTE modules, which provide all-in-one connectivity solutions designed to simplify the task, and reduce the cost, of
embedding LTE into mobile computers, tablets, home networking and machine-to-machine devices. The first two EZLinkLTE modules have been certified by Verizon Wireless for use on their LTE network, and are shipping in several commercial devices for
the Verizon Wireless LTE network.
The research firm Strategy Analytics projects that the number of LTE devices shipped
annually will increase from 624 million in 2014 to 1.51 billion in 2018, representing a CAGR of approximately 25%. Nearly 5.5 billion LTE devices are expected to ship over this timeframe, and according to Strategy Analytics, more than
640 million of them will be single-mode LTE devices.
Our LTE solutions are incorporated into devices sold by many
leading OEMs and ODMs, including in the Verizon Wireless Ellipsis Jetpack MHS800L, the Best Buy Insignia Flex 8 LTE tablet, and in devices and modules produced by Huawei, NationZ, Netcomm, Gemtek, KD Interactive, MSI, USI and Airwire
Technologies.
Our WiMAX solutions were incorporated into the highly successful HTC EVO 4G, the first mass-market 4G
smartphone, as well as into data devices sold by leading OEMs and ODMs, including Huawei, Gemtek, Zyxel, Mitsumi, Alvarion, Sagemcom, Accton and others. Our WiMAX products have been deployed by many wireless carriers worldwide, including seven of
the ten largest WiMAX carriers globally by number of subscribers according to BWA Research UK.
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Our total revenue decreased from $22.3 million in 2012 to $13.7 million in 2013, and
increased to $22.6 million in 2014; and our annual net loss increased from $33.0 million in 2012 to $35.6 million in 2013 and then decreased to $34.1 million in 2014.
As explained more fully in Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, the decrease in revenue in 2013 was primarily due to lower sales of WiMAX products, in particular to our
largest customer HTC, following changes in the WiMAX market in the United States beginning in the second half of 2011. HTC integrated our WiMAX products into a line of smartphones sold primarily in the United States. There were virtually no sales to
HTC in 2013, while sales of LTE products only began to contribute to revenue in a significant manner beginning in the second half of 2013, resulting in a decline in revenue in 2013 compared to 2012. Revenue increased in 2014 compared to 2013 as we
benefited from a full year of sales of LTE products launched in mid-2013, the introduction of new customer products incorporating our LTE chips, and sales of WiMAX products for one large WiMAX deal.
Industry Background
Evolution of
Wireless Networks
The use of wireless communications devices has increased dramatically in the
past decade, and mobile phones and wireless data services have become an integral part of day-to-day communication. According to the February 2015 Cisco® Visual Networking Index, mobile data traffic will grow 11-fold from 2013 to 2018, a compound annual growth rate of 61%, and over half of this data will run on 4G
networks.
This increase in wireless data traffic is driven by two primary trends. First, the pervasiveness of the Internet
with its vast array of rich media content and applications along with users desire to be connected anywhere and anytime using a variety of different wireless devices is driving a fundamental change in wireless data usage models and increasing
demand for high speed wireless data connectivity. Second, rapid advances in performance and functionality have resulted in mobile phones evolving from solely voice-centric communications devices into data-intensive devices, such as smartphones, that
support high-definition video, bandwidth-intensive Internet applications and streaming multimedia content, all of which require additional wireless network throughput. As a result, current wireless carrier networks, originally designed primarily for
voice traffic, are straining to reliably handle the dramatic increase in wireless broadband data demand.
Wireless
technologies have evolved through successive generations of protocols driven by the need for more efficient networks with greater bandwidth and capacity to handle a rising number of subscribers and increasing usage of data services. Launched in
1991, 2G wireless networks, based on the Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM, standard, were the first mobile telephone networks to use digital technology to digitize and compress voice traffic for more efficient use of spectrum
bandwidth. These networks were designed primarily to support voice traffic, although they were capable of supporting data rates up to 9.6 kilobits per second, or Kbps, using a circuit-switched data connection. By 2003, multiple enhancements to these
networks improved theoretical peak downlink data rates to as high as 473.6 Kbps. An alternative to GSM-based 2G networks was the IS-95 standard based on Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, technology, which was adopted by several carriers in the
U.S. and Asia in the 1990s. By the late 1990s, these networks could support data rates of up to 64 Kbps.
In the late 1990s,
3rd Generation Partnership Project, or 3GPP, began defining 3G networks based on the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, or UMTS, standard, which was intended to minimize capital expenditure for wireless carriers evolving from GSM-based
systems as they added data capability. The first UMTS networks were established in the early 2000s and supported peak downlink data rates of 384 Kbps. After many enhancements to the technology, peak downlink data rates of 28 Mbps and higher were
achieved. In parallel to these 3GPP efforts, 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2, or 3GPP2, defined a path from 2G to 3G technology for CDMA-based carriers. An outcome of the 3GPP2 effort was the creation of specifications for CDMA2000, which
supported 1xEV-DO (EVolution Data Only) implementations capable of up to 3.1 Mbps downlink speeds.
Despite the advances in
data rates provided by these improvements on both the 3GPP and 3GPP2 paths, these networks remain constrained by legacy technologies that were designed primarily for voice traffic, which are characterized by limited throughput and inefficient
utilization of spectrum. Unable to effectively address the fast growing demand for wireless broadband data services in a cost effective manner using legacy 2G and 3G networks, many wireless carriers are moving to what are commonly referred to as
4G networks using LTE, which provides peak downlink speeds of up to 150 Mbps (3GPP Release 9 User Equipment Category 4), and to a much more limited extent WiMAX, which provides peak downlink capacity of 46 Mbps, to enable higher data
throughput. 4G networks also provide significantly higher uplink performance than legacy networks, which is increasingly important for consumers who upload large multimedia payloads such as videos and images. LTE provides up to 50 Mbps of uplink
throughput (3GPP Release 9 User Equipment Categories 2, 3 and 4). In addition, the next version of LTE, called LTE-Advanced, based on 3GPP Release 10 and later, provides additional improvements in features and performance, and is already deployed by
at least 49 operators worldwide, according to a January, 2015 report by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association. The initial versions of LTE-Advanced can provide as much as 300 Mbps of downlink speed (3GPP Release 10 User Equipment Category 6), with
future versions providing even higher downlink speeds and increasing the peak uplink speeds to 100 Mbps.
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The figure below provides a simplified perspective on the evolution of wireless technologies:
Wireless carriers are seeking to quickly deploy and transition existing wireless
data services to more efficient 4G networks, which require less capital expenditure for a given amount of data throughput. At the same time, potential average revenue per account, or ARPA, can be increased by providing value-added mobile broadband
services and solutions that are better enabled by the speed and performance of 4G networks. According to the February 2015
Cisco® Visual Networking Index, mobile video will increase 13-fold between 2014 and 2019, accounting for 72% of
total mobile data traffic, which is particularly problematic for legacy networks to support economically. These factors are key drivers of the move by mobile network operators to LTE technology.
Additionally, carriers in developing regions are increasingly embracing 4G wireless technology as a cost-effective and easier-to-deploy
alternative to wireline networks for delivering broadband capability to subscribers. According to a 2014 report by the International Telecommunications Union, developing regions of the world had only 6% wired broadband penetration in 2014, less than
one-fourth that of developed regions. 4G wireless technology is being deployed in many of these developing regions to increase access to broadband services.
An additional factor fueling some applications to move to 4G connectivity is the expected longevity of the
technology. Many machine-to-machine connections are of the set it and forget it variety, and are expected to remain operational for ten or more years. According to the February 2015
Cisco® Visual Networking Index, Globally, M2M modules will account for 35% (7.3 billion) of all networked
devices in 2018, compared to 19% (2.3 billion) in 2013, a 25.8% CAGR. The overall surge in the number of mobile and M2M connections and the traffic they produce, coupled with the relative scarcity of available wireless spectrum, has prompted a
number of operators, including AT&T in the United States and others in South Korea and Japan, to announce plans to shut down their aging 2G networks so they can re-farm the spectrum for use with 4G technology. As a result, many new
machine-to-machine and Internet of Things device deployments are incorporating LTE technology, despite the fact that some may not need the throughput performance provided by LTE.
4G Wireless Networks
4G architecture represents a fundamental
technological change in the design of wireless communication networks. 2G and 3G networks were originally designed to support voice communications and utilize older circuit switching technology based on wireline telephone system design concepts.
Circuit switching technology is inflexible as it requires a continuous dedicated connection between the source and destination of the communication, and is inefficient as network capacity is wasted on connections that are established but not in
continuous use. 4G, which employs concepts such as packet switching and internet protocol, or IP, improves the scalability
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and performance of data networks. Packet switching technology makes more efficient use of network capacity for data communication by transmitting data in packets over multiple shared connections
as compared to a dedicated connection. OFDMA and MIMO have emerged as key technologies that increase efficient use of spectrum, signal reliability, throughput and range in 4G networks compared to 2G and 3G networks.
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OFDMA is a digital modulation and access technique that achieves significantly higher throughput within a given frequency spectrum than the TDMA
and CDMA techniques used in 2G and 3G wireless networks. OFDMA splits the wireless signal into multiple lower frequency sub-signals spread throughout available spectrum during transmission, effectively reducing the demands on the network for each
sub-signal and enabling increased overall speed and performance. |
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MIMO is a smart antenna technology that enables higher data throughput and signal range without requiring additional bandwidth or transmit
power. MIMO employs multiple antennae to more efficiently transmit and receive wireless data. |
The
throughput and range extension capabilities of OFDMA and MIMO technologies also enable infrastructure installations to cover a larger service area and provide increased network capacity, thereby reducing capital expenditures for wireless carriers.
The commonly accepted 4G protocols, LTE and WiMAX, are IP-based, share the same OFDMA and MIMO technologies and have very
similar radio designs, coding schemes and signal processing algorithms. WiMAX was defined as a standard and deployed ahead of LTE as carriers sought to monetize available frequency spectrum using a Time Division Duplexing, or TDD, RF technology. TDD
transmits and receives signals on the same frequency using a time-sharing scheme, whereas Frequency Division Duplexing, or FDD, uses different frequencies to transmit and receive signals simultaneously. While WiMAX is deployed almost exclusively in
one of a limited number of TDD frequency bands, LTE is compatible with both TDD and FDD spectrum and can be deployed in many different frequency bands.
Wireless carriers that deployed WiMAX were primarily new market entrants seeking competitive differentiation from incumbents in addition to carriers in emerging markets who utilized WiMAX networks as an
economical alternative to wired broadband networks. The availability of WiMAX technology prior to the development of LTE led to adoption and deployment of WiMAX networks first. We expect that most WiMAX carriers will transition from WiMAX networks
to LTE networks over time.
LTE has become the dominant technology for 4G wireless broadband access, particularly among large
mobile operators who have historically deployed 3GPP or 3GPP2 technology. The Global Mobile Suppliers Association counted 360 commercial networks in 124 countries at the end of 2014, and counted 373 million worldwide LTE subscribers at the end
of Q3 2014, making it the fastest developing mobile communications system technology ever. Leading this trend, according to company reports, Verizon Wireless in the U.S. had 67.4 million active LTE connections at the end of 2014. China Mobile
had 54.4 million subscribers in October, 2014. According to Market Intelligence and Consulting Institute, Japan LTE subscriptions passed 40 million in 2014, and South Korea LTE subscriptions passed 30 million. According to ABI Research,
LTE subscribers will grow from 567 million at the end of 2014 to 2.9 billion by 2019. This growth in subscribers drives an LTE device market that is expected to grow from 624 million units in 2014 to over 1.5 billion units in 2018,
according to Strategy Analytics.
The rapid pace of deployment of LTE networks worldwide implies that in some regions,
operators are preparing to achieve LTE coverage at parity or better compared to their 2G or 3G coverage footprint. Verizon Wireless for instance has said that it has substantially completed its LTE network build as of mid-2013, achieving population
coverage parity with their 3G network of over 97%. Meanwhile, South Korean and Japanese LTE operators achieved 100% population coverage in 2012. In this environment, many devices will not require 2G or 3G support. Initially, this is especially true
outside the handset market, in devices such as tablets, laptops, mobile hotspots, USB modems, consumer electronics devices, and M2M applications. In these data devices the usage models are data-centric rather than voice-centric, and there are
significant advantages in size, power consumption, product cost, development costs and certification costs for LTE-only implementations compared to their more expensive, larger, more power hungry and more complex multi-mode equivalents. In some
regions, LTE-only handsets will emerge as well, particularly for domestic use. These LTE-only device-level advantages, coupled with the network-level economic benefits to carriers, imply that a significant market exists for LTE-only devices. Various
industry analysts expect approximately 5 billion total LTE devices to be shipped worldwide between 2014 and 2018. Strategy Analytics forecasts that the LTE-only portion of the total LTE device market is expected to exceed 20% by
2018.
Challenges Faced By 4G Wireless Semiconductor Providers
Suppliers of 4G semiconductor solutions face significant challenges:
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Execution Challenges. The rapid evolution of wireless protocols, such as LTE to LTE Advanced, requires sustained product development
excellence and ongoing collaboration with carriers to meet market technology needs. Subscriber demand and carriers push to increase revenues by providing new and higher performance devices have driven OEM and ODM product lifecycles to become
shorter and require semiconductor solution providers to adhere to quick time-to-market schedules while providing fast and efficient transition from design-in to volume production. In addition, wireless carriers require semiconductor solutions to
undergo extensive certification qualification and interoperability testing prior to mass production. |
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Technology Challenges. In order to increase throughput with minimal cost, wireless carriers require more efficient use of spectrum through
the implementation of complex signal processing algorithms, such as OFDMA and MIMO, that require a significant amount of system-level and software expertise in addition to IC design knowledge. In addition, OEM and ODM customers desire for
continuous improvements in power efficiency, reduced form factor and lower cost require rapid design cycles employing increasingly advanced silicon processes, improved RF transceiver performance and integration of additional features. Furthermore,
until LTE networks are fully deployed by the carrier, the need to provide an optimal user experience in areas of poor network coverage or areas where coverage changes from 2G or 3G to 4G requires multi-mode system designs that are capable of
seamlessly transitioning between the technologies. |
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths enable us to address the challenges faced by 4G wireless semiconductor providers:
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A strong track record of execution in 4G. We were an early provider of WiMAX products, have been shipping our wireless
broadband semiconductor solutions since 2005 and believe we have a strong position in the WiMAX market. We also believe we are well positioned for the single-mode LTE market, with approximately 30 customers working on one or multiple products. Since
we commenced operations in 2004, we have accomplished the following milestones: |
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released six generations of 4G semiconductor solutions that have been deployed in a variety of devices including smartphones, USB dongles, embedded
wireless modems and CPE systems; |
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delivered advanced broadband semiconductor solutions such as a single chip solution for WiMAX that incorporates baseband and RF transceiver
functionality, utilizes cost-effective and power-efficient 65nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, or CMOS, technology and delivers high network throughput, low latency, strong signal reach, low power consumption and high reliability in a
small form factor and at a low cost; |
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designed our WiMAX solution into multiple devices, including the highly successful HTC EVO 4G, the first mass-market 4G smartphone, followed by eight
more HTC devices; |
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introduced our first LTE product in May 2010, a full 20MHz bandwidth TDD LTE solution, which was used by China Mobile in the first TDD LTE network
demonstration and was launched in several commercial networks, including in Australia and Brazil; |
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at the end of 2011, introduced our StreamrichLTE family of second-generation LTE chipset solutions, designed in advanced low-power 40nm CMOS
technology, supporting both FDD and TDD networks, 3GPP Release 9 features, and providing one of the industrys first solutions to support Category 4 throughput of up to 150Mbps in the downlink; |
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in the fourth quarter of 2012, successfully completed a comprehensive qualification process of our second-generation LTE chipsets conducted by China
Mobile and Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and announced that our chips were selected to power a significant portion of the LTE devices to be used in the next phase of China Mobiles large-scale LTE trial;
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certified our second generation LTE chipset solution on Verizon Wireless network in the fourth quarter of 2012; |
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introduced our StreamliteLTE family of products in the fourth quarter of 2012, optimized for the price/performance requirements of the
Internet of Things market, including connected consumer electronics and machine-to-machine devices; |
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successfully demonstrated performance gains enabled by our proprietary LTE interference cancellation technology, Sequans AIR, in a trial with
Japanese LTE operator Softbank in December 2012; |
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introduced our third-generation LTE chipset solution in the first quarter of 2013, supporting LTE Advanced and 3GPP Release 10 features, including
support for carrier aggregation up to a total of 40MHz bandwidth, an industry-first capability; |
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introduced our EZLinkLTE family of LTE modules in the second quarter of 2013, designed to reduce time to market for LTE-only device
manufacturers, and achieved Verizon Wireless certification of the first two members of the EZLinkLTE module family, the VZ20Q and VZ20M, in the third quarter of 2013; |
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achieved certification by LG U+ in South Korea of our Firefly LTE platform for machine-to-machine applications in the third quarter of 2013;
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successfully demonstrated our implementation of eMBMS, or LTE broadcast, technology as part of Verizon Wireless LTE Multicast public
demonstration in New York during Super Bowl Week in the first quarter of 2014; |
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disclosed in April, 2014 that Sequans technology powers two devices for China Telecoms LTE network; |
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introduced our Colibri LTE chipset platform in June, 2014, an all-new, cost-optimized Category 4 LTE solution designed for mobile computing and the
Internet of Things markets |
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announced that USI had selected Sequans Colibri chipset for modules targeting M2M and Internet of Things market in September, 2014;
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announced the launch of the Sequans-powered Best Buy Insignia Flex 8 LTE tablet in November, 2014; |
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announced the launch of the Sequans-powered Verizon Wireless Ellipsis Jetpack MHS800L in December, 2014; |
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introduced Calliope LTE chipset platform in January, 2015, a cost- and power-optimized Category 1 LTE solution targeting M2M and Internet of Things
applications where high throughput is not a requirement; |
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announced completion of VoLTE integration into our chipsets with software partner Ecrio in January, 2015; |
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announced a design win with D-Link in February, 2015 for an LTE-powered HDMI TV dongle, enabled for LTE Broadcast using eMBMS;
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announced successful completion of an LTE Category 1 device and network field trial with Verizon Wireless and Ericsson that took place during the
fourth quarter 2014; |
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announced deployment of our Cassiopeia LTE-Advanced Category 6 chipset in devices for Italian operator Linkem in February, 2015;
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announced deployment of Sequans-powered LTE devices in India by Bharti Airtel and Tikona in February, 2015; and |
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Announced a partnership with TCL Communication on 5G research in March, 2015. |
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Understanding of wireless system-level architecture and expertise in signal processing. We have an end-to-end understanding of
wireless system-level architectures and networks based on our teams experience in a broad range of wireless technologies including 2G, 3G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE. This enables us to serve as a trusted advisor to wireless carriers, OEMs and
infrastructure vendors to optimize the performance of their 4G devices and networks. For example, our solutions offer improved standby-mode battery life in 4G devices as a result of our in-depth understanding of the interactions between the device
and the network and implementation of advanced power-saving techniques in our solutions. We also utilize our system-level knowledge to optimize handover performance between 3G and 4G networks in the same smartphone allowing for seamless transitions
between networks and providing an enhanced user experience for mobile users. In addition, we provide our customers with Wi-Fi-4G coexistence systems designs that ensure that Wi-Fi transmissions in adjacent frequencies are properly filtered to
maintain 4G performance. |
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High performance solutions for 4G applications. Our solutions offer high performance for use in a wide array of 4G-enabled
devices. The key performance characteristics of our solutions include: |
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high throughput with peak downlink data transfer rates of 150 Mbps in our LTE solutions and up to 225 Mbps in our LTE-Advanced solution;
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high power efficiency in both active and idle modes using our patented idle mode optimization algorithms that improve standby time and help maximize
device battery life; |
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patented dual-transmit technology that improves coverage and provides higher data throughput from the device to the network compared to traditional
single transmitter approaches; |
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support for an advanced technology called hybrid automatic repeat request, or hybrid ARQ, which significantly enhances RF link robustness and
throughput improving mobility and range; |
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inclusion of LTE broadcast support in our LTE solutions using a feature called evolved multimedia broadcast multicast service, or eMBMS, which enables
carriers to deliver new multimedia services in an economical and spectrally efficient manner; |
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development and integration of a unique LTE interference mitigation technology, Sequans Active Interference Rejection (Sequans AIR) into our LTE
solutions for improved cell edge performance, enhanced network capacity and enhanced user experience; |
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support for LTE-Advanced features, including carrier aggregation, a capability of creating a single virtual wide channel from two different narrower
channels, resulting in higher throughput; and |
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integration of complete on-chip support for Voice over LTE (VoLTE), including support for high-definition voice using wideband codecs.
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Highly optimized 4G solutions. We have successfully produced and ramped into commercial production five generations of 4G
system-on-chip, or SoC, semiconductor solutions, and in 2013, we introduced our sixth generation 4G solution. This experience has resulted in what we believe to be one of the industrys most efficient implementation, providing high performance
at low cost and low power consumption. Some of our solutions have integrated the baseband processor and the RF transceiver into a single die, for the ultimate in integration, small footprint and low cost. In addition, we successfully migrated our
baseband processors from 130nm to 65nm CMOS technology in 2009, and again to 40nm CMOS technology with our second-generation LTE SoC which became available in 2012. Furthermore, our comprehensive software solutions help our customers get to market
quickly with an optimized, mature and field proven solution. Our highly optimized solutions offer key advantages for both ourselves and our end customers: |
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Lower overall system cost for our end customers, coupled with higher functionality and smaller form factor. Our ability to integrate digital and RF
functions into a single device also allows us to maintain higher product margins as we believe device manufacturers are willing to pay a premium for our integrated 4G solutions, while also enabling us to reduce our manufacturing costs for wafer
fabrication, assembly and testing. |
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The implementation of advanced known good die and wafer-level chip-scale packaging (WLCSP) technology, which reduces chip cost and design
footprint, enables the creation of very small and cost-effective LTE modules |
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Simplified product design for device manufacturers, as our solutions incorporate all key components required for a 4G device in a single die or
package. We believe these advantages enable our products to be incorporated into leading edge devices that offer a high quality user experience, as well as accelerate our end customers time-to-market. |
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Proprietary embedded protocol software that has been exhaustively tested with major basestation vendors equipment to ensure reliable performance
in the field. We also offer host software that facilitates rapid development of high performance device drivers, connection managers and other key application-layer software functionality. |
Our Strategy
Our goal
is to be a leading provider of next-generation wireless semiconductors by providing best-in-class solutions that enable mass-market adoption of 4G technologies worldwide. Key elements of our strategy include:
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Identifying, segmenting and optimally serving LTE-only market segments. As the LTE market grows and matures, and as operators
aggressively build out their LTE networks and refarm their 2G and 3G spectrum to support demand for data capacity on LTE, we expect to see significant growth in the demand for single-mode LTE, or LTE-only, devices. In our estimation, this demand
will come from three areas: |
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Mobile computing: Cellular-connected data-only (non-handset) devices such as tablets and mobile PCs are popular with consumers and enterprises, and are a natural fit
for LTE due to its performance and the always-connected nature of connectivity. Given the operators desire to move data traffic off of legacy 2G and 3G networks and onto their LTE networks, it increasingly makes sense for many of these devices
to implement an LTE-only connectivity solution. Strategy Analytics estimates that more than 230 million LTE-only tablets, mobile PCs and mobile routers will ship from 2014 to 2018. We have several products in both our StreamrichLTE family
(Cassiopeia LTE-Advanced platform, for instance) and our StreamlightLTE family (Colibri LTE chipset platform) that can ideally address these device types. |
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2) |
Home and mobile routers: Mobile routers, also called mobile hotspots, provide convenient, on-the-go Internet access via WiFi for users in homes, offices, hotel rooms,
vehicles and outdoor locations. Fixed-location (non-mobile) routers provide broadband Internet access for homes and businesses. Mobile routers are popular with customers of traditional mobile operators, and because of the favorable economics of LTE
networks compared to 2G and 3G networks, and the potential for heavy data consumption by a mobile router user, LTE-only versions of this device type are expected to become more common. Fixed, or home, routers (also sometimes generically called
broadband wireless CPE, or customer premise equipment) are increasingly being deployed as a last-mile or wireless local loop solution by emerging operators to provide basic broadband access where it may be prohibitively expensive to
deploy wireline broadband infrastructure using fiber, cable or DSL. Single mode LTE-only designs are a logical choice for these home routers for cost and performance reasons, and because the devices are not mobile and therefore do not need to
fall back to a 2G or 3G connection. Strategy Analytics projects that, together, shipment of LTE-only versions of these two device types will exceed 100 million units from 2014 and 2018. Solutions from both our StreamrichLTE family
(Cassiopeia LTE-Advanced platform, for instance) and our StreamlightLTE family (Colibri LTE chipset platform) can ideally address these device types. |
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3) |
Internet of Things and M2M devices: Increasingly, established mobile network operators are looking beyond the saturated smartphone marketplace to add the devices and
users needed to maintain profitable growth. One area of particular interest to these operators is the opportunity to add connected things (rather than people) to their networks. The traditional machine-to-machine market is considered a
subset of this larger connected objects space, often called The Internet of Things (or IoT). |
While
a large number of IoT connections are expected to use WiFi, Bluetooth or some other local-area or personal-area networking technology, there are a lot of applications for wide-area connectivity which can be addressed by cellular networks.
Applications for cellular connectivity include smart utility meters, asset tracking, industrial automation and monitoring, retail, smart cities, consumer wearables, agriculture and environmental monitoring, mobile/remote healthcare, security and
more. Research firm Analysys Mason projects that nearly 500 million wide area connections will be in use by 2018 in these and similar markets.
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Given the rapid move to LTE by network operators, the spectral efficiency and low latency
of LTE networks, and the longer life cycles of some of these applications, the use of LTE in many of these applications is expected to increase, despite the fact many of them do not require high throughput. This trend toward the use of LTE in the
IoT market will likely accelerate with the arrival of cost- and power-optimized Category 1 LTE solutions in 2015, and further enhanced when the industry moves to implement machine type communications (MTC)-optimized Category 0 LTE solutions defined
in 3GPP Releases 12 and 13. Among other things, these new specifications simplify the LTE requirements, reducing cost and power even further, such that Release 13 implementations are expected to rival 2G in terms of cost and power. Our StreamliteLTE
family is targeted at the IoT market, and our Calliope Category 1 LTE chipset platform, announced in January, 2015, is expected to compete successfully in this space.
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Accelerating our, and our customers, time to market and reducing our customers development costs. In 2013, we introduced the
EZLinkLTE family of LTE-only modules. By packaging our LTE semiconductor solutions in a complete, turnkey module form factor and certifying them with key wireless carriers, we expect to catalyze the market for LTE-only devices, speed time to
market for customer wishing to incorporate LTE connectivity in their devices, and reduce the cost and complexity for our customers. |
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Leveraging our multiple generations of 4G chip design experience to become a leader in advanced LTE technology and cost
efficiency. We have ten years and six generations of 4G chip design experience, resulting in highly optimized and cost-efficient chip implementations and deep technical expertise, allowing us to be among the first in the industry
to deliver new capabilities to market, as well as to enable extremely cost-competitive solutions. For example, we developed a full 20MHz bandwidth TDD LTE solution which was used in the first TDD LTE network demonstration by China Mobile in 2010. In
2011, we announced our second-generation LTE solution, the Mont Blanc LTE chipset platform (SQN3120 and SQN3140),, which we believe provides differentiated performance, power efficiency and system cost advantages to manufacturers serving all
potential LTE markets, including TDD LTE solutions for large wireless carriers such as China Mobile, Softbank, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Sprint; and FDD LTE products to enable 3G wireless carriers such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, KDDI and
others to migrate to LTE. With this second-generation Mont Blanc LTE chipset platform, we were among the first LTE chip vendors to demonstrate the full 150Mbps downlink throughput capability defined in the 3GPP specification for LTE Category 4
devices. In December 2012, we disclosed the performance gains achieved in a trial with Softbank using our proprietary interference cancellation technology, Sequans AIR. In February 2013, we announced our third generation LTE chip, with support
for LTE Advanced features, including carrier aggregation support for up to 40MHz aggregated bandwidth, the only such capability in the industry. In addition, our SQN5120 dual-4G baseband along with our 4sight 4G network migration initiative provides
an LTE chipset with built-in WiMAX support and other solutions to enable WiMAX operators to deploy devices for an efficient transition to LTE. In May 2013, we introduced our EZLinkLTE family of LTE-only modules, aimed at speeding time to
market for our customers. In February 2014, we demonstrated a commercial-ready implementation of LTE Broadcast in Verizon Wireless LTE Multicast demonstration in New York during Super Bowl week. Finally, the cost and power efficiency achieved
from our multiple generations of 4G modem design has enabled us to deliver our StreamliteLTE family of products at attractive price points, enabling LTE connectivity to be embedded in a wide range of cost-sensitive consumer and machine-to-machine
applications, potentially growing the addressable market for LTE. The most recently announced members of our StreamliteLTE family are the Colibri LTE Category 4 chipset platform, and the Calliope LTE Category 1 chipset platform.
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Our Solutions
We have developed a portfolio of 4G semiconductor solutions to address a variety of applications and market segments. We offer baseband solutions used to encode and decode data based on 4G protocols that
serve as the core wireless processing platform for a 4G device; RF transceivers used to transmit and receive wireless transmissions; and highly integrated SoC solutions that combine these and other functions into a single die or package. Some of our
SoC solutions integrate the baseband and RF transceiver functions, in some cases with an applications processor and memory. This advanced integration reduces the size, cost, design complexity and power consumption of the 4G solution. In 2013, we
introduced a family of LTE modules that vastly simplify the task of embedding LTE connectivity in many computing, consumer and machine-to-machine devices.
All of our baseband, SoC products and modules are provided with comprehensive software, including relevant source code and tools, to enable manufacturers to easily integrate our solutions into their
devices in a wide variety of environments, including Apple MAC OSX, Microsoft Windows, Chrome OS and embedded operating systems such as Android. In addition, we provide our customers with design support, in the form of reference designs that specify
recommended methods for interconnecting our chips to surrounding devices, such as host processors, memory and RF front-end components as well as tools to integrate with products from major automatic test equipment vendors. Further, we provide our
customers with a warranty, for a period of one to two years, that our solutions are free from defects in materials and workmanship and will operate in material conformance with the provided specifications, entitling the customer to have the
defective product repaired or replaced at our expense.
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Many of todays LTE-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and mobile
hotspots, tend to require the highest performance and richest set of features in their LTE solution, driven by consumer demand for these attributes and by a highly competitive device market. For these performance segments, we typically propose our
StreamrichLTE family of products, as these solutions deliver the required higher performance and comprehensive feature set. However, in the nascent market for connected devices in segments like consumer electronics and machine-to-machine
modules, attributes like size, power consumption and cost are often much more important than raw performance. For these products, we typically propose our StreamliteLTE family of products, which provide performance levels suitable for these
kinds of devices in a smaller, more power-efficient and more cost-effective implementation.
Our primary products during the
last three financial years are summarized in the table below.
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Platform Name
Chipset ID Family |
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Description |
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Target Applications |
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Key Features |
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Handsets |
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Tablets/ Embedded Laptops |
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Mobile Routers |
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IoT and M2M |
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CPE |
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Calliope SQN3223
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LTE Release 9/10
BB |
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40nm technology, 10Mbps CAT1 peak throughput, USB and HS UART interfaces, integrated processor, cost- and power-optimized for Internet of
Things and M2M applications requiring lower throughput. WLCSP. |
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Colibri SQN3221
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LTE Release 9/10
BB |
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40nm technology, 150Mbps CAT1 peak throughput, USB and HS UART interfaces, integrated processor, optimized price/performance for mobile
computing and M2M markets. WLCSP. |
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Colibri / Calliope SQN3241
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LTE
RF |
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Supports 700-900MHz and 1.8-2.7GHz, up to 20 MHz bandwidth. WLCSP. |
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VZ22Q
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Colibri-based surface-mount all-in-one LTE module for Verizon Wireless network |
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20mm x 21mm x 1.5mm, surface-mountable module with integrated power management, clocks, Flash and DDR memories, and RF front-end
supporting bands 4 and 13; Verizon Wireless and GCF certified. eMBMS and VoLTE capable |
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VZ22M
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Colibri-based M.2 form-factor LTE module for Verizon Wireless network |
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M.2 module with integrated power management, clocks, Flash and DDR memories, and RF front-end supporting bands 4 and 13; Verizon Wireless
and GCF certified. eMBMS and VoLTE capable |
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Cassiopeia SQN3220
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LTE-Advanced Release 10 BB |
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Carrier aggregation up to 20 + 20 MHz |
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Mont Blanc/ Cassiopeia SQN3240
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LTE RF |
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Supports FDD and TDD 700 MHz 2.7 GHz, up to 20 MHz bandwidth |
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Mont Blanc SQN3120
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LTE Release 9 BB |
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40nm technology, 150Mbps Category 4 peak throughput, USB, SDIO and gigabit Ethernet interfaces, embedded SDRAM plus integrated
processor. |
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Platform Name
Chipset ID Family |
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Description |
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Target Applications |
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Key Features |
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Handsets |
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Tablets/ Embedded Laptops |
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Mobile Routers |
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IoT and M2M |
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CPE |
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Mont Blanc SQN5120
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LTE Release 9
+ WiMAX BB |
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As in SQN3120, plus integrated WiMAX baseband, seamless WiMAX-LTE handover support |
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Mont Blanc SQN3140
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LTE RF |
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Supports 2.32.7 GHz and 3.33.8 GHz TDD LTE bands, up to 20 MHz bandwidth |
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VZ20Q
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Surface-mount LTE module for Verizon Wireless network |
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17mm x 24mm surface mountable module with integrated RF front end; Verizon Wireless certified |
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VZ20M
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M.2 form-factor LTE module for Verizon Wireless network |
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M.2 module with integrated RF front end and power management; Verizon Wireless certified |
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Firefly SQN3101
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LTE Release 9 BB |
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40nm technology, 50Mbs peak throughput, SDIO and USB interfaces, integrated processor + SDRAM, optimized price/performance and features
for CE and M2M markets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SQN1210 |
|
WiMAX
BB + RF
SoC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65nm technology, integrated multi-band RF transceiver, embedded SDRAM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SQN1220 |
|
WiMAX
BB + RF
SoC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As in SQN1210, plus integrated processor with VoIP support |
Abbreviations used in this table: BB = baseband processor, CPE = customer premise equipment, EOL = product declared
end-of-life (as of December 31, 2013), FDD = frequency division duplexing, IoT = Internet of Things, nm = nanometer, RF = radio frequency transceiver, SDRAM = Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, SoC = system-on-chip, TDD = time division
duplexing, VoIP = Voice over Internet Protocol.
In June, 2014, we announced a new, cost-optimized LTE chipset platform in
our StreamliteLTE family of products, Colibri, based on the SQN3221 baseband and SQN3241 RFIC. Colibri provides up to Category 4 150Mbps peak downlink throughput, and is offered in a WLCSP known-good die format, which reduces cost and footprint
compared to traditional packaged semiconductors.
In January, 2015, we announced a new, cost- and power-optimized LTE chipset
platform in our StreamliteLTE family of products, Calliope, based on the SQN3223 baseband and SQN3241 RFIC. Calliope is limited to Category 1 10Mbps peak downlink throughput, and is offered in a WLCSP known-good format, which reduces cost and
footprint compared to traditional packaged semiconductors. Because of the new die design, which is optimized for the lower throughput, the chip is smaller and consumes less power than higher-performance implementations, making it ideal for M2M and
Internet of Things applications.
Competition
The wireless semiconductor business is very competitive. We believe that our competitive strengths will enable us to compete favorably in the LTE markets. The following are the primary elements on which
companies in our industry compete:
|
|
|
functionality, form factor and cost; |
|
|
|
product performance, as measured by network throughput, signal reach, latency and power consumption; |
|
|
|
track record of providing high-volume deployments in the industry; and |
29
In the LTE market, we expect to face competition from established semiconductor companies
such as Intel Corporation, Marvell Technology Group Ltd., Mediatek, Qualcomm Incorporated, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., and Spreadtrum, as well as smaller entrants in the market such as Altair Semiconductor or GCT Semiconductor.
Many of our competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater resources and name recognition, and a larger base of
existing customers than us. In addition, some of them may provide incentives to customers or offer bundled solutions with complementary products, which could be attractive to some customers, or adopt more aggressive pricing policies to offset what
we believe are the performance and cost advantages of our solutions.
Business Development, Sales and Marketing
Our business development efforts are focused on developing relationships with wireless carriers to identify the potential product
opportunities at each carrier. Our sales efforts are then focused on determining which OEMs and ODMs are most likely to win in the various carrier product opportunities, and securing design wins for mobile broadband devices to be manufactured by the
OEMs and ODMs. We work closely with key players across the 4G wireless broadband industry to understand their requirements and enable them to certify and deploy 4G solutions in high volume.
Our business development team is organized regionally and by wireless carrier. In addition to identifying new business opportunities
based on the wireless carriers product launch plan, the business development team also works to understand the wireless carriers future technological requirements, so that we can incorporate appropriate features in our product roadmap. As of
December 31, 2014, we had a business development team of both dedicated employees and outside contractors.
Our sales
force is organized regionally to provide account management and customer support functions as close to customer physical locations as practical. As of December 31, 2014, we had a direct sales force serving our OEM and ODM customers in the
Asia-Pacific region, including Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan; India; Europe; the Middle East and North and South America. In China, Japan, India, Korea and Brazil we supplement our direct sales team with local distributors and/or sales
representatives who handle certain customer communications, logistics and customer support functions.
Our sales force works
closely with a team of technical support personnel which, since April 2012, is part of the engineering and product development department. This team assists customers in solving technical challenges during the design, manufacturing implementation
and certification phases of a customers product life cycle. The information obtained from customer support is then communicated back to the direct product development teams to be considered in future software releases or hardware development.
This high-touch approach allows us to facilitate the successful certification and acceptance by the wireless carriers of our customers products, which speeds time-to-market for our customers and reinforces our role as a trusted advisor to our
customers.
Our sales cycles typically take 12 months or more to complete and our solutions are generally incorporated into
our customers products at the design stage. Prior to an end customers selection and purchase of our solutions, our sales force and technical support engineers provide our end customers with technical assistance in the use of our
solutions in their products. Once our solution is designed into a customers product offering, it becomes more difficult for a competitor to sell its semiconductor solutions to that end customer for that particular product offering given the
significant cost, time, effort and risk involved in changing suppliers. In addition, once we win a particular design with an end customer, we believe our ability to penetrate other product families at that end customer increases significantly.
Our marketing strategy is focused on enabling broad adoption of 4G solutions and communicating our technology advantages to
the marketplace. This includes building awareness of and preference for our technology at wireless carriers who generate demand for 4G-enabled devices. By working to understand carrier services strategies, device roadmaps and technical requirements,
we believe we are better positioned to drive our roadmap to meet these needs, to influence their choice of technology suppliers, and to identify manufacturers in the wireless industry who are best prepared to serve the needs of the wireless carrier.
For example, by engaging early with China Mobile, we were able to understand their requirements and achieve aggressive timelines for delivering our LTE solution for their demonstration network. In addition, our collaboration with Sprint allowed us
to understand their user experience goals, which led to the implementation of an optimized 3G-4G handover capability and reduced idle-mode power consumption for handsets incorporating our solutions. More recently, our technical and business
relationships with Verizon Wireless have allowed us to anticipate requirements and develop solutions tailored for their network, which helped us secure several design wins and launch multiple products for that network in 2014, including the Verizon
Ellipsis Jetpack MHS800L and the Best Buy Insignia Flex 8 LTE tablet.
Our marketing team is also responsible for
product management, strategic planning, product roadmap creation, OEM, ODM and wireless carrier business development and corporate communications. All of these functions are aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of our solutions in response to
evolving industry needs and competitive activities, and at articulating the value proposition of our technology throughout the 4G broadband wireless industry. Our business development, sales and marketing organizations work closely together to
ensure that evolving industry requirements are reflected in our product plans, and that customers have early access to our roadmaps and can communicate the value of our technology to the wireless carriers. This end-to-end value chain management
approach is designed to grow and preserve our market share in the segments we serve.
30
As of December 31, 2014 we had 19 employees and 2 outside contractors in our business
development, sales and marketing team.
Customers
We maintain relationships with 4G wireless carriers and with OEMs and ODMs who supply devices to those carriers and their end users. We do not typically sell directly to wireless carriers, except from
time to time in the context of selling services to enable new technologies or markets being developed by the carrier. Our sales are conducted on a purchase order basis with OEMs, ODMs, contract manufacturers or system integrators, or to a lesser
extent with distributors who provide certain customer communications, logistics and customer support functions.
Our top ten
customers accounted for 80%, 94% and 96% of our total revenue in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Gemtek accounted for less than 10% of our total revenue in 2012 but increase to 14% in 2013 and 39% in 2014. Huawei, through sales via dedicated
distributors, accounted for 16%, 33% and 25% of our revenue in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Asian Information Technology Inc., a new customer in 2014, accounted for 12% of total revenue in 2014. Customer A and Customer B (both U.S. based
corporations) accounted for 22% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2013, but less than 10% of our total revenue in 2012 and 2014. The terms and the existence of our commercial relationships with Customers A, B, C, and D currently are
subject to non-disclosure agreements. The following is a list of our top ten customers, in alphabetical order, based on total revenue during 2014:
|
|
|
Arrow Asia Pac Ltd.*
Asian
Information Technology Inc.
Gemtek Electronics Co
Netcomm
Wireless, Ltd
Solid Technologies |
|
WiMAX Forum
Customer A
(U.S.-based corporation)
Customer B (U.S.-based corporation)
Customer C
(Taiwan-based corporation)
Customer D (Japan-based corporation) |
*Distributor used exclusively for sales to Huawei
Manufacturing
We operate a fabless business model and use third-party
foundries and assembly and test contractors to manufacture, assemble and test our semiconductor solutions. Our sole foundry vendor is TSMC. In our latest products, we use 65nm and 40nm standard RF, mixed-signal and digital CMOS production processes.
The use of these commercially available standard processes is designed to enable us to produce our products more cost-effectively and, by migrating to lower process geometries, we expect to achieve advantages in cost, size and power consumption.
We use UTAC and STATSchipPAC for most of our assembly and testing. We rely on extensive simulation, practical application and
standardized test bed studies to validate and verify our products.
We closely monitor the production cycle from wafer to
finished goods by reviewing electrical parameters and manufacturing process and test yield data. We also run routine reliability monitoring programs to ensure long term product reliability. This enables us to operate certain test processes on demand
to reduce the time-to-market for our products and to help ensure their quality and reliability. We are ISO 9001 certified, and all of our major suppliers and subcontractors are required to have quality management systems certified to ISO 9000 and
ISO 14000 levels, as well as appropriate environmental control programs.
We do not have any agreements with our foundry or
with our testing and packaging vendors, other than a framework agreement with UTAC, and we place our orders with our foundry and other vendors on a purchase order basis. See Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business and Industry.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, or IPR, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights and trademarks, and contractual protections, to protect our core technology and intellectual
property. At December 31, 2014, we had 21 issued and allowed United States patents, 15 European patents, and 43 pending United States and European patents. The first of our issued and allowed patents is not expected to expire until 2025.
In addition to our own intellectual property, we have also entered into a number of licensing arrangements pursuant to which
we license third-party technologies and intellectual property. In particular, we have entered into such arrangements for certain technologies embedded in our semiconductor, hardware and software designs. These are typically non-exclusive contracts
provided under royalty-accruing or paid-up licenses. These licenses are generally perpetual or automatically renewed for so long as we continue to pay any royalty that may be due and in the absence of any uncured material breach of the agreement.
Certain licenses for technology used for development of a particular product are for a set term, generally at least two years, with a renewal option, and can be easily replaced with other currently available technology in subsequent product
developments. In the event that such licenses are not renewed, they nevertheless continue with regard to products distributed in the field. Except for our licenses to the so called essential patents described below, we do not believe our
business is dependent to any significant degree on any individual third-party license.
31
In the past, we have entered into licensing arrangements with respect to so called
essential patents that claim features or functions that are incorporated into applicable industry standards and that we are required to provide in order to comply with the standard. We may be required to enter into such licensing
arrangements in the future in order to comply with applicable industry standards, in particular with respect to the sales of our module products, which have full LTE functionality. We believe that general practice in the industry is that essential
patent holders licensing policy is to license only to licensees selling a full LTE product, not to component vendors.
Facilities
Our principal executive offices are located in Colombes, France, consisting of approximately 21,625 square feet under a
lease that expires in December 2023, but which may be cancelled in December 2020. This facility accommodates our principal research and development, product marketing, and finance and administrative activities.
We have a 4,236 square-foot facility in Winnersh Triangle, England, which accommodates a research and development center under a lease
expiring in October 2015. We have a 1,973 square-foot facility in Petach Tikva, Israel, which houses a small research and development team, and sales and technical support personnel, under a lease that expires in January 2016. We have a 1,957
square-foot facility in Xindian City, Taipei, Taiwan for sales and technical support personnel under a lease that expires in May 2015; we expect to move to a similar facility at the expiration of the lease. We have a 1,711 square-foot facility in
Shenzhen, China, which accommodates sales and technical support personnel, under a lease that expires in June 2016. We have a 1,600 square foot office in Singapore under a lease expiring in February 2016. We rent additional office space in Shanghai,
China; Seoul, South Korea and in the U.S. under short-term lease agreements.
We do not own any real property. We believe that
our leased facilities are adequate to meet our current needs and that additional facilities will be available on suitable, commercially reasonable terms to accommodate any future needs.
C. |
Organizational Structure |
The Company is the ultimate parent of the group comprised of the Sequans Communications S.A. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Country of incorporation |
|
Year of incorporation |
|
|
% equity interest |
|
Sequans Communications Ltd. |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sequans Communications Inc. |
|
United States |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sequans Communications Ltd. Pte. |
|
Singapore |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sequans Communications (Israel) Ltd. |
|
Israel |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
D. |
Property, Plants and Equipment |
For a discussion of property, plants and equipment, see Item 4.BBusiness OverviewFacilities.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not
applicable.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Summary
We are a leading
fabless designer, developer and supplier of 4G LTE and WiMAX semiconductor solutions for wireless broadband applications. Our solutions incorporate baseband processor and RF transceiver ICs along with our proprietary signal processing techniques,
algorithms and software stacks. Our high performance ICs deliver high throughput, low power consumption and high reliability in a small form factor and at a low cost.
We shipped nearly over 1.5 million semiconductor solutions during 2014, compared to 900,000 units during 2013 and nearly 1.6 million units during 2012. Our total revenue was $22.6 million in
2014, compared to $13.7 million in 2013 and $22.3 million in 2012.
32
We currently have more than 50 end customers worldwide, consisting primarily of OEMs and
ODMs for CPE, home routers, mobile routers, USB dongles, embedded devices, mobile computing devices and other data devices. We derive a significant portion of our revenue from a small number of end customers, and we anticipate that we will continue
to do so for the foreseeable future. We do not have long-term purchase agreements with any of our end customers and substantially all of our sales are made on a purchase order basis. We expect that the percentage of revenue derived from each end
customer may vary significantly due to the order patterns of our end customers, the timing of new product releases by our end customers, and consumer demand for the products of our end customers. Customers representing more than 10% of total revenue
in any of the years 2012, 2013 or 2014 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Location |
|
% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, |
|
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
China |
|
39% |
|
14% |
|
Less than 10% |
China |
|
25% |
|
33% |
|
16% |
Taiwan |
|
12% |
|
0% |
|
0% |
United States |
|
Less than 10% |
|
22% |
|
Less than 10% |
United States |
|
Less than 10% |
|
10% |
|
0% |
Taiwan |
|
0% |
|
Less than 10% |
|
32% |
Our Consolidated Financial Statements for 2012, 2013 and 2014, have been prepared in accordance with IFRS
as issued by the IASB.
Revenue
Our total revenue consists of product revenue and other revenue.
Product Revenue
We derive substantially all of our revenue from the
sale of semiconductor solutions for 4G wireless broadband applications and we currently expect to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Our solutions are sold both directly to our end customers and, to a lesser extent, indirectly through
distributors.
Our sales cycles typically take 12 months or more to complete and our solutions are generally incorporated into
our end customers products at the design stage. Prior to an end customers selection and purchase of our solutions, our sales force and applications engineers provide our end customers with technical assistance in the use of our solutions
in their products. Once our solution is designed into an end customers product offering, it becomes more difficult for a competitor to sell its semiconductor solutions to that end customer for that particular product offering given the
significant cost, time, effort and risk involved in changing suppliers. In addition, once we win a particular design with an end customer, we believe our ability to penetrate other product families at that end customer increases significantly.
Our product revenue began declining in the second half of 2011 compared to the first half of 2011, and continued to decline
in 2012 and 2013 due to an overall decline in the WiMAX market driven by a change in strategy by Sprint to commit funding to a new 3G product and ultimately to transition from WiMAX to LTE. Sprint was the largest driver of demand for WiMAX
semiconductor solutions. We believe this reduction in the size of the WiMAX market to be permanent. Sales of our LTE products began to contribute materially to revenues in the second half of 2013 due to the timing of our products and the deployment
timing of the operators where we are focused. Our product revenues increased in 2014 primarily due to increasing sales of LTE products.
Our product revenue is also affected by changes in the unit volume and average selling prices, or ASPs, of our semiconductor solutions. Our products are typically characterized by a life cycle that begins
with higher ASPs and lower volumes as our new products use more advanced designs or technology and are usually incorporated into new devices that consumers adopt over a period of time. This is followed by broader market adoption with higher volumes
and ASPs that are lower than initial levels, due to the maturity of the technology, greater availability of competing products or less demand as our end customers products reach the end of their life cycle.
In the second half of 2013, we had initial sales of our module products, which continued in 2014. We introduced our modules in order to
accelerate market adoption of LTE functionality in data devices such as tablets, notebook computers, consumer devices and machine-to-machine devices. The ASP of the module is much higher than the ASP of our semiconductor solutions as many other
components are added in order to provide a complete LTE solution.
33
The proportion of our product revenue that is generated from the sale of various products,
also referred to as product mix, affects our overall ASP, product revenue and profitability. Given the varying ASPs of our solutions, any material change in our product mix may affect our gross margins and operating results from period to period. We
expect to continue to broaden our product portfolio by introducing new solutions.
Other Revenue
Other revenue consists of the sale of licenses to use our technology solutions and revenue from associated annual software maintenance and
support services, as well as technical support services. We license the right to use our solutions, including embedded software that enables our end customers to customize our solutions for use in their products. The license generally is perpetual
and covers unlimited product designs by the end customer. We expect that we will continue to sign new license agreements as we begin working with new customers, but we do not expect that such licenses will generate significant revenues. Technical
services may be provided from time to time for unusually complex projects. These agreements typically call for a number of milestones to be delivered over several quarters, with revenue recognized on the percentage of completion method as the
milestone deliverables are achieved. Such service agreements are occasional in nature, although we earned revenue from two customers under such agreements in 2013 and from three customers in 2014, resulting in an increase in other revenue in 2013
compared to 2012 and then remaining fairly flat in 2014. We expect other revenue to remain flat or increase slightly in absolute terms in future periods as we continue to provide services on particularly complex projects, and in the short term it is
likely to remain a significant percentage of our total revenue.
The following table sets forth our total revenue by region
for the periods indicated. We categorize our total revenue geographically based on the location to which we invoice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Asia |
|
$ |
17,841 |
|
|
$ |
8,169 |
|
|
$ |
19,984 |
|
Europe, Middle East, Africa |
|
|
3,479 |
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
Americas |
|
|
934 |
|
|
|
5,002 |
|
|
|
2,517 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
22,254 |
|
|
$ |
13,712 |
|
|
$ |
22,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue includes cost of product revenue and cost of other revenue.
Cost of
Product Revenue
A significant portion of our cost of semiconductor solution product revenue consists of the cost of
wafers manufactured by third-party foundries and costs associated with assembly and test services. Cost of product revenue is impacted by manufacturing variances such as cost and yield for wafer, assembly and test operations and package cost. To a
lesser extent, cost of product revenue includes expenses relating to depreciation of productions mask sets, the cost of shipping and logistics, royalties, personnel costs, including share-based compensation expense, valuation provisions for excess
inventory and warranty costs.
For our module products, the cost of product revenue includes not only the cost of the
semiconductor solution but also other components such as power amplifiers and filters, as well as greater packaging costs.
Early in the life cycle of our products, we typically experience lower yields and higher associated costs, which are offset by higher
ASPs. Over the life cycle of a particular product, our experience has been that the cost of product revenue has typically declined as volumes increase and test operations mature, while ASPs generally decline.
We use third-party foundry, assembly and test subcontractors, which are primarily located in Asia, to manufacture, package and test our
semiconductor solutions. We purchase processed wafers from our fabrication supplier, currently TSMC. We also rely on third-party assembly and test subcontractors to assemble, package and test our products, and on third-party logistics specialists
for logistics and storage. We do not have long-term agreements with our suppliers. Our obligations with our vendors for manufacturing, assembly and testing are generally negotiated on a purchase order basis.
Cost of Other Revenue
As most of the costs related to other revenue, particularly our licenses, are incurred as part of our normal research and development efforts, we allocate to cost of other revenue only the specific
incremental costs related to generating maintenance and technical support services revenue.
34
Gross Profit
Our gross profit is affected by a variety of factors, including our product mix, the ASPs of our products, the volumes sold, the purchase price of fabricated wafers, assembly and test service costs and
royalties, provision for inventory valuation charges, and changes in wafer, assembly and test yields. We expect our gross profit will fluctuate over time depending upon competitive pricing pressures, the timing of the introduction of new products,
product mix, volume pricing, variances in manufacturing costs and the level of royalty payments to third parties possessing intellectual property necessary for our products.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development
We engage in substantial research and development efforts to develop new products and integrate additional capabilities into our core
products. Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel costs, including share-based compensation, for our engineers engaged in design and development of our products and technologies. These expenses also include the depreciation
cost of intellectual property licensed from others for use in our products, product development costs, which include external engineering services, development software and hardware tools, cost of fabrication of mask sets for prototype products,
external laboratory costs for certification procedures, equipment depreciation and facilities expenses.
We expect research
and development expense to remain fairly stable in the short term as we continue to control costs, and then to increase in absolute terms as we enhance and expand our features and offerings for our product portfolio and we continue to develop new
products for LTE, which will require additional resources and investments.
Under IFRS, research and development expense is
required to be capitalized if certain criteria are met and then amortized over the life of the product. As we operate in a highly innovative, dynamic and competitive sector, the costs incurred from the point that the criteria for capitalization are
met to the point when the product is made generally available on the market are not material. Through 2014, all research and development expense has been expensed as incurred.
Research and Development Incentives
In France and the United Kingdom, we
receive certain tax incentives based on the qualifying research and development expense incurred in those jurisdictions. When the incentive is available only as a reduction of taxes owed, such incentive is accounted for as a reduction of tax
expense; otherwise, it is accounted for as a government grant with the benefit recorded as a reduction of research and development expense. We expect to be able to continue to qualify for such tax incentives in these jurisdictions in future periods.
We expect the tax incentives, which are based on a percentage of qualifying research and development expense, to remain fairly stable or decline slightly in the short term. For 2014, we recorded a net amount of approximately $4.0 million in tax
incentives.
In France, we also receive incentives in the form of grants from agencies of the French government and the
European Union, based on qualifying research and development expense incurred pursuant to collaborative programs carried out with other companies and universities. These incentives are recorded as a reduction of research and development expense and
are recognized when there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all relevant conditions will be complied with. For 2014 we recorded approximately $0.4 million in grants compared with approximately $0.8 million in 2013. In
November 2014, we received $3.9 million in advances on grants and debt financing related to a large research project funded by the French government, called FELIN. The total value of the project funding for the Company is 7.0 million
($9.0 million) to be received over three years. Of the 7.0 million, 3.0 million is in the form of a grant and 4.0 million is in the form of interest-bearing debt to be repaid beginning in 2018 and through 2020. We
expect that the amounts we recognize from such incentives combined will increase in 2015.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of personnel costs, including sales commissions, and share-based compensation for our
business development, sales and marketing personnel, commissions paid to independent sales agents, the costs of advertising and participation in trade shows, depreciation and facilities expenses. We expect the size of our business development, sales
and marketing organization to remain flat in 2015 and therefore expect sales and marketing expense to remain fairly stable.
General and
Administrative
General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel costs and share-based compensation
for our finance, human resources, information technology, purchasing, quality and administrative personnel; professional services costs related to recruiting, accounting, tax and legal services; investor relations costs; insurance; depreciation and
facilities expenses. We expect general and administrative expense to decline in absolute terms assuming we do not incur additional bad debt expense or order cancelation penalties in 2015.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Interest income consists of interest earned
on cash and cash equivalent balances. We have historically invested our cash primarily in commercial bank accounts, short term deposits and money market funds.
35
Interest expense relates to both our accounts receivable financing facility, put in place in
June 2014, and the research project loan, received in November 2014.
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss), Net
Foreign exchange gain (loss) represents exchange gains and losses on our exposures to non-U.S. dollar denominated transactions, primarily
associated with the changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the euro, and re-measurement of foreign currency balances at reporting date. As a result of our international operations, we are subject to risks associated with foreign
currency fluctuations. Almost all of our revenues are in U.S. dollars and a portion of our expenses are also in U.S. dollars. However, a significant portion of our personnel costs is in euros and some long-term items on our balance sheet are also
denominated in euros. We use hedging instruments in order to reduce volatility in operating expenses related to exchange rate fluctuations. We classify foreign exchange gains and losses related to hedges of euro-based operating expenses as operating
expenses.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
We are subject to income taxes in France, the United States and numerous other jurisdictions. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate
tax determination is uncertain. As a result, we recognize tax liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. These tax liabilities are recognized when we believe that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review
by tax authorities, notwithstanding our belief that our tax return positions are supportable. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate primarily due to any valuation allowance, the tax impact of local taxes, international operations,
research and development tax credits, tax audit settlements, non-deductible compensation, and transfer pricing adjustments. In respect of our subsidiaries outside of France, we operate on a cost plus basis.
In France, we have significant net deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carry forwards, tax credit carry forwards and
deductible temporary differences that reduce our taxable income. Our ability to realize our deferred tax assets depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carry back or carry forward periods provided for in the tax law
for each applicable tax jurisdiction. Over time, as we generate taxable income, we expect our tax rate to increase significantly.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is
based on our Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this annual report, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS as described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Some of the accounting methods and policies used in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements under IFRS are based on complex and
subjective assessments by our management or on estimates based on past experience and assumptions deemed realistic and reasonable based on the circumstances concerned. The actual value of our assets, liabilities and shareholders equity and of
our earnings could differ from the value derived from these estimates if conditions changed and these changes had an impact on the assumptions adopted. We believe that the most significant management judgments and assumptions in the preparation of
our financial statements are described below.
Revenue Recognition
Our policy for revenue recognition, in instances where multiple deliverables are sold contemporaneously to the same counterparty, is in
accordance with IAS 18.13. When we enter into contracts for the sale of products, licenses and maintenance and support services, we evaluate all deliverables in the arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting, each
with its own separate earnings process, and their relative fair value. Such determination requires judgment and is based on an analysis of the facts and circumstances surrounding the transactions. We apply judgment for contracts when the first year
of maintenance is included in the software license price. For such contracts, an amount equal to the negotiated rate for one year of maintenance is deducted from the value of the license and recognized as revenue over the period of maintenance. The
difference between license and maintenance services invoiced and the amount recognized in revenue is recorded as deferred revenue.
Our policy for revenue recognition is further explained in Note 2.3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this annual report.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of the cost of semiconductors and modules purchased from subcontractors, including wafer fabrication,
additional components for modules, packaging and testing. We write down the carrying value of our inventories to the lower of cost (determined using the moving average method) or net realizable value (estimated market value less estimated costs of
completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale). We write down the carrying value of our inventory for estimated amounts related to lower of cost or market value, obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between
the cost of inventory and the estimated market value. The estimated market value of the inventory is based on historical usage and assumptions about future demand, future product purchase commitments, estimated manufacturing yield levels and market
conditions on a product-by-product basis. Once established, inventory reserves are not reversed until the related inventory has been sold or scrapped. Actual demand may differ from forecasted demand and these differences may have a material effect
on recorded inventory values and cost of revenue.
36
When we consider future demand for a product, there are a number of factors that we take
into consideration, including purchase orders and forecasts from customers, which in normal market conditions give us visibility for the next three months and some view on the following three months, our own internal projections based on customer
inputs and new business opportunities, and estimates of market potential based on reports from industry analysts. The time horizon considered for future demand varies depending on the nature of the product, meaning we consider if the product is
newly-introduced or approaching end-of-life, if the product is in finished good form or in component form, and if the product is incorporated in a large or small number of different end-user products from few or many customers.
We evaluate the realizability of our inventory at each balance sheet date. In doing so, we consider, among other things, demand indicated
by our customers, overall market potential based on input from operators and analysts, and the remaining estimated commercial life of our products. In late March 2012, we began receiving confirmation from the operators who purchase product from HTC
that there would be new WiMAX product launches in 2012 in the United States and Taiwan. In addition, a Japanese operator confirmed its launch of a new HTC WiMAX phone in April 2012. We also continued to receive orders and ship WiMAX products to
other customers. Accordingly, we concluded that our inventory at December 31, 2011 would be realized at the book value or more prior to the inventory becoming obsolete or unsalable.
During the second quarter of 2012, we began to receive new orders and forecast information from HTC indicating demand for goods to be
delivered in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2012. As of September 30, 2012, we had shipped 99% of the WiMAX product that had been in the form of finished goods at December 31, 2011 and we had launched production of additional
finished goods in Q3 and Q4 2012 to meet additional demand in Q4 and expected in 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2012, HTC indicated that they did not expect to place further WiMAX orders and the decision on a major new WiMAX design win was
delayed until April 2013. Consequently, we decided that it was now unlikely that we would order more silicon wafers for WiMAX products and the number of wafers on hand would determine the maximum number of finished goods we could sell; therefore, we
recorded a provision at the end of 2012 to write down the value of certain components in excess of that needed to produce this maximum number of finished goods.
In 2012, we also decided to enter the end-of-life process for SQN2130, a WiMAX base station product, and for SQN3010, our first TDD-only LTE product. Provisions were recorded to reduce the value of the
inventory related to these two products to zero. We also reviewed the value of inventory of finished goods and components related to products which have not been declared end-of-life. Taking into consideration the latest estimations of expected
demand, particularly for the WiMAX products, we determined that it was not probable that all of the stock of memory components on hand would be used to produce finished goods and a provision was recorded for the portion of inventory considered to be
in excess of future needs. In total, the inventory provision recorded in 2012 was $0.8 million.
In 2013, we reviewed the
value of inventory of products which have not been declared end-of-life and for slow-moving products and related components. Based on the latest estimations of demand, the provision for WiMAX related inventory was adjusted and resulted in a net
inventory provision reversal of $0.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.
In 2014, the last major WiMAX project shipped
throughout the year, but the customer indicated to us in the fourth quarter that quantities for 2015 would be much lower. In addition, while we were selected for one other major WiMAX project in the third quarter, during the fourth quarter others
projects that we had been working on were delayed or canceled. Consequently, we provided for all remaining WiMAX inventory except for amounts of two products which are expected to ship for identified projects. The total inventory provision recorded
in 2014 was $1.9 million. WiMAX inventory of finished goods and components remaining on the balance sheet at December 31, 2014 totaled $0.9 million.
Share-Based Compensation
We have various share-based compensation
plans for employees and non-employees. The expense recorded in our statement of operations for equity awards under these plans is affected by changes in valuation assumptions. For example, the fair value of stock options is estimated by using the
binomial model on the date of grant based on certain assumptions, including, among others, expected volatility, the expected option term and the expected dividend payout rate. The assumption as to volatility has been determined by reference to the
historical volatility of similar publicly traded semiconductor companies. Since our initial public offering in April 2011, we have used the closing market price of our ADSs on the grant date as the fair value of our shares.
We recognize compensation expense only for the portion of share options that are expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time
of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from our estimates.
For 2012, 2013 and
2014, we recorded employee share-based compensation expense of $3.2 million, $2.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense related to non-employees was not material for 2012, 2013 and 2014.
37
Functional Currency
We use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency of Sequans Communications S.A. due to the high percentage of our revenues, cost of revenue, capital expenditures and operating costs, other than those
related to headcount and overhead, which are denominated in U.S. dollars. Our IPO proceeds and the proceeds from our follow-on offerings were also denominated in U.S. dollars. However, all debt and equity proceeds we received since our inception
prior to our initial public offering were denominated in euros.
Each subsidiary determines its own functional currency and
items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency. As of each reporting date, the assets and liabilities of each subsidiary are translated into the U.S. dollar, our functional and reporting
currency, at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date and each subsidiarys statement of operations is translated at the average exchange rate for the year. Exchange differences arising on the translation are taken directly to a separate
component of equity, cumulative translation adjustments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value corresponds to the quoted price for listed financial assets and liabilities. Where no active market exists, we establish fair
value by using a valuation technique determined to be the most appropriate in the circumstances, for example:
|
|
|
available-for-sale assets: comparable transactions, multiples for comparable transactions, discounted present value of future cash flows;
|
|
|
|
loans and receivables, financial assets at fair value through profit and loss: net book value is deemed to be approximately equivalent to fair value
because of their relatively short holding period; and |
|
|
|
trade payables: book value is deemed to be approximately equivalent to fair value because of their relatively short holding period.
|
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated. This information should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and
related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The results of operations in any period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
$ |
10,708 |
|
|
$ |
19,836 |
|
|
|
85 |
% |
Other revenue |
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
|
2,766 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
13,712 |
|
|
|
22,602 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
8,616 |
|
|
|
15,435 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
8,821 |
|
|
|
15,781 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
4,891 |
|
|
|
6,821 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
28,357 |
|
|
|
28,634 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
4,449 |
|
|
|
5,278 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
7,528 |
|
|
|
6,969 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
40,334 |
|
|
|
40,881 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(35,443 |
) |
|
|
(34,060 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(35,444 |
) |
|
|
(33,962 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
$ |
(35,586 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,124 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38
The following table sets forth a summary of our statement of operations as a percentage of total revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(% of total revenue) |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(258 |
) |
|
|
(151 |
) |
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(258 |
) |
|
|
(150 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
|
(259 |
) |
|
|
(151 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
Product Revenue
Product revenue increased 85% from $10.7 million in 2013
to $19.8 million in 2014. This increase was primarily due to higher sales of LTE products, while WiMAX product revenue remained flat. LTE product revenues were driven primarily by customers with products for emerging markets and emerging
carrier and by customers selling into the US market. Most of the WiMAX products sold in 2014 were to Huawei who integrated our WiMAX product into a product for Japan, as well as a range of products for emerging markets. Huawei represented 25% of our
revenue in 2014 compared to 33% of our revenue in 2013.
In 2014, we shipped approximately 900,000 units of LTE products
compared to 200,000 units in 2013, and approximately 800,000 units of WiMAX products compared to 700,000 units in 2013. We expect our LTE product revenue to continue to increase in 2015 as the single-mode LTE market continue its growth and
as our LTE solutions are currently in commercial deployments in the U.S. and multiple countries outside of the U.S. In addition, our solutions are under evaluation or trials with other leading wireless carriers. We expect our WiMAX product revenue
to decline as the product for the Japanese market comes to the end of its life and as a result of a general decline in the WiMAX market.
Other Revenue
Other revenue decreased 8% from $3.0 million in 2013 to $2.8
million in 2014, reflecting a decrease of sales of licenses offset partially by an increase of development service revenue in 2014.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of product revenue increased 79% from $8.6 million in 2013 to $15.4 million in 2014 due to higher product and manufacturing
costs associated with the increased number of units sold. Cost of other revenue increased 69% from $0.2 million in 2013 to $0.3 million in 2014.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased 39% from $4.9 million in
2013 to $6.8 million in 2014, while gross margin percentage decreased from 35.7% in 2013 to 30.2% in 2014, primarily due to revenue mix with more product revenue in 2014. Product gross margin percentage increased from 19.5% in 2013 to 22.2% in
2014 due to better absorption of fixed production costs by a higher product revenue base, partially offset by a provision recorded in 2014 related to WiMAX inventory totaling $1.9 million.
39
Research and Development
Research and development expense increased 1% from $28.4 million in 2013 to $28.6 million in 2014. Overall, there were 176 employees and
independent contractors in research and development at December 31, 2014 flat compared to December 31, 2013.
These
expenses are net of research and development incentives earned during the periods, which are accounted for as a reduction of research and development expense. Research and development incentives decreased by 2% from $4.5 million in 2013 to $4.4
million in 2014. In December 2012, we were notified of proposed tax adjustments, penalties and interest related to the French tax audit which related almost entirely to the research tax credits claimed for 2008 and 2009. Although we disagreed with
the adjustments, we recorded a provision, reducing the research and development incentives by $0.3 million in 2012. In 2014, we were notified that the tax authorities had accepted our position and the provision was reversed.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense increased 19% from $4.4 million in 2013 to $5.3 million in 2014. The increase primarily reflects the impact of a reorganization that occurred at the beginning of 2014
as certain product development positions were reassigned to sales and marketing. Overall, there were 21 employees in sales and marketing at December 31, 2014 compared to 15 employees at December 31, 2013.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense decreased 7% from $7.5 million in 2013 to $7.0 million in 2014 primarily due to a decrease of $0.4 million in stock based compensation expenses, a decrease of
$0.2 million in professional fees and a decrease of $0.5 million in headquarters moving expenses, offset by an increase of $0.3 million related to bad debts provision and a $0.5 million penalty related to cancellation of a final shipment of
components from a supplier. The charge in 2013 related to the headquarters move resulted from the reduction in the duration of the expected economic benefits of leasehold improvements at the previous office site, and a revision on a prospective
basis of the depreciation of assets. We also recorded an impairment to reduce the carrying value to fair value in 2013. There were 22 employees in general and administrative at December 31, 2014 compared to 18 employees at December 31,
2013.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Net interest decreased from net interest income of $34,000 in 2013 to net interest loss of $20,000 in 2014. Interest expense increased due to the accounts receivable financing facility, put in place in
June 2014, and related to the research project loan, received in November 2014. Interest income decreased due to lower amounts of cash and cash equivalents invested in interest-bearing accounts.
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss), Net
We had a net foreign exchange gain of $118,000 in 2014 compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $35,000 in 2013 primarily due to movements in the U.S. dollar versus the euro.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
In 2014, we recorded current tax expense of $197,000 arising from taxable income incurred at certain subsidiaries, and a deferred tax benefit amounting to $35,000. In 2013, we recorded current tax expense
of $190,000 arising from taxable income incurred at certain subsidiaries and a deferred tax income amounting to $48,000. Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in 2014 or 2013 with respect to our losses as we have not generated taxable profits
since beginning operations in 2004.
40
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
|
|
2012 restated (1) |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
$ |
19,600 |
|
|
$ |
10,708 |
|
|
|
(45 |
)% |
Other revenue |
|
|
2,654 |
|
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
22,254 |
|
|
|
13,712 |
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
11,781 |
|
|
|
8,616 |
|
|
|
(27 |
) |
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
11,957 |
|
|
|
8,821 |
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
10,297 |
|
|
|
4,891 |
|
|
|
(53 |
) |
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
28,365 |
|
|
|
28,357 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
6,562 |
|
|
|
4,449 |
|
|
|
(32 |
) |
General and administrative |
|
|
8,093 |
|
|
|
7,528 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
43,020 |
|
|
|
40,334 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(32,723 |
) |
|
|
(35,443 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
(158 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(32,744 |
) |
|
|
(35,444 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
$ |
(32,978 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,586 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Figures for the year ended December 31, 2012 have been restated to reflect the impact of the retrospective application of IAS 19 Revised (Employee Benefits).
|
The following table sets forth a summary of our statement of operations as a percentage of total revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
(% of total revenue) |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
(258 |
) |
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
(258 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
|
(148 |
) |
|
|
(259 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
Product Revenue
Product revenue decreased 45% from $19.6 million in 2012
to $10.7 million in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales of WiMAX products, which was partially offset by an increase in sales of LTE products. In the third quarter of 2013, we started selling LTE modules which have been
developed for integration in tablets, notebooks, consumer electronics and machine-to-machine
41
applications. Our largest customer in 2013, Huawei, integrated our WiMAX products into a range of products for emerging markets as well as for Japan. Huawei represented 33% of our revenue in 2013
compared to 16% of our revenue in 2012. HTC was our largest customer in 2012, representing 32% of our revenue, while $156,000 in revenue was recognized for this customer in 2013.
In 2013, we shipped approximately 700,000 units of WiMAX products compared to 1.4 million units in 2012, and 200,000 units of
LTE products, which was flat compared to 2012. We expect our WiMAX product revenue to continue to decline as a result of a general decline in the WiMAX market in the United States and in most countries around the world. We expect our LTE product
revenue to increase in 2014 as our LTE solutions are currently in commercial deployments in multiple countries outside of the U.S., and our chipset and modules were certified by Verizon Wireless and are beginning to ship in the United States. In
addition, our solutions are under evaluation or trials with other leading wireless carriers.
Other Revenue
Other revenue increased 13% from $2.7 million in 2012 to $3.0 million in 2013, reflecting an increase of development services in 2013.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of product revenue decreased 27% from $11.8 million in 2012 to $8.6 million in 2013 due to lower variable product cost associated with the decreased number of units sold. Cost of other revenue
remained relatively flat at $0.2 million in 2013, as compared to 2012.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased 53% from $10.3 million in 2012 to $4.9 million in 2013, and gross margin percentage decreased from 46.3%
in 2012 to 35.7% in 2013. The reduction in gross profit and gross margin primarily reflects the significant decline in revenue. Product gross margin percentage decreased from 39.9% in 2012 to 19.5% in 2013 due to low absorption of fixed production
costs by a low product revenue base, lower average selling prices on WiMAX products, and the sale of modules with lower gross margin in the second half of 2013. Provisions related to WiMAX inventory totaling $854,000 were recorded during 2012, while
a net WiMAX inventory provision totaling $217,000 was reversed in 2013.
Research and Development
Research and development expense remained flat at $28.4 million in both 2013 and 2012. Overall, there were 176 employees and independent
contractors in research and development at December 31, 2013 compared to 171 employees and independent contractors at December 31, 2012.
These expenses are net of any research and development incentives earned during the periods, which are accounted for as a reduction of research and development expense. Research and development incentives
decreased by 9% from $5.0 million in 2012 to $4.5 million in 2013. In December 2012, we were notified of proposed tax adjustments, penalties and interest related to the French tax audit which related almost entirely to the research tax credits
claimed for 2008 and 2009. Although we disagree with the adjustments, we recorded a provision, reducing the research and development incentives by $0.3 million. Without this provision, research and development incentives would have decreased by 14%.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense decreased 32% from $6.6 million in 2012 to $4.4 million in 2013. The decrease primarily reflects the impact of a reorganization that occurred in mid-2012 as product
development and technical support engineers were reassigned to research and development teams; the full impact of this reorganization was reflected in the 2013 full year sales and marketing expense. Overall, there were 15 employees in sales and
marketing at December 31, 2013 compared to 17 employees at December 31, 2012.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense decreased 7% from $8.1 million in 2012 to $7.5 million in 2013 due to a decrease of $0.7
million in stock based compensation expenses and a decrease of $0.4 million related to bad debts provision, partially offset by the $0.5 million impact of the decision in November 2013 to move our headquarters in 2014. The charge in 2013 related to
the move resulted from the reduction in the duration of the expected economic benefits of leasehold improvements, and a revision on a prospective basis of the depreciation of assets. We also recorded an impairment to reduce the carrying value to
fair value. There were 18 employees in general and administrative at December 31, 2013 compared to 19 employees at December 31, 2012.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Net interest income decreased 75% from a net interest income of $0.1 million in 2012 to a net interest income of $34,000 in 2013. The decrease of interest income is due to lower amounts of cash and cash
equivalents invested in interest-bearing accounts.
42
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss), Net
We had a net foreign exchange loss of $35,000 in 2013 compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $0.2 million in 2012 primarily due
to movements in the U.S. dollar versus the euro.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
In 2013, we recorded current tax expense of $190,000 arising from taxable income incurred at certain subsidiaries, and a deferred tax
income amounting to $48,000. In 2012, we recorded current tax expense of $207,000 arising from taxable income incurred at certain subsidiaries and a deferred tax expense amounting to $27,000. Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in 2013 or
2012 with respect to our losses as we have not generated taxable profits since beginning operations in 2004.
Selected Quarterly Results of
Operations
The following table presents our unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2014. This unaudited
quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and includes all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the information for the quarters presented. You should read this table
together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto included in this annual report. Our quarterly results of operations will vary in the future. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative
of results for the entire year and are not necessarily indicative of any future results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2013 |
|
|
June 30, 2013 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2013 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2013 |
|
|
March 31, 2014 |
|
|
June 30, 2014 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2014 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) (unaudited) |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
$ |
1,096 |
|
|
$ |
1,799 |
|
|
$ |
3,842 |
|
|
$ |
3,971 |
|
|
$ |
4,100 |
|
|
$ |
4,404 |
|
|
$ |
5,573 |
|
|
$ |
5,759 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
1,206 |
|
|
|
548 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
1,023 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
|
|
664 |
|
|
|
885 |
|
|
|
813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
2,302 |
|
|
|
2,347 |
|
|
|
4,069 |
|
|
|
4,994 |
|
|
|
4,504 |
|
|
|
5,068 |
|
|
|
6,458 |
|
|
|
6,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue(1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
1,262 |
|
|
|
1,332 |
|
|
|
3,026 |
|
|
|
2,996 |
|
|
|
2,683 |
|
|
|
2,932 |
|
|
|
3,824 |
|
|
|
6,036 |
|
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
1,582 |
|
|
|
1,383 |
|
|
|
3,047 |
|
|
|
2,809 |
|
|
|
2,725 |
|
|
|
2,976 |
|
|
|
3,911 |
|
|
|
6,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
964 |
|
|
|
1,022 |
|
|
|
2,185 |
|
|
|
1,779 |
|
|
|
2,092 |
|
|
|
2,547 |
|
|
|
403 |
|
Operating expenses(1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
6,514 |
|
|
|
7,248 |
|
|
|
7,339 |
|
|
|
7,256 |
|
|
|
6,918 |
|
|
|
7,518 |
|
|
|
7,603 |
|
|
|
6,595 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
1,139 |
|
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
1,101 |
|
|
|
1,074 |
|
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
|
1,454 |
|
|
|
1,390 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
2,321 |
|
|
|
1,798 |
|
|
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
2,059 |
|
|
|
1,953 |
|
|
|
1,796 |
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
|
|
1,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
9,974 |
|
|
|
10,181 |
|
|
|
9,790 |
|
|
|
10,389 |
|
|
|
10,050 |
|
|
|
10,768 |
|
|
|
10,509 |
|
|
|
9,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(9,254 |
) |
|
|
(9,217 |
) |
|
|
(8,768 |
) |
|
|
(8,204 |
) |
|
|
(8,271 |
) |
|
|
(8,676 |
) |
|
|
(7,962 |
) |
|
|
(9,151 |
) |
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
(122 |
) |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(121 |
) |
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(9,367 |
) |
|
|
(9,040 |
) |
|
|
(8,713 |
) |
|
|
(8,324 |
) |
|
|
(8,216 |
) |
|
|
(8,647 |
) |
|
|
(8,090 |
) |
|
|
(9,010 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
$ |
(9,404 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,091 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,766 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,325 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,258 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,688 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,135 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,044 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes share-based compensation as follows: |
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2013 |
|
|
June 30, 2013 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2013 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2013 |
|
|
March 31, 2014 |
|
|
June 30, 2014 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2014 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) (unaudited) |
|
Cost of revenue |
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
23 |
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
536 |
|
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
644 |
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
318 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
$ |
562 |
|
|
$ |
488 |
|
|
$ |
427 |
|
|
$ |
687 |
|
|
$ |
395 |
|
|
$ |
331 |
|
|
$ |
334 |
|
|
$ |
217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table sets forth a summary of our quarterly statement of operations as a percentage of total revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2013 |
|
|
June 30, 2013 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2013 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2013 |
|
|
March 31, 2014 |
|
|
June 30, 2014 |
|
|
Sept. 30, 2014 |
|
|
Dec. 31, 2014 |
|
|
|
(% of revenue) (unaudited) |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
283 |
|
|
|
309 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
434 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
208 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(402 |
) |
|
|
(393 |
) |
|
|
(215 |
) |
|
|
(164 |
) |
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(124 |
) |
|
|
(139 |
) |
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(407 |
) |
|
|
(385 |
) |
|
|
(214 |
) |
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
(182 |
) |
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
(125 |
) |
|
|
(137 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
|
(409 |
) |
|
|
(387 |
) |
|
|
(215 |
) |
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the first two quarters of 2013, product sales fluctuated over the quarters due to the combined effect
of our LTE products shipping in small quantities for trials or early phases of deployment by various carriers and our WiMAX products being sold primarily for mature products and only as the supply chain became empty. In the third and fourth quarters
of 2013 and in 2014, product revenue began increasing as shipments for new design wins began. Other revenue fluctuated over the quarters, primarily due to the timing of the execution of software licenses and, the timing of performance milestones in
technology service agreements.
Cost of product revenue declined in the first two quarters of 2013 compared to 2012 consistent
with the decreases in product revenue, and then increased with the revenue ramp in the third and fourth quarters of 2013 and in 2014. Cost of product revenue increased in the fourth quarter of 2014, impacted by a provision of $1.9 million related to
slow-moving WiMAX inventory (components and finished goods). Cost of other revenue increased in the first quarter of 2013 impacted by an expected external cost of services related to a service agreement, an amount which was reversed in the fourth
quarter as the service ultimately was provided internally at lower cost. Otherwise, cost of other revenue remained flat as the cost of providing maintenance services was provided generally by the same number of personnel during each of these periods
and does not vary significantly with the level of maintenance revenues.
44
Gross margin remained below 50% in 2013 as low product revenue was not able to absorb fixed
costs, our LTE modules with lower margins than our chip solutions began shipping in the third quarter and the proportion of license and other revenue fluctuated from quarter to quarter. In the first three quarters of 2014, gross margin was around
40% as we shipped our LTE modules with lower margins than our chip solutions. In the fourth quarter of 2014, gross margin declined to 6% reflecting the impact of write-down of slow-moving WiMAX inventory. Excluding this inventory write-down gross
margin was 34.7%.
Research and development expense in the first quarter of 2013 was low due to discretionary spending being
delayed until after a financing round was completed. Beginning in the second quarter of 2013, research and development expenses increased, reflecting amortization of large product development-related fixed assets as well as normal product
certification and other development-related spending. A reorganization occurred beginning of 2014 with certain product development roles reassigned to sales and marketing The first quarter of 2014 decreased as the Company reversed the tax audit
provision of $338,000 on prior years research tax credits, as the tax authorities had accepted the Companys position. Research and development expense decreased in the fourth quarter of 2014 due to more resources being allocated to
projects which qualified for research tax credits, as well as lower discretionary spending in the quarter.
Sales and
marketing expense remained flat in 2013 from quarter to quarter. In 2014, sales and marketing increased due to the internal reorganization resulting in the transfer of product development roles from the research and development department.
The first quarter of 2013, general and administration reflected the provision for bad debts recorded related to one customer
for $770,000. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2013 reflects the impact on depreciation expense of the move of our headquarters, which took place in May 2014 but was decided in November 2013, totaling $508,000. The increase in the first quarter
of 2014 reflects the provision for bad debts recorded related to two customers for $419,000. The fourth quarter of 2014 reflects a $507,000 penalty related to cancellation of a final shipment of components from a supplier.
Financial income (expense) has varied each quarter presented primarily due to foreign exchange gains and losses. Foreign exchange gains
and losses resulted primarily from the change in the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate and remeasurement of euro-based assets and liabilities at settlement or balance sheet date.
Due to our limited operating history, we have yet to experience an established pattern of seasonality. However, business activities in
Asia generally slow-down in the first quarter of each year during the Chinese New Year period, which could harm our sales and results of operations during the period.
B. |
Liquidity and Capital Resources |
Sources of Liquidity
Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term
investments were $12.5 million at December 31, 2014. We believe that our available cash and cash equivalents, plus the proceeds from debt financing completed in April 2015 as described below, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at
least the next 12 months.
Since inception, we have financed our operations primarily through proceeds from the issues of our
shares and convertible notes, which totaled 54.7 million ($73.1 million) from 2004 to the end of 2010; from the $59.1 million in net proceeds from our initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2011 and from $37.1
million in net proceeds from our two follow-on public offerings in February and November 2013.
In June 2012, we entered into
a finance lease agreement with a French financial institution whereby we have the possibility to finance acquisitions of qualifying equipment with a total purchase price of up to 1.5 million ($2.0 million) through finance leases that are
reimbursed over a 36-month period at an effective rate of interest of 4.6%. The finance lease obligation is secured by restricted cash balances on deposit with the financial institution equal to one-third of the original principal financed. The
facility expired February 28, 2013 and has not been renewed. At December 31, 2014, our capital lease obligations, including the current portion, amounted to $0.2 million.
In June 2014, the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a French financial institution whereby a line of credit was made
available equal to 90% of the face value of accounts receivable from qualifying customers. The Company transfers to the finance company all invoices issued to qualifying customers and the customers are instructed to settle the invoices directly with
the finance company. At December 31, 2014, $2.1 million had been drawn on the line of credit and recorded as a current borrowing.
45
In October 2014, Bpifrance, the financial agency of the French government, provided funding
to the Company in the context of a long-term research project, estimated to be completed over a 3-year period. The total funding will amount to 7.0 million ($9.0 million) comprising a portion in the form of a grant (3.0 million or
$3.8 million) and a portion in the form of a loan (4.0 million or $5.2 million). The funding will be paid in three installments: the first tranche at the contract signature date, the second and the third installments after milestones defined
in the contract. The advance will be repaid from June 30th, 2018 to June 30th, 2020 and bears interests at a 1.53% fixed contractual rate. In 2014, the Company received 2.1 million ($2.7 million) as grant and
1.0 million ($1.2 million) as loan.
There was no other outstanding debt at December 31, 2014.
In April 2015, we completed the sale of a $12 million convertible note to an affiliate of Nokomis Capital, L.L.C. in a private placement
transaction. We intend to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The convertible note will mature in April 2018 and will bear interest at a rate of 7% per year, paid in kind annually on the anniversary of the issuance of the note. The
note will be convertible, at the holders option, into the companys ADSs at a conversion rate of 540.5405 ADSs for each $1,000 principal amount of the note (the Conversion Rate), subject to certain adjustments, which equates
to an initial conversion price of $1.85 per ADS (the Conversion Price). Among other terms, if, during the 12 months following issuance of the note, the Company issues any ADSs, ordinary shares or other securities (with certain
exceptions) at an effective or maximum sales price (including, as applicable, the effective or maximum conversion or exchange price) (the Other Sale Price) below the effective Conversion Price of the note, then the Conversion Rate shall
be adjusted such that the Conversion Price will thereafter equal the Other Sale Price. If, however, the Other Sale Price is more than 30% below the effective Conversion Price of the Note, then the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted such that the
Conversion Price will thereafter equal 70% of the Other Sale Price.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Net cash from (used in) operating activities |
|
$ |
(22,848 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,406 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(5,511 |
) |
|
|
(3,956 |
) |
|
|
(5,625 |
) |
Net cash from financing activities |
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
36,791 |
|
|
|
5,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
(28,478 |
) |
|
$ |
8,490 |
|
|
$ |
(24,750 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities during 2014 was $24.4 million, reflecting a net loss (before income tax) of $34.0 million, an
increase in trade receivables and other receivables of $1.6 million, an increase in inventories of $2.6 million, an decrease in research tax credit receivable of $4.6 million and an increase of trade payables and other liabilities of $3.4 million.
These uses of cash were partially offset by non-cash charges, including depreciation and amortization of $5.3 million, and share-based compensation expense of $1.3 million during the period.
Net cash used in operating activities during 2013 was $24.3 million, reflecting a net loss (before income tax) of $35.4 million, a
decrease in trade receivables and other receivables of $0.5 million, a decrease in inventories of $0.9 million, an decrease in research tax credit receivable of $0.4 million and an increase of trade payables and other liabilities of $1.3 million.
These uses of cash were partially offset by non-cash charges, including depreciation and amortization of $6.3 million, and share-based compensation expense of $2.2 million during the period.
Net cash used in operating activities during 2012 was $22.8 million, reflecting a net loss (before income tax) of $32.7 million, a
decrease in trade receivables and other receivables of $3.9 million, a decrease in inventories of $4.2 million, an increase in research tax credit receivable of $4.0 million and a decrease of trade payables and other liabilities of $3.3 million.
These uses of cash were partially offset by non-cash charges, including depreciation and amortization of $4.4 million, and share-based compensation expenses of $3.2 million during the period.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities
during 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets of $6.2 million, $3.9 million and $5.6 million, respectively. The higher level of capital expenditures in 2014 reflects purchases related to
LTE product development and leasehold improvement and furniture related to the new headquarter office
Cash Flows from Financing
Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.1 million in 2014, reflecting $2.1 million proceeds drawn
on the factoring line of credit, $3.6 million proceeds from the research project financing and repayment of finance lease liabilities.
46
Net cash provided by financing activities was $36.8 million in 2013, reflecting $37.1
million in net proceeds from our two follow-on public offerings in February and November 2013.
Net cash provided by financing
activities was $0.1 million in 2012, reflecting interest received from our cash equivalents invested in money market funds.
Operating
and Investing Requirements
We expect our operating expenses to remain flat in the first quarter of 2015 and to
decrease in the second half of 2015. We expect that investments in tangible and intangible assets are likely to return to about the level of 2013 investments.
Based on our current plans, and including the recent debt financing transaction described above, we believe that our available capital resources will be adequate to satisfy our cash requirements at least
for 12 months from the date of this annual report. If our plans change, or if we do not achieve profits or if our profitability is significantly lower than anticipated, we may need additional financing.
If our available cash balances are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell equity or convertible debt
securities or enter into a credit facility, which may contain restrictive covenants. The sale of equity and convertible debt securities may result in dilution to our shareholders and those securities may have rights senior to those of the ADSs. If
we raise additional funds through the issue of convertible debt securities, these securities could contain covenants that would restrict our operations.
Our estimates of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations and the costs to support research and development and our sales and marketing
activities are forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially and negatively as a result of a number of factors, including the factors discussed in Item 3.DRisk Factors. We
have based our estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect.
Our short and long-term capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the following:
|
|
|
our ability to generate cash from operations or to minimize the cash used in operations; |
|
|
|
our ability to control our costs; |
|
|
|
the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights, or participating in
litigation-related activities; and |
|
|
|
the acquisition of businesses, products and technologies. |
C. |
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc. |
We engage in substantial research and development efforts to develop new products and integrate additional capabilities into our core products. Our research and development team of 181 employees and
consultants, at December 31, 2014, includes experienced semiconductor designers, software developers and test engineers. Key areas of expertise include wireless systems architecture, SoC architecture, digital and RF IC design, digital signal
processing, embedded real-time and application software design, protocol stack development, hardware and software integration, quality assurance test development and scripting and field testing. Our team has significant experience in the principal
wireless domains, including LTE, WiMAX, 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi. More than 72% of our employee engineers have more than 10 years of experience in their specific domain and 99% of our engineers hold masters degrees.
The ability to successfully integrate and mass-produce digital and/or RF functionality in advanced process technology with acceptable
yields is a significant industry challenge. Due to the robustness of our silicon design and verification methodologies, we have demonstrated competency in repeatedly achieving production-capable products with the first version of our chip designs,
reducing time to market and avoiding costs associated with additional design revisions. Each of our 65nm WiMAX SoC products, which consisted of integrated baseband and RF transceiver functions, and our first two generations of 40nm LTE baseband
products, were production-ready from the initial version of the design. We believe this experience positioned us well for our migration to dense process geometry such as 28nm for our new products. Looking ahead to future generations, we expect
this competency will serve us well as we develop ever more complex designs in more advanced process technologies.
We design
our products with careful attention to quality, flexibility, cost- and power-efficiency requirements. Our 4G modem architecture, which has been refined through multiple generations of integrated circuit designs, is designed to optimize hardware and
software partitioning to provide more flexibility and better cost without compromising performance. As a result, we achieve equivalent or higher throughput and lower power consumption in a smaller die size than other single-mode LTE chip
competitors.
Since February 2009, we have been certified as ISO 9001 compliant, an international standard set by the
International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, that sets forth requirements for an organizations quality management system. We believe this certification gives our customers confidence in our quality control procedures. We also
participate in a number of organizations and standards bodies, including the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), the WiMAX Forum, the PTS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) the Global Certification Forum, the
GSMA, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and CTIAThe Wireless Association. In addition, we participate in multiple European Union and French collaborative projects for advanced studies focusing on future evolutions of the
4G technology or addressing the longer term 5G technology challenges.
Our research and development expense was $28.4 million
for each of 2012 and 2013 and $28.6 million for 2014.
47
Since mid-2011, the most significant change in trends that effected our business, results of operations and financial condition was the decline experienced in the WiMAX market driven by a change in
strategy by Sprint, the largest driver of demand for WiMAX semiconductor solutions, who in the third quarter of 2011 introduced the 3G iPhone and announced their intention to begin deploying LTE in 2012. This change in the WiMAX market harmed our
results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, particularly as we did not generate significant revenue from LTE products until the second half of 2013 due to the time necessary to get our LTE products ready for mass
production, certify them at various LTE carriers and the timing of the LTE carriers LTE-only products. In addition, as we are focused on single-mode LTE solutions, the market for our products and our revenue are dependent on operators
deploying extensively LTE in order to seek to benefit from the cost and performance advantages of single-mode LTE products. Other than these items, or as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, including in Item 5. A. Operating
Results, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that are reasonable likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the
disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial condition.
E. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements |
Since our inception, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, including the use of structured finance, special purpose entities or variable interest entities.
F. |
Contractual Obligations |
The following table summarizes our outstanding contractual obligations at December 31, 2014 and the effect those obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Less than 1 year |
|
|
1-3 years |
|
|
3-5 years |
|
|
More than 5 years |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government grant advances and loans |
|
$ |
4,616 |
|
|
$ |
603 |
|
|
$ |
4,013 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Finance lease obligation |
|
|
211 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions |
|
|
1,776 |
|
|
|
548 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
893 |
|
Trade payables |
|
|
11,231 |
|
|
|
11,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest-bearing receivables financing |
|
|
2,133 |
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
4,017 |
|
|
|
4,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
24,300 |
|
|
$ |
19,050 |
|
|
$ |
4,357 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-balance sheet commitments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease obligation |
|
$ |
211 |
|
|
$ |
202 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Operating leases |
|
|
3,856 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
1,471 |
|
|
$ |
1,427 |
|
|
$ |
238 |
|
Inventory component and equipment purchase commitments |
|
|
5,024 |
|
|
|
3,847 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
9,091 |
|
|
$ |
4,769 |
|
|
$ |
2,657 |
|
|
$ |
1,427 |
|
|
$ |
238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. |
Directors and Senior Management |
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth
information about our executive officers and directors as the date of this annual report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
|
Position(s) |
Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Georges Karam |
|
|
53 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Deborah Choate |
|
|
51 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Bertrand Debray |
|
|
50 |
|
|
Chief Operating Officer |
Rudy Leser |
|
|
49 |
|
|
Vice President, Business Development |
T. Craig Miller |
|
|
49 |
|
|
Vice President, Worldwide Marketing |
|
|
|
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gilles Delfassy |
|
|
59 |
|
|
Director |
Yves Maitre |
|
|
52 |
|
|
Director |
James Patterson |
|
|
47 |
|
|
Director |
Hubert de Pesquidoux |
|
|
49 |
|
|
Director |
Dominique Pitteloud |
|
|
53 |
|
|
Director |
Alok Sharma |
|
|
50 |
|
|
Director |
Zvi Slonimsky |
|
|
65 |
|
|
Director |
Executive Officers
Dr. Georges Karam has served as our chairman of the board and chief executive officer since the company was founded in 2003. Before founding Sequans, Dr. Karam was vice president
of cable access at Juniper Networks, running the cable engineering and marketing departments and managing the cable sales launch in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. He joined Juniper Networks when the company acquired Pacific Broadband
Communications (PBC), where he was vice president of engineering and general manager for Europe. Dr. Karam has served in a variety of senior management positions at Alcatel, SAGEM and Philips. He is a senior member of IEEE, has authored
numerous technical and scientific papers and holds several patents in digital communications. Dr. Karam holds aPhD in signal processing and communication theory from Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications, Paris.
Deborah Choate has served as our chief financial officer since July 2007. Prior to joining Sequans she was
chief financial officer at Esmertec AG from September 2005 to June 2007 and at Wavecom SA, from August 1998 to August 2004, and vice president of finance at Platinum Equity from October 2004 to September 2005. Earlier in her career, she was an audit
partner with Ernst & Young. Ms. Choate has over 30 years of experience in management, finance and accounting, including over 15 years working with technology companies, in particular communications hardware, software and services.
Ms. Choate holds a BS from the University of California at Berkeley.
Bertrand Debray has served as our
chief operating officer since July 2013 and prior to that as vice president, engineering since the company was founded in 2003. Before joining Sequans, Mr. Debray was director of hardware and ASIC development in the cable product
division at Juniper Networks. He joined Juniper Networks after the company acquired Pacific Broadband Communications, where he played the same role and was significantly involved in developing the cable product and team. Mr. Debray has held
technical and management positions at Alcatel. He has 18 years experience in large project development covering all access technologies, including wireless, satellite and cable. Mr. Debray holds a MSE from Ecole Nationale
Supérieure des Télécommunications, Paris.
Rudy Leser has served as our vice president,
business development since September 2011. Mr. Leser is responsible for establishing and managing our relationships with mobile operators, technology partners and other key players in the global wireless ecosystem. He has more than 20
years experience managing marketing, sales and business development in the telecom industry with carriers and telecom equipment manufacturers. Prior to joining Sequans, Mr. Leser was an independent telecommunications consultant
from January 2011 to August 2011. From 2000 through December 2010, Mr. Leser served in the executive management group of Alvarion as the corporate vice president of marketing and strategy, a global leader in 4G networking solutions. Prior to
joining Alvarion, he was a member of the management team at Floware, where he led the merger of BreezeCom and Floware, which became Alvarion in 2001. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Leser was a founder of Metalink Ltd, a worldwide xDSL chipset vendor,
where he served as vice president of marketing and vice president of sales. Mr. Leser started his career at Tadiran Telecommunication where he served in different positions in R&D and later in global European sales
responsibilities. Mr. Leser holds a BS in aerospace engineering and an MS in aerospace and applied maths engineering from Technion Israel.
T. Craig Miller has served as our vice president, worldwide marketing since September 2011, and previously served as our vice president, marketing and business development beginning in June
2009. Mr. Miller is responsible for coordinating our global product and corporate marketing strategies. He is a technology industry veteran with experience in product management, marketing, strategic planning and business development over the
course of his twenty-plus year career. Prior to joining Sequans, Mr. Miller was vice president of product management and marketing at NextWave Wireless from September 2006 to March 2009, where he was responsible for strategic marketing, product
planning, product management, applications engineering and marketing communications for a portfolio of WiMAX and LTE chipsets. Prior to NextWave, from July 1988 to May 2006 he held numerous positions in product marketing, strategy, business
development and product engineering at Intel Corporation and was director of marketing for the Wireless Networking Group. Mr. Miller holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Arizona State
University.
49
Directors
Gilles Delfassy has served as a director since June 2012. He is also non-executive director at Imagination Technologies and Chairman of the Board of Kalray. Mr. Delfassy started his
career with Texas Instruments, and created and led that companys wireless business. He was Senior Vice-President and Executive Officer of Texas Instruments when he retired in 2007. Between 2007 and 2009, Mr. Delfassy served as an advisor
for several venture capital firms in the US and Europe, and joined the boards of directors of several public and private companies. In particular he was a director at ANADIGICS and interim CEO in 2008 and 2009. From September 2009 to December 2011
he was President and CEO of ST-Ericsson. Mr. Delfassy received an Engineer Diploma (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) from Ecole Nationale Superieure dElectronique et dAutomatique de Toulouse in 1977, and then graduated
in Business Administration from Institut dAdministration des Entreprises de Paris in 1978. He also completed specialized courses for Board members at Stanford University and University of Chicago in 2007.
Yves Maitre has served as a director since June 2014. Mr. Maitre is currently Executive VP for Connected Objects and
Partnerships at Orange Corporate where he is responsible for managing Oranges relationships with global device makers as well as partnering with ecosystem players from chipset upwards to internet companies. Prior to joining Orange,
Mr. Maitre spent six years working for the consumer electronics company Thomson. He was President of Key MRO America, a subsidiary of Thomson United States and whilst living in Singapore he worked for Thomson Asia as Director of Manufacturing
Supply Chain and Product Management. Before Thomson, Mr. Maitre spent five years as the COO of Quante-Pouyet, a subsidiary of 3M, making connectors for the telecoms business. He is also a Board member of Orange China and
several midsize / start-up companies. Mr. Maitre is an Engineering graduate in Nuclear Physics from Polytech Grenoble (France).
James Patterson has served as a director since January 2011. Mr. Patterson is currently CEO of the Patterson Advisory Group (PAG), a consultancy that specializes in start-ups for the
telecom and technology industries. Mr. Patterson also serves on the advisory board of RCR Wireless. Prior to the formation of PAG, Mr. Patterson was the Executive Vice PresidentBusiness Development for Infotel Broadband
Services, Ltd., a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, Ltd. Prior to Infotel, Mr. Patterson served as the chief executive officer and co-founder of Mobile Symmetry, a mobile and database applications company, from September 2009 to September
2011. Prior to that Mr. Patterson held various leadership roles during his 15 year tenure with Sprint, including President of Wholesale Services from 2008 to 2009, Vice President of Cable Solutions from 2005 to 2008, Vice President of Carrier
Markets and of Network Access Management from 2001 to 2005, and Vice President of Sprint E|Solutions Finance from 2000 to 2001. Prior to Sprint, Mr. Patterson was a consultant to the financial services industry at Andersen Consulting (now
Accenture). Mr. Patterson holds a bachelors in economics from Davidson College and an MBA from the University of Virginia. He has also studied British literature and economic history at Cambridge University and completed additional
post-graduate work at Georgetown University.
Hubert de Pesquidoux has served as a director since March 2011.
Mr. de Pesquidoux is an Executive Partner at Siris Capital, a private equity firm focused on making control investments in data/telecom, technology and technology-enabled business service companies in North America. From 1991 until
December 2009, Mr. de Pesquidoux held various positions at the telecommunications company Alcatel-Lucent SA (and its predecessor, Alcatel S.A. and its affiliates), where he most recently served as Chief Financial Officer from
November 2007 until December 2008 and as President of the Enterprise business from November 2006 until December 2008. Mr. de Pesquidoux was also previously a member of the Alcatel Executive Committee and held various
executive positions including President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcatel North America, Chief Executive Officer of Alcatel Canada (formerly NewbridgeNetworks) and Chief Financial Officer of Alcatel USA. Mr. de Pesquidoux also served
as the Chairman of the Board of Tekelec and currently serves as a director and audit committee chair of Radisys Corporation, Mavenir Systems, Inc. and Criteo S.A., and as a director of Transaction Network Services. He is also a member of the
University of Pittsburg Medical Center Information Technology Board of Visitors, which advises UPMC on matters generally related to information technology strategy, acquisition and implementation. Mr. de Pesquidoux holds a Master in Law from
University of Nancy II, a Master in Economics and Finance from Institut dEtudes Politiques de Paris, a DESS in International Affairs from University of Paris Dauphine and was a laureate in the Concours Général de
Droit.
Dominique Pitteloud has served as a director since January 2005. Mr. Pitteloud has been a
Managing Partner with Ginko Ventures in Geneva since 2015, was a partner with Endeavour Vision from 2007 to 2015, and was a principal at Vision Capital from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Pitteloud is also an advisor to ASSIA, a provider of DSL management
solutions. Mr. Pitteloud also serves as a director of number of private companies. Prior to becoming a venture capitalist, Mr. Pitteloud was vice president of marketing at 8×8, a Silicon Valley semiconductor and telecommunication
company, which he joined in 1999 as part of the acquisition of Odisei, a VoIP start-up from Sophia Antipolis, France. At Odisei, Mr. Pitteloud led the development of the companys business and financing activities. Prior to Odisei,
Mr. Pitteloud held various engineering and management positions at Logitech, including Vice President of the scanner and video camera business units. Mr. Pitteloud received a BS in electrical engineering and telecommunications from the
School of Business and Engineering in Vaud, Switzerland and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Alok Sharma has
served as a director since January 2011. Dr. Sharma currently serves as management consultant for Silver Lake Partners, a global leader in technology investing with over $23 billion in combined assets under management. From September 2010 to
December 2012, Dr. Sharma was the chief executive officer of Accelera Inc., a company focused on building network optimization software for mobile broadband networks. From February 2009 to August 2010, Dr. Sharma was the Senior Vice
President, Corporate Development and Alliances, at Aviat Networks (earlier known as Harris-Stratex, Microwave Division of Harris Corporation), where he was responsible for leading corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, as well as the
development of key
50
strategic relationships for the company. Beginning in June 2004, Dr. Sharma was the founder and chief executive officer of Telsima Corporation, a provider of WiMAX broadband wireless
solutions, until it was acquired by Aviat Networks in February 2009. Prior to Telsima, Dr. Sharma was the vice president and general manager of the Worldwide Cable Business at Juniper Networks from December 2001 to May 2003. Before Juniper
Networks, Dr. Sharma was the founder and chief executive officer of Pacific Broadband Communications, which was acquired by Juniper Networks in December 2001. Prior to that, Dr. Sharma held senior management and technical positions at
Hewlett Packard, Fujitsu/Amdahl, Integrated Device Technology and Siara Systems, a metro routing company acquired by Redback/Ericsson. Dr. Sharma holds a bachelor of engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India and a PhD
in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Zvi Slonimsky has served as a director
since November 2006. Since 2005, Mr. Slonimsky has been chairman of the board of several Israeli high tech companies, including Awear, Extricom, Maradin, Pentalum, Alvarion, Teledata and Surf. He served as CEO of Alvarion Ltd. from 2001 to
October 2005, following Alvarions establishment via merger of BreezeCOM and Floware in August 2001. Prior to the merger, Mr. Slonimsky was CEO of BreezeCom. Before that, he served as president and CEO of MTS Ltd. and was general manager
of DSP Group, Israel. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at several Israeli telecom companies, including C.Mer and Tadiran. Mr. Slonimsky holds a BSEE and a MSEE from the Technion Israel Institute for Technology and an MBA degree
from Tel-Aviv University.
Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors
The aggregate compensation paid and benefits in kind granted by us to our executive officers and directors, including share-based compensation, for the year ended December 31, 2014, was approximately
$2.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we estimate that approximately $13,000 of the amounts set aside or accrued to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to our employees was attributable to our executive officers.
Our non-employee directors are entitled to the following annual compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
Attendance fees |
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
Attendance fees for board committee chairperson |
|
|
|
|
Audit committee |
|
$ |
12,000 |
|
Compensation committee |
|
$ |
9,000 |
|
Nominating and corporate governance committee |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Attendance fees for board committee members |
|
|
|
|
Audit committee |
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
Compensation committee |
|
$ |
4,500 |
|
Nominating and corporate governance committee |
|
$ |
2,500 |
|
In addition, our non-employee directors are also entitled to the following equity awards:
|
|
|
Initial equity award for new directors(1)(3) |
|
Warrants to purchase 25,000 shares |
Annual award for continuing board members(2)(3) |
|
Warrants to purchase 10,000 shares |
(1) |
The initial equity award for new directors will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the ADSs on the date of grant and will be subject to vesting
over a period of three years in equal installments commencing on the date of grant, subject to the non-employee directors continued service to us through the vesting date. |
(2) |
The annual equity award for continuing board members will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the ADSs on the date of grant and will fully vest
on the earlier of (a) the one year anniversary of the date of grant of the award and (b) the date immediately preceding the date of the annual meeting of our shareholders for the year following the year of grant for the award, subject to
the non-employee directors continued service to us through the vesting date. A non-employee director will receive an annual warrant award only if he or she has served on the board of directors for at least the preceding twelve months.
|
(3) |
All such awards will become fully vested upon a change of control. |
Employment Agreements with Executive Officers
We have entered into a
managing director agreement with Georges Karam, our chairman and chief executive officer. See Item 7.BRelated Party TransactionsAgreements with Executive Officers and DirectorsEmployment Agreement. We have entered into
standard employment agreements with each of our other executive officers. There are no arrangements or understanding between us and any of our other executive officers providing for benefits upon termination of their employment, other than as
required by applicable law.
51
Equity Plans
Beginning in 2004, we have issued to our employees and consultants stock options, founders warrants and warrants to purchase our ordinary shares, and in 2011 and 2012, we issued restricted share awards.
Due to French corporate law and tax considerations, we have issued such equity awards under four types of equity plans, collectively referred to in this discussion as our equity plans. Our equity plans provide for the issue of stock options to
employees pursuant to our Stock Option Plans, warrants to our business partners, including consultants and advisors, who have long-term relationships with us and advise us on a regular basis, pursuant to our BSA Subscription Plans, and restricted
share awards pursuant to our Restricted Share Award Plans, and prior to our initial public offering in the United States in April 2011, founders warrants to employees in France until the time of our initial public offering, pursuant to our BCE
Subscription Plans. Founders warrants are a specific type of option available to qualifying young companies in France and have a more favorable tax treatment for both the employee and the employer compared to stock options, but otherwise function in
the same manner as stock options, in particular in terms of vesting. Following completion of our initial public offering in the Unites States in April 2011, we no longer issue founders warrants.
Under French law, each of these equity plans must be approved at the shareholders general meeting. The shareholders may delegate to
our board of directors the authority to grant the securities within a period that cannot exceed 18 months for founders warrants and warrants, and 38 months for stock options. The shareholders have nevertheless historically delegated the authority to
our board to grant these securities within a period that cannot exceed 12 months. Once approved by the shareholders general meeting, these equity plans cannot be extended either in duration or in size. We have therefore implemented new equity
plans when necessary each year.
From 2004 through April 10, 2015, our shareholders have approved and authorized the
issuance of an aggregate of 11,105,500 shares under our equity plans. At April 10, 2015, there were outstanding stock options, founders warrants and warrants to purchase a total of 6,402,148 of our shares issued under our equity plans at a
weighted average exercise price of $3.30, of which 2,542,200 were held by our directors and executive officers at a weighted average exercise price of $3.93 per share. Of these outstanding stock options, founders warrants and warrants, at
April 10, 2015, options to purchase 4,089,651 ordinary shares were vested and exercisable. At April 10, 2015, there were 72,800 restricted share awards outstanding, all vested but restricted from sale until October 2015, and none of which
was held by our directors and executive officers.
The stock options, founders warrants and warrants granted under each of our
equity plans were granted on substantially the same terms. In general, vesting of the stock options and founders warrants may occur over four years, with 25% vesting after an initial 12 months and the remaining 75% vesting monthly over the remaining
36 months, or may be immediate when linked to employee performance. In general, vesting of other warrants may be either on a monthly basis over a two-year or four-year period, or may be immediate, depending on the nature of the service contract with
the consultant or adviser. The stock options, founders warrants and warrants generally expire ten years after the date of grant if not exercised earlier. In general, when a stock option or founders warrant holders employment service with us,
or a warrant holders service with us, terminates for any reason, his or her stock options or founders warrants or warrants, as the case may be, will no longer continue to vest following termination. The holder may exercise any vested stock
options or founders warrants or warrants for a period of 30 days; however, for founders warrants and stock options, in the event of incapacity, such period is extended to 90 days. In the event of death, the holders heirs or beneficiaries shall
have a period of six months to exercise such founders warrants, stock options or warrants. For stock options and founders warrants, in the event that a third party acquires a 100% interest in us, an employee holder who is subsequently dismissed for
cause has the right to exercise all of his or her options or warrants within 30 days, notwithstanding the current vesting schedule. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the warrant equity plans subject to vesting, warrants that are not
yet exercisable will become exercisable for 30 days following the effective date of the change of control.
The exercise price
of the founders warrants, stock options or warrants is determined by the board of directors and is specified in each founders warrant, stock option or warrant award agreement. Historically, the exercise price of the stock options, founders warrants
and warrants was equal to the estimated fair value of the shares on the date of grant, based on our valuation, as negotiated with new investors, at the time of the last round of financing prior to the grant. Beginning in January 2011, for new
issuances of stock options, founders warrants and warrants, the exercise price is the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant as determined by our board of directors, based upon objective criteria including if the board so decides,
independent valuation analyses and the trading price of ADSs.
The restricted share awards vest 100% after two years, if the
employee is still with the company. The beneficiary is then required to hold the shares a further two years before being allowed to sell the shares, regardless of whether or not employment with the company continues.
In the event of certain changes in our share capital structure, such as a consolidation or share split or dividend, appropriate
adjustments will be made to the numbers of shares and exercise prices under outstanding stock options founders warrants and warrants.
52
The following table provides information regarding the options to purchase our ordinary
shares held by each of our directors and officers who beneficially own greater than one percent of our ordinary shares or have options to purchase more than one percent of our ordinary shares as of April 10, 2015:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name (Title) |
|
Number of Option(s) |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Expiration Date |
Dr. Georges Karam, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
|
500,000 |
|
6.26 ($8.63) |
|
Mar. 8, 2021 |
|
|
50,000 |
|
$2.04 |
|
Dec. 13, 2022 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
$1.90 |
|
Dec. 12, 2023 |
|
|
170,000 |
|
$1.58 |
|
July 22, 2024 |
|
|
130,000 |
|
$1.25 |
|
Dec. 11, 2024 |
Bertrand Debray, Chief Operating Officer |
|
150,000 |
|
6.26 ($8.63) |
|
Mar. 8, 2021 |
|
|
24,000 |
|
$2.04 |
|
Dec. 13, 2022 |
|
|
24,000 |
|
$1.90 |
|
Dec. 12, 2023 |
|
|
50,000 |
|
$1.58 |
|
July 22, 2024 |
|
|
28,000 |
|
$1.25 |
|
Dec. 11, 2024 |
In accordance with French law governing a société anonyme, our business is overseen by our board of directors and by our chairman. The board of directors has appointed Dr. Karam
as our chairman, who also serves as our chief executive officer. Subject to the prior authorization of the board of directors for certain decisions as required under French law, the chief executive officer has full authority to manage our affairs.
Our board of directors is responsible for, among other things, presenting our accounts to our shareholders for their approval
and convening shareholder meetings. The board of directors also reviews and monitors our economic, financial and technical strategies. The directors are elected by the shareholders at an ordinary general meeting. Under French law, a director may be
an individual or a corporation and the board of directors must be composed at all times of a minimum of three members.
Within
the limits set out by the corporate purposes (objet social) of our company and the powers expressly granted by law to the shareholders general meeting, the board of directors may deliberate upon our operations and make any decisions in
accordance with our business. However, a director must abstain from voting on matters in which the director has an interest. The board of directors can only deliberate if at least half of the directors attend the meeting in the manners provided for
in our by-laws. Decisions of the board of directors are taken by the majority of the directors present or represented. Under French law, our directors and chief executive officer may not, under any circumstances, borrow money from us or obtain an
extension of credit or obtain a surety from us.
Our board of directors currently consists of eight directors. Under our
by-laws, our board of directors may be comprised of up to nine members. Our board of directors is not currently seeking to fill the vacant position. Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Delfassy, Maitre, Patterson, de
Pesquidoux, Pitteloud, Sharma and Slonimsky qualify as independent under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE.
Under our by-laws, the sections of the by-laws relating to the number of directors, election and removal of a director from office may be modified only by a resolution adopted by 66 2/3% of our
shareholders present or represented. A directors term expires at the end of the ordinary shareholders general meeting convened to vote upon the accounts of the then-preceding fiscal year and is held in the year during which the term of
such director comes to an end unless such directors term expires earlier in the event of a resignation or removal. The following table sets forth the names of the directors of our company, the dates of their initial appointment as directors
and the expiration dates of their current term.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Current position |
|
Year of appointment |
|
Term expiration year |
Georges Karam |
|
Chairman |
|
2003 |
|
2015 |
Gilles Delfassy |
|
Director |
|
2012 |
|
2015 |
Yves Maitre |
|
Director |
|
2014 |
|
2017 |
James Patterson |
|
Director |
|
2011 |
|
2016 |
Hubert de Pesquidoux |
|
Director |
|
2011 |
|
2017 |
Dominique Pitteloud |
|
Director |
|
2005 |
|
2016 |
Alok Sharma |
|
Director |
|
2011 |
|
2016 |
Zvi Slonimsky |
|
Director |
|
2006 |
|
2015 |
53
At our shareholders general meeting held in June 2012, our by-laws were amended to
provide that each director is elected for a three-year term by a vote of the majority of the shareholders present or represented. Under French law, a director who is an individual cannot serve on more than five boards of directors or supervisory
boards in corporations (société anonyme) registered in France; directorships in companies controlled by us, as defined in article L.233-16 of the French Commercial Code, are not taken into account.
Directors may resign at any time and their position as members of the board of directors may be revoked at any time by a majority vote of
the shareholders present or represented at a shareholders general meeting, excluding abstentions. The number of directors who are over 70 years old may not exceed one third of the total number of directors and the chairman of our board must
not be over 65 years old. A director does not need to be a French national and there is no limitation on the number of terms that a director may serve. In case of removal without cause, directors may be entitled to damages.
Vacancies on our board of directors, including vacancies resulting from there being fewer than the maximum number of directors permitted
by our by-laws, provided there are at least three directors remaining, may be filled by a vote of a simple majority of the directors then in office. The appointment must then be ratified by the next shareholders general meeting. Directors
chosen or appointed to fill a vacancy shall be elected by the board for the remaining duration of the current term of the replaced director. In the event the board would be composed of less than three directors as a result of a vacancy, meetings of
the board of directors shall no longer be permitted to be held except to immediately convene a shareholders general meeting to elect one or several new directors so there are at least three directors serving on the board of directors, in
accordance with French law.
Under French law, employees may be elected to serve as a director. However, such
employee-director must perform actual functions separate from his/her role as director in order to retain the benefit of his/her employment agreement. The number of directors who are our employees cannot exceed one third of the directors then in
office. No director can enter into an employment agreement with us after his/her election to the board of directors.
French
law requires that companies having at least 50 employees for a period of 12 consecutive months have a Comité dEntreprise, or Workers Council, composed of representatives elected from among the personnel. Our Workers
Council was formed in 2007. Two of these representatives are entitled to attend all meetings of the board of directors and the shareholders, but they do not have any voting rights.
Directors are required to comply with applicable law and with our by-laws. Our directors may be jointly and severally liable for actions
that they take that are contrary to our interests. Directors are jointly and severally liable for collective decisions. However, each director may avoid liability by proving that he or she acted diligently and with caution, in particular by not
approving the decision at issue or even by resigning in the event of certain critical situations. In certain critical situations, in order to avoid liability for decisions made by the board, a director must resign from his or her office. Directors
may be individually liable for actions fully attributable to them in connection with a specific mission assigned to them by the board of directors. As a director, the chairman of the board is liable under the same conditions. The chief executive
officer may be liable with respect to third parties if he commits a fault that is severable from his duties and which is only attributable to him.
Directors Service Contracts
We entered into letter agreements with
each of James Patterson and Alok Sharma before they became directors. In December 2014, we entered into a consulting agreement with Alok Sharma. See Item 7.BRelated Party TransactionsAgreements with Executive Officers and
DirectorsDirector Compensation and Agreements. There are no arrangements or understandings between us and any of our non-employee directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service as directors of our
company, other than as required by applicable law.
Board Leadership Structure
We believe that the interests of our shareholders are best served by maintaining our Board of Directors flexibility in determining
the board leadership structure that is best suited to the needs of the Company at any particular time. Our Board Internal Charter provides that where the Chairman is also the Chief Executive Officer, the independent directors will appoint a lead
independent director to coordinate their efforts and activities. Yves Maitre currently services as lead independent director. The defined role of the lead independent director is designed to ensure a strong, independent and active Board of
Directors. As set forth in the Board Internal Charter, the lead independent director has clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. These duties include:
|
|
|
Presiding at all meetings of the board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors.
|
|
|
|
Calling meetings of the independent directors. |
|
|
|
Serving as liaison between the independent directors and the chairman and chief executive officer. |
|
|
|
Collecting feedback from the board members in order to help the chairman finalize the meeting agendas. |
|
|
|
Based on feedback from the other board members, recommending to the chairman that a special board of directors meeting be called focused on a specific
agenda. |
|
|
|
If a shareholder requests to talk with an independent director and not to the chairman and/or the chief executive officer, representing the board of
directors for such communication in coordination with the chairman. |
54
Board Committees
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Hubert de
Pesquidoux, James Patterson and Dominique Pitteloud, with Mr. de Pesquidoux serving as chairperson. Our audit committee oversees our corporate accounting and financial reporting process and internal controls over financial reporting. Our audit
committee evaluates the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications, independence and performance; recommends to the shareholders with respect to the identity and compensation of the independent registered public accounting
firm; approves the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm to perform any proposed permissible non-audit services; reviews our Consolidated Financial Statements; reviews our critical accounting policies and estimates and
internal controls over financial reporting; discusses with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the results of the annual audit and the reviews of our quarterly Consolidated Financial Statements; and reviews the scope and
results of internal audits and evaluates the performance of the internal auditor. Our board of directors has determined that each of our audit committee members meets the requirements for independence and financial literacy under the applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. de Pesquidoux is an audit committee financial expert as defined under the applicable rules of the SEC and has the requisite financial sophistication
under the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE. The audit committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable rules of the SEC and the NYSE.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of Zvi
Slonimsky, Hubert de Pesquidoux and Dominique Pitteloud, with Mr. Slonimsky serving as chairperson. Our compensation committee reviews and recommends policies relating to the compensation and benefits of our officers and employees, which
includes reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our chief executive officer and other senior officers, evaluating the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives and setting
compensation of these officers based on such evaluations. The compensation committee also recommends to the board of directors the issue of stock options and other awards. Our board of directors has determined that each member our compensation
committee meets the requirements for independence under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. The compensation committee operates under a written charter.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and
corporate governance committee consists of James Patterson, Alok Sharma, Zvi Slonimsky and Gilles Delfassy, with Mr. Patterson serving as chairperson. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for making recommendations
regarding candidates for directorships and the size and composition of our board. In making such recommendations, the nominating and corporate governance committee considers the skills and experience of the directors or nominees in the context of
the needs of our board of directors as well as the directors or nominees diversity of skills and experience in areas that are relevant to our business and activities. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance committee is
responsible for overseeing our corporate governance guidelines and reporting and making recommendations concerning governance matters. Our board of directors has determined that each member of our nominating and corporate governance committee meets
the requirements for independence under the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE. The nominating and corporate governance committee operates under a written charter.
At December 31, 2014, we had 196 full-time employees, of whom 124 were located in France, 19 were in the United Kingdom, 15 were in
the United States, 14 were in China, 7 were in Singapore, 6 were in Israel, 5 were in Taiwan, 2 were in India, 2 were in South Korea, 1 was in Ukraine and 1 was in Hong Kong. These employees include 150 in research and development, 19 in sales
and marketing, 22 in general and administration and 5 in operations. Management considers labor relations to be good. We also have independent contractors and consultants. At December 31, 2014, we had 22 dedicated engineers from Global
Logic in Ukraine for software development and testing, and also had 6 independent contractors in both research and development and sales and marketing in France.
55
At each date shown, we had the following employees, broken out by department and geography:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
Department: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
General and administration |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
Operations |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geography: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Europe, Middle East, Africa |
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
Asia |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
Americas |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For information regarding the share ownership of our directors and executive officers, please refer to Item 6.B.CompensationEquity Plans and Item 7.AMajor
Shareholders.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of April 10, 2015:
|
|
|
each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding ADSs or ordinary shares;
|
|
|
|
each of our executive officers; |
|
|
|
each of our directors; and |
|
|
|
all of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or
shared voting or investment power with respect to those securities, and include shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days after the date of this annual report. Such shares are also deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the
percentage ownership of the person holding the option, but not the percentage ownership of any other person.
For the purpose
of calculating the percentage of shares beneficially owned by any shareholder, this table lists applicable percentage ownership based on 59,144,741 ordinary shares outstanding as of April 10, 2015.
Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to
their shares. To our knowledge, none of our selling shareholders is a broker-dealer or is affiliated with a broker-dealer.
Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, the address of each individual listed in the table is c/o Sequans
Communications S.A., 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle, 92700 Colombes, France.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Percent |
|
5% Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add Partners and affiliates(1) |
|
|
4,371,996 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
% |
I-Source Gestion and affiliates(2) |
|
|
3,314,226 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
Kennet Partners and affiliates(3) |
|
|
3,219,766 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
Dr. Georges Karam(4) |
|
|
3,690,761 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
Nokomis Capital, L.L.C.(5) |
|
|
4,817,353 |
|
|
|
7.9 |
|
Bpifrance Participations(6) |
|
|
6,362,761 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
Executive Officers and Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Georges Karam(4) |
|
|
3,690,761 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
Deborah Choate(7) |
|
|
290,058 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Bertrand Debray(8) |
|
|
1,040,189 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Percent |
|
Rudy Leser(9) |
|
|
117,188 |
|
|
|
* |
|
T. Craig Miller(10) |
|
|
150,167 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Gilles Delfassy(11) |
|
|
18,667 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Yves Maitre |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James Patterson(12) |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Hubert de Pesquidoux(13) |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Dominique Pitteloud(14) |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Alok Sharma(15) |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Zvi Slonimsky(16) |
|
|
247,798 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All executive officers and directors as a group (12 persons)(17) |
|
|
5,678,828 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
% |
* |
Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
(1) |
Based on information provided to the Company. Includes 4,304,838 shares held by ADD One LP, or ADD; and 67,158 shares held by ADD One GmbH & Co. KG, or KG.
Pursuant to the constitutional documents of ADD and KG, ADD Management Limited, or AML, has sole voting and investment power over the shares held by ADD and KG. AML is the managing general partner of ADD One General Partner LP which in turn is the
managing general partner of ADD and Liquidator of KG. The board of directors of AML consists of Barry McClay and Ipes Director (Guernsey) Limited, who share such voting and investment power. Each of Barry McClay and Ipes Director (Guernsey) Limited
disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein. The address of AML is 1 Royal Plaza, Royal Avenue, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2HL. |
(2) |
Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2012 and information provided to the Company. Includes 2,798,172 shares owned by FCPR T-Source;
357,578 shares owned by FCPI CA Innovation 6; 92,015 shares owned by FCPI CA Innovation 9; and 66,461 shares owned by FCPI CA Investissement 1. I-Source Gestion, as the management company of FCPR T-Source, and the delegate of Amundi PEF, the
management company of the FPCI CA Innovation 6, CA Innovation 9 and CA Investissement 1, is the Reporting Person. Under French Law, the funds (FCPR, FCPI) do not have legal capacity or their own personnel; they are represented in all respects by the
management company, which acts in the interest of the unit holders of each fund. I-Source Gestion SA is a French société de gestion (management company) regulated as such by the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers.
Organized as a Société Anonyme, it is governed by a Directoire, comprised of Nicolas Landrin, Directeur Général, and Jean-Philippe Zoghbi, Président du Directoire. They make voting and investment decisions for
I-Source Gestion SA. Therefore, I-Source Gestion, Nicolas Landrin and Jean-Philippe Zoghbi have shared voting and shared dispositive power over all shares owned of record by the Funds. However, Nicolas Landrin and Jean-Philippe Zoghbi disclaim
beneficial ownership of those shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein, if any. The address of I-Source Gestion is 23, avenue dIéna 75116 Paris, France. |
(3) |
Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2012 and information provided to the Company. Includes 3,205,401 shares held by Kennet Partners II LP,
or KII; and 14,365 shares held by King Street Partners LP, or KSP. Pursuant to a management agreement, Kennet Capital Management (Jersey) Limited, or KCMJL, has sole voting and investment power over the shares held by KII and KSP. The board of
directors of KCMJL consists of Michael Harrop, James Brasher and Spencer Wells, who share such voting and investment power. Each of Michael Harrop, James Brasher and Spencer Wells disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary
interest therein. The address of KCMJL is 21-22 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NE United Kingdom. |
(4) |
Includes 583,333 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(5) |
Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015. Includes 4,817,353 shares held by Nokomis Capital, L.L.C., or Nokomis Capital, purchased by
Nokomis Capital through the accounts of certain private funds and managed accounts (collectively, the Nokomis Accounts). Nokomis Capital serves as the investment adviser to the Nokomis Accounts and may direct the voting and disposition of the
4,817,353shares held by the Nokomis Accounts. As the principal of Nokomis Capital, Brett Hendrickson holds voting and investment power with respect to all securities beneficially owned by the Nokomis Accounts. The address of Nokomis Capital is 2305
Cedar Springs Rd., Suite 420, Dallas, TX 75201. |
(6) |
Based on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on December 2, 2013 and information provided to the Company. Includes 4,791,187 shares held by Bpifrance
Participations S.A., or Bpifrance, and 1,571,574 shares held by Fonds de Co-Investissement Direct, or FCID. Bpifrance is the wholly owned subsidiary of BPI-Groupe (bpifrance), or BPI. The Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, or CDC, and
EPIC BPI-Groupe, or EPIC, each hold 50% of the share capital of BPI and jointly control BPI. FCID is managed by Bpifrance Investissement, which is managed by a board of directors. Nicolas Dufourcq is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and
President of Bpifrance Investissement, and the Chief Executive Officer of Bpifrance and he may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power over the shares held by FCID and Bpifrance. Paul-François Fournier is the director of the
Innovation Business Unit of Bpifrance and Maïlys Ferrère is the director of the Large Venture Fund of Bpifrance, and they may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power over the shares held by Bpifrance. None of BPI, CDC, EPIC,
Bpifrance Investissement, Nicolas Dufourcq, Paul-François Fournier or Maïlys Ferrère holds any shares directly. BPI may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 6,362,761 shares, indirectly through its sole ownership of Bpifrance,
who in addition to its direct holding of 4,791,187 shares, has an indirect holding of 1,571,574 shares held by FCID. CDC and EPIC may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 6,362,761 shares, indirectly through their joint ownership and control of
BPI. Bpifrance Investissement and Nicolas Dufourcq may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 1,571,574 shares through their control of FCID. Nicolas Dufourcq disclaims beneficial ownership of the 1,571,574 shares held by FCID and Bpifrance.
Paul-François Fournier and Maïlys Ferrère disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares held by Bpifrance. The principal address for Bpifrance, BPI, EPIC, FCID, Bpifrance Investissement and Nicolas Dufourcq is 6-8 Boulevard
Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France. |
(7) |
Includes 285,058 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(8) |
Includes 120,000 shares held by Mr. Debray as custodian for his sons. Includes 173,000 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of
April 10, 2015. |
57
(9) |
Includes 117,188 shares subject to options and warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(10) |
Includes 150,167 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(11) |
Includes 18,667 shares subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(12) |
Includes 31,000 shares subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(13) |
Includes 31,000 shares subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(14) |
Includes 31,000 shares subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(15) |
Includes 31,000 shares subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(16) |
Includes 247,798 shares subject to warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
(17) |
Includes 1,699,211 shares subject to options and warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2015. |
None of our principal shareholders have voting rights different than our other shareholders.
At April 10, 2015, there were 58,906,700 of our ADSs outstanding, representing 58,906,700 our ordinary shares or 99.6% of our outstanding
ordinary shares. At such date, there were 103 holders of record registered with the Bank of New York Mellon, depositary of our ADSs.
B. |
Related Party Transactions |
Since January 1, 2014, we have engaged in the following transactions with our directors and executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our voting securities and affiliates of our directors,
executive officers and 5% shareholders. We believe that all of the transactions described below were made on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
Under French law, agreements entered into directly or indirectly between us and either one of our officers or one of our shareholders
owning more than 10% of our shares, or any company controlling one of our shareholders owning more than 10% of our shares, are subject to the prior approval of the board of directors and must be ratified by our ordinary shareholders general
meetings on the basis of a specific report issued by our statutory auditors on such agreements. Our managing director agreement with Georges Karam, our letter agreements with each James Patterson and Alok Sharma, and our consultancy services
agreement with Alok Sharma described below have been submitted to the prior approval of the board of directors and have been or will be submitted to our shareholders at each annual shareholders general meeting.
Agreements with Executive Officers and Directors
Employment Agreement
We have entered into a managing director
agreement with Georges Karam, our chairman and chief executive officer, which contains provisions regarding salary, severance payment and benefits. If Dr. Karam is terminated for any reason, he is entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal
to one year of base salary. In accordance with French law, our chief executive officer (directeur général or managing director) cannot be an employee in connection with the performance of his duties in such
capacity. The managing director agreement entered into with Dr. Karam does not constitute, and does not contain the compulsory provisions under French law to be construed as, an employment agreement. Therefore, Dr. Karam does not benefit
from the status of employee nor from any benefit that French laws and regulations grant to employees. The managing director agreement only sets forth the terms and conditions, including compensation, under which Dr. Karam performs his duties as
chief executive officer.
Director Compensation and Agreements
The non-employee members of our board of directors receive compensation based on our director compensation policy. A description of the
cash compensation and equity awards that non-employee members of our board of directors will be entitled to receive is described under Item 6. BCompensationCompensation of Executive Officers and Directors.
Immediately prior to their appointment to our board of directors, we entered into letter agreements with each of James Patterson and Alok
Sharma setting forth the cash compensation and equity awards they would receive upon their appointment to our board of directors pursuant to the director compensation policy.
Effective December 11, 2014, we entered into an agreement whereby Mr. Sharma provides to the Company consultancy services in the area of business development in the broadband wireless access
industry, with a focus on the India market. During the year ended December 31, 2014, no amounts were paid to Mr. Sharma, but $9,194 was earned under the contract.
Stock Options, Founders Warrants and Warrants
Since our inception, we have
granted stock options, founders warrants and warrants to purchase our shares to certain of our executive officers and board members. For more information about our option and warrant plans see Item 6. BCompensationEquity
Plans.
C. |
Interests of Experts and Counsel |
Not applicable.
58
Item 8. Financial Information
A. |
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
Consolidated Financial Statements
We have appended our consolidated
financial statements at the end of this annual report, starting at page F-1, as part of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
On September 9, 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District
of New York against the Company, certain of its officers and directors, and UBS Limited and Jefferies & Company Inc, the lead underwriters in the Companys initial public offering. This action, Donald Dean Johnson v. Sequans
Communications S.A., et al, alleges violations of the U.S. federal securities laws in connection with the Companys initial public offering. A substantially similar complaint was filed on October 25, 2011, also in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York. On December 13, 2011 the Court consolidated the two actions, and appointed lead plaintiffs and co-lead plaintiffs counsel. On January 31, 2012, lead plaintiffs filed a
Consolidated Amended Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws, which seeks unspecified damages. On May 14, 2012, the Company filed a Motion to Dismiss the consolidated complaint. Following oral argument, on January 17, 2013, the
Court granted the Companys motion and gave lead plaintiffs 20 days leave to move to amend their complaint. On February 7, 2013, plaintiffs brought a motion for leave to file an amended complaint, on March 15, 2013, the Company filed
an opposition, and on April 16, 2013, plaintiffs filed a reply. The parties subsequently engaged in settlement discussions and stayed the litigation pending mediation. Following mediation, on June 21, 2013, the parties informed the Court
that they had reached an agreement in principle to settle the action, subject to the negotiation of a mutually agreeable settlement agreement. A settlement agreement was executed on November 7, 2013, and the Court gave final approval on
April 9, 2014. All payment under the settlement agreement, including payment of most of the Companys attorneys fees and expenses, was directly supported by the insurance company.
Dividend Policy
We have
never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future and intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the
operation and expansion of our business.
Subject to the requirements of French law and our by-laws, dividends may only be
distributed from our statutory retained earnings. See Item 10. BMemorandum and Articles of Association for further details on the limitations on our ability to declare and pay dividends. Dividend distributions, if any, will be made
in euros and converted into U.S. dollars with respect to the ADSs, as provided in the deposit agreement.
No significant changes have occurred since December 31, 2014, except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
Our ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SQNS since April 15, 2011. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for ADSs or our ordinary
shares. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per ordinary share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
Year ending December 31, 2011 (beginning April 15): |
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
$ |
2.12 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2012: |
|
$ |
3.82 |
|
|
$ |
1.30 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2013: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
2.85 |
|
|
$ |
1.46 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
1.74 |
|
|
$ |
1.44 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
2.59 |
|
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
2.95 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
Year ending December 31, 2014: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
3.40 |
|
|
$ |
1.90 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
3.10 |
|
|
$ |
1.42 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
2.30 |
|
|
$ |
1.51 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
Last Six Months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October |
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1.31 |
|
November |
|
$ |
1.68 |
|
|
$ |
1.40 |
|
December |
|
$ |
1.49 |
|
|
$ |
1.18 |
|
January |
|
$ |
1.35 |
|
|
$ |
1.01 |
|
February |
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1.08 |
|
March |
|
$ |
1.95 |
|
|
$ |
1.30 |
|
On April 10, 2015, the last reported sale price of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange was $1.68
per share.
Not applicable.
Our ADS have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SQNS since April 15, 2011.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information
Not applicable.
B. |
Memorandum and Articles of Association |
The information set forth in our Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-198758), filed with the SEC on September 15, 2014, under the heading Description of Share Capital is
incorporated herein by reference.
We entered into an underwriting agreement with Needham & Company, LLC on February 15, 2013, with respect to the ADSs sold in our February 2013 public offering. We have agreed to indemnify
the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.
We entered into an underwriting agreement with Needham & Company, LLC on November 21, 2013, with respect to the ADSs sold
in our November 2013 public offering. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of such
liabilities.
Under current French foreign exchange control regulations there are no limitations on the amount of cash payments that we may remit to residents of foreign countries. Laws and regulations concerning
foreign exchange controls do, however, require that all payments or transfers of funds made by a French resident to a non-resident be handled by an accredited intermediary. All registered banks and substantially all credit institutions in France are
accredited intermediaries.
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Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a description of the material United States federal income
tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the ADSs. This description addresses only the United States federal income tax consequences to holders that are
purchasers of the ADSs and hold such ADSs as capital assets (generally property held for investment). This description does not address tax considerations applicable to holders that may be subject to
special tax rules, including:
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financial institutions or insurance companies; |
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real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies or grantor trusts; |
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dealers or traders in securities or currencies; |
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certain former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States; |
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persons that received the ADSs as compensation for the performance of services; |
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persons that will hold the ADSs as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or as a position in a straddle for
United States federal income tax purposes; |
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holders that will hold the ADSs through a partnership or other pass-through entity; |
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U.S. Holders, as defined below, whose functional currency is not the United States dollar; or |
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holders that own, directly, indirectly or through attribution, 10.0% or more of the voting power or value, of our shares. |
Moreover, this description does not address the United States federal estate and gift or alternative minimum tax, or foreign, state or
local tax, consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the ADSs.
This description is based on the United
States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, existing, proposed and temporary United States Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case as in effect and available on the
date hereof. All of the foregoing is subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.
For purposes of this description, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of the ADSs that, for United States federal income tax purposes, is:
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a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or any state thereof, including the District of Columbia; |
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an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
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a trust if such trust has validly elected to be treated as a United States person for United States federal income tax purposes or if (1) a court
within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and (2) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. |
A Non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of the ADSs that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership, or other entity or
arrangement treated as a partnership, for United States federal income tax purposes.
If a partnership or any other entity or
arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes holds the ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or
partnership is encouraged to consult its tax advisor as to its tax consequences.
You are encouraged to consult your tax
advisor with respect to United States federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of the ADSs.
For United States federal income tax purposes, you will be treated as the owner of our ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. Exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, will
not be subject to United States federal income tax.
Distributions with Respect to ADSs
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations, if you are a U.S. Holder, for United
States federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of any distribution made to you with respect to your ADSs (other than certain distributions, if any, of the ADSs distributed pro rata to all our shareholders), before reduction for any French
taxes withheld therefrom, will be includible in your income as dividend income to the extent such distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Subject to
the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations, non-corporate U.S. Holders may qualify for the lower rates of taxation with respect to dividends on ADSs applicable to long-term capital gains (i.e., gains
from the sale of capital assets held for more than
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one year), provided that certain conditions are met, including certain holding period requirements and the absence of certain risk reduction transactions. However, such dividends will not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. Holders. Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations, to the extent, if any, that the amount of any
distribution by us exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined under United States federal income tax principles, such excess amount will be treated first as a tax-free return of your adjusted tax basis in your ADSs and
thereafter as capital gain. We do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under United States federal income tax principles and, therefore, if you are a U.S. Holder you should expect that the entire amount of any distribution
generally will be reported as dividend income to you.
Dividends, if any, paid to U.S. Holders in euros or currency other than
the U.S. dollar (Other Foreign Currency) will be includible in income in a U.S. dollar amount based on the prevailing spot market exchange rate in effect on the date of actual or constructive receipt, whether or not converted into U.S.
dollars at that time. Assuming dividends received in euros (or Other Foreign Currency) are converted into U.S. dollars on the day they are received, the U.S. Holder will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the
dividend income. If, however, the payment is not converted at that time, a U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in euros (or Other Foreign Currency) equal to the U.S. dollar amount of the dividend included in income, which will be used to measure gain
or loss from subsequent changes in exchange rates. Any gain or loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes on a subsequent conversion of euros (or Other Foreign Currency) into U.S. dollars (or on other disposition) will be U.S. source ordinary income or
loss. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to them if the dividends are paid in euros (or Other Foreign Currency).
Subject to certain conditions and limitations, French tax withheld on dividends may be deducted from your taxable income or credited against your United States federal income tax liability. The limitation
on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends, if any, that we distribute will constitute passive category income, or, in the case of certain U.S.
Holders, general category income. A foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on distributions may be denied if you do not satisfy certain minimum holding period requirements or if you engage in certain risk reduction transactions. If
you are a U.S. Holder, dividends, if any, paid to you with respect to your ADSs will be treated as foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating your foreign tax credit limitation. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign
tax credit are complex, and you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you will be entitled to this credit.
Subject to the discussion below under Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements, if you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you should not be subject to United States federal income, or
withholding, tax on dividends received by you on your ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a
permanent establishment or fixed base).
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of ADSs
Subject to the discussion below under Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations, if you are a U.S. Holder, you will
recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of your ADSs equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in your ADSs. If you are a
non-corporate U.S. Holder, capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs will be eligible for the preferential rate of taxation applicable to long-term capital gains if your holding period for such ADSs exceeds one year (i.e.,
such gain is long-term capital gain). Gain or loss, if any, recognized by a U.S. Holder will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss, as the case may be, for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The deductibility of capital losses for United
States federal income tax purposes is subject to limitations.
Subject to the discussion below under Backup Withholding
Tax and Information Reporting Requirements, if you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you will not be subject to United States federal income, or withholding, tax on any gain realized on the sale or exchange of such ADSs unless:
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such gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty,
is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base); or |
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you are an individual and have been present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale or exchange and certain other
conditions are met. |
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or a PFIC, for United States federal income
tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either
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at least 75% of its gross income is passive income; or |
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at least 50% of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production
of passive income. |
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Passive income for this purpose includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, gains from
commodities and securities transactions and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets which produce passive income, including amounts derived by reason of the investment of funds raised in offerings of the ADSs. If a non-U.S.
corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, the non-U.S. corporation is treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and as receiving directly its
proportionate share of the other corporations income.
Based on the character of our gross income and the average value
of our passive assets relative to the gross value of our assets for the taxable year ended December 31, 2014, we do not believe we were a PFIC for 2014. Because PFIC status is determined annually based on our income, assets and activities for
the entire taxable year, it is not possible to determine whether we will be characterized as a PFIC for 2015 or any other future year until after the close of that year. While we intend to manage our business so as to avoid PFIC status to the extent
consistent with our other business goals, we cannot predict whether our business plans will allow us to avoid PFIC status. In addition, because the market price of the ADSs has fluctuated and is likely to fluctuate in the future and because that
market price may affect the determination of whether we are a PFIC, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year.
If we are a PFIC for a given year, and you are a U.S. Holder, then unless you make one of the elections described below, a special tax regime will apply to both (a) any excess
distribution by us to you for the year (defined as your ratable portion of distributions in the year which are greater than 125% of the average annual distribution received by you in the shorter of the three preceding years or, your holding
period for the ADSs) and (b) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the ADSs. Under this regime, any excess distribution and realized gain will be treated as ordinary income and will be subject to tax as if
(i) the excess distribution or gain had been realized ratably over your holding period, (ii) the amount deemed realized in each year had been subject to tax in each year of that holding period at the highest marginal rate for such year
(other than income allocated to the current period or any taxable period before we became a PFIC, which would be subject to tax at the U.S. Holders regular ordinary income rate for the current year and would not be subject to the interest
charge discussed below), and (iii) the interest charge applicable to underpayments of tax had been imposed on the taxes deemed to have been payable in those years. In addition, the tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year
of disposition or excess distribution cannot be offset by any net operating losses for such years, and dividend distributions made to you will not qualify for the lower rates of taxation applicable to long-term capital gains discussed
above under Distributions with Respect to ADSs.
Certain elections are available to U.S. Holders of shares that
may serve to alleviate some of the adverse tax consequences of PFIC status described above. One such election is a qualified electing fund, or a QEF, election, under which you would be required to include in income on a current basis your pro rata
share of our ordinary earnings as ordinary income and your pro rata share of our net capital gains as capital gain. However, we do not expect to provide to U.S. Holders the information needed to report income and gain pursuant to a QEF election, and
we make no undertaking to provide such information in the event that we are a PFIC.
Under an alternative tax regime, you may
also avoid certain adverse tax consequences relating to PFIC status discussed above by making a mark-to-market election with respect to your ADSs, provided that the ADSs are marketable. The ADSs will be marketable if they are regularly
traded on certain U.S. stock exchanges, including the NYSE, or on certain non-U.S. stock exchanges. For these purposes, the ADSs will be considered regularly traded during any calendar year during which they are traded, other than in negligible
quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. U.S. Holders should be aware, however, that if we are determined to be a PFIC, the interest charge regime described above could be applied to indirect distributions or gains deemed to be
attributable to U.S. Holders in respect of any of our subsidiaries that also may be determined to be a PFIC, and the mark-to-market election would not be effective for such subsidiaries.
If you choose to make a mark-to-market election, you would recognize as ordinary income or loss each year in which we are a PFIC an
amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of your ADSs and your adjusted tax basis in your ADSs. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included by you
under the election for prior taxable years. If the mark-to-market election were made, then the PFIC rules described above relating to excess distributions and realized gains would not apply for periods covered by the election. If you do not make a
mark-to-market election for the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC during your holding period of the ADSs, you would be subject to interest charges with respect to the inclusion of ordinary income attributable to each taxable year in which we
were a PFIC during your holding period before the effective date of such election.
A U.S. Holder who is a direct or
indirect holder of stock of a PFIC must file United States Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 in respect of such PFIC for a taxable year in the circumstances described in the United States Treasury Regulations. If we are a PFIC for a
given taxable year, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor concerning the availability and consequences of making any of the elections mentioned above, as well as concerning your annual filing requirements.
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Medicare Tax
A United States person that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, is subject to a 3.8% tax on net investment income in
excess of certain amounts. In the case of an individual, the tax is imposed on the lesser of (1) the United States persons net investment income for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the United States
persons modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $250,000 (in the case of a taxpayer filing a joint return or a surviving spouse), $125,000 (in the case of a married taxpayer filing a separate return) or $200,000 (in any other
case). In the case of an estate or trust, the tax is imposed on the lesser of (1) the entitys undistributed net investment income for the taxable year and (2) the excess (if any) of the entitys adjusted gross
income over the dollar amount at which the highest tax bracket begins for such entity. A holders net investment income will include its gross dividend income and its net gains from the disposition of ADSs, unless such dividends or net
gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). If you are a United States person that is an individual, estate or trust, you are
encouraged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the ADSs.
Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets
Individuals who own specified foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000 are required to file
an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. Specified foreign financial assets include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they
are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities, including ADSs issued by non-U.S. persons, (ii) financial instruments and contracts held for investment that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties
and (iii) interests in foreign entities. U.S. holders that are individuals are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this reporting requirement as it relates to their ownership of ADSs.
Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements
United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements apply to certain payments to certain non-corporate holders of stock. Information reporting will apply to payments of dividends
on, and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of, the ADSs made within the United States, or by a United States payor or United States middleman, to a holder of the ADSs, other than an exempt recipient, including a corporation, a payee that is not
a United States person that provides an appropriate certification and certain other persons. A payor will be required to withhold backup withholding tax from any payments of dividends on, or the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, ADSs within
the United States, or by a United States payor or United States middleman, to a holder, other than an exempt recipient, if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an
exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against the beneficial owners United States federal income tax liability, if any, provided
that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
French Material Tax Consequences
The following is a description of the material French tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the ADSs by a U.S.
Holder. This description is based on applicable tax laws, regulations and judicial decisions as of the date of this annual report, and, where applicable, the Convention between the United States of America and France for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, dated of August 31, 1994, as amended from time to time (the U.S. Treaty).
This description is based in part upon the representation of the custodian and the assumption that each obligation in the Depositary
Agreement with the depositary relating to your ADRs and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with their terms.
The following is a description of the principal tax effect on U.S. Holders for the purposes of French tax if, all of the following points
apply:
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the U.S. Holder owns, directly, indirectly or constructively, less than 10% of the Company capital and dividend rights; |
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the U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of the U.S. Treaty (including under the limitations on benefits article of the U.S. Treaty);
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the U.S. Holder does not hold the ADSs through a permanent or a fixed base in France; |
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the U.S. Holder is not multi-resident; |
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the U.S. Holder does not hold the ADSs through a non-U.S. based pass-through entity; and |
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the U.S. Holder does not receive dividend, capital gains or other payments on the ADSs on an account located in a Non-cooperative State as defined in
Article 238-0 A of the French General Tax Code and as mentioned in a list published by the French tax authorities as amended from time to time (on January 1st of each year). |
A U.S. Holder to whom all the above requirements apply will be hereafter defined as a Qualifying U.S. Holder.
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This description is relevant only to holders of ADSs who are Qualifying U.S. Holders.
For purposes of the U.S. Treaty Qualifying U.S. Holders of ADSs will be treated as the owners of Companys ordinary
shares represented by such ADSs.
Special rules apply to U.S. expatriates, insurance companies, pass-through entities and
investors in such entities, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax and securities broker-dealers, among others. Those special rules are not discussed in this annual report.
Holders of Company ADSs are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences to them of owning the ADS,
including their eligibility for benefits under the U.S. Treaty, the application and effect of state, local, foreign and other tax laws and possible changes in tax laws or in their interpretation.
Taxation of Dividends
Dividends paid by a French company to non-French holders are generally subject to a 30% withholding tax (or 21% if the holder is an individual resident of the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein). Such
30% withholding tax rate can be increased to 75% if the dividend is paid towards non-cooperative States or territories (as mentioned above) irrespective of the tax residence of the beneficiary of the dividends. Such withholding tax rates may,
however, be reduced by application of a tax treaty with France.
Dividends paid to a Qualifying U.S. Holder by French
companies are immediately subject to a reduced rate of 15%, provided that such Qualifying U.S. Holder establishes before the date of payment of the dividend that he or she is a U.S. resident under the U.S. Treaty by completing and delivering the
depositary with a simplified certificate (Form 5000) (the Certificate) in accordance with French tax guidelines (BOI-INT-DG-20-20-20-20). Dividends paid to a Qualifying U.S. Holder that has not filed and delivered to the paying agent the
Certificate before the dividend payment date, will be subject to French withholding tax at the rate of 30%. The tax withheld in excess of 15% can be refunded by the French tax authorities provided that such Qualifying U.S. Holder duly completes and
provides the French tax authorities with the Certificate and Form 5001 (the Forms) before December 31 of the second calendar year following the year during which the dividend is paid. U.S. pension funds and other tax exempt entities
are subject to the same general filing requirement as the U.S. Holders, except that they may be required to supply additional documentation evidencing their entitlement to these benefits.
Taxation of Capital Gains
A Qualifying U.S. Holder will not be
subject to any French income or withholding tax on any capital gain realized upon the sale or exchange of ADSs of the Company.
Estate
and Gift Taxes
Under the Convention Between the United States of America and the French Republic for the Avoidance of
Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Estates, Inheritance and Gifts dated November 24, 1978 (as amended from time to time), if a U.S. Holder transfers his or her shares by gift or by reason of the U.S.
Holders death, that transfer will not be subject to French gift or inheritance tax unless the U.S. Holder is domiciled in France at the time of making the gift or at the time of his or her death or if the shares are held for use in the conduct
of a business or profession through a permanent establishment or a fixed base in France.
Wealth Tax
Qualifying U.S. Holders will not be subject to French wealth tax.
F. |
Dividends and Paying Agents |
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
We are currently subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to foreign private issuers and fulfill the obligations of these requirements by filing reports with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act relating to the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the
reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the
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Securities and Exchange Commission as frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we intend to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, within 120 days after the end of each subsequent fiscal year, an annual report on Form 20-F containing financial statements which will be examined and reported on, with an opinion expressed, by an independent public
accounting firm. We also intend to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports on Form 6-K containing unaudited financial information for the first three quarters of each fiscal year, within 60 days after the end of each quarter.
You may read and copy any document we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission without charge at the Securities and
Exchange Commissions public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange
Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains an
Internet site that contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are also available to the public through this
web site at http://www.sec.gov.
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Subsidiary Information |
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $28.8 million, $37.3 million and $12.5 million, at December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our cash and cash equivalents
consist of cash in commercial bank accounts and investments in money market funds. Short-term investments are investments in deposits or money market funds with terms greater than 90 days but less than one year. The primary objectives of our
investment activities are to preserve principal, and provide liquidity without significantly increasing risk. Our cash and cash equivalents are held for working capital purposes. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes.
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by excess cash invested in money market
funds. Due to the short-term and highly liquid nature of our portfolio, a movement in interest rates of 100 basis points during 2014 would not have a material effect on interest income.
Foreign Currency Risk
We use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency of
Sequans Communications S.A. Substantially all of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, we have very limited foreign currency risk associated with our revenue. The payment terms of our significant supply chain vendors are also
denominated in U.S. dollars. We incur operating expenses and hold assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro. In addition, we have limited exposure to the British pound sterling, the New Israeli
shekel, the Taiwan dollar, the Chinese yuan and the Japanese yen. As a result, our results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate.
As we grow our operations, our exposure to foreign currency risk could become more significant. If there had been a 10% increase or decrease in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the euro, we estimate the impact, in absolute terms, on operating
expenses for 2014, would have been $2.0 million.
From time to time, we have entered into foreign currency hedging contracts
primarily to reduce the impact of variations in the U.S. dollar to euro exchange rate on our operating expenses denominated in euros. Currently, we do not expect to enter into foreign currency exchange contracts for trading or speculative purposes.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
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D. |
American Depositary Shares |
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, registers and delivers our ADSs. Each ADS represents one ordinary share (or a right to receive one ordinary share) deposited with the principal Paris office of
Société Générale or any successor, as custodian for the depositary. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary in respect of the depositary facility. A
copy of our Deposit Agreement among us, the depositary, owners and holders of ADSs was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to our Form F-6 filed on March 22, 2011.
Fees and Expenses
Pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, we will be paying all
fees and expenses relating to the ADSs on behalf of the holders. However, in the future that arrangement may be changed, at our option, such that the holders will be required to pay the following fees:
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Persons depositing or withdrawing ordinary shares or ADS holders must pay: |
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For: |
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$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs) |
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Issue of ADSs, including issues
resulting from a distribution of ordinary shares or rights or other property Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates |
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$0.05 (or less) per ADS |
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Any cash distribution to ADS holders |
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A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been ordinary shares and the shares had been deposited for issue of ADSs |
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Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited
securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders |
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$0.05 (or less) per ADSs per calendar year |
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Depositary services |
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Registration or transfer fees |
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Transfer and registration of ordinary shares on our share register to
or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares |
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Expenses of the depositary |
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Cable, telex and facsimile
transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement) converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars |
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Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding
taxes |
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As necessary |
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Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities |
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As necessary |
The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing
ordinary shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a
portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants
acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide for-fee services until its fees for those services are paid.
Holders of ADS are responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities
represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you
or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay
to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
67
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2014, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective and ensured that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SECs rules and forms.
Management Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)
promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the companys board of directors, management and other personnel,
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS and includes those policies and procedures that:
|
|
|
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; |
|
|
|
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and |
|
|
|
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use of disposition of the companys assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal
control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework (2013 Framework).
Based on our assessment, management believes that as of December 31,
2014 our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria.
The Companys independent
registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young Audit, has issued a report on the Companys internal control over financial reporting:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of
Sequans Communications S.A.:
We have audited Sequans Communications S.A.s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over
financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying managements annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
68
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A
companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the
companys board of directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2014, based
on the COSO criteria.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 and our report dated April 21, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Ernst & Young Audit
/s/
Frédéric Martineau
Represented by Frédéric Martineau
Paris-La Défense, France
April 21, 2015
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial
Expert
Our Board has determined that Mr. de Pesquidoux is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and has the requisite financial sophistication under the applicable rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. de Pesquidoux is independent as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3(b)(1)
under the Exchange Act and under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
69
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Companys chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other senior
financial officers, including the Companys principal accounting officer. We have posted this code on our corporate website at http://www.sequans.com/investors/corporate-governance/.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Ernst & Young Audit has served as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2013 and 2014. Our accountants billed the following fees to us for professional services in each of those
fiscal years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(euros in thousands) |
|
Audit Fees |
|
|
285 |
|
|
|
307 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
425 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed for the audit of our annual financial statements.
This category also includes services that generally the independent accountant provides, such as consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit-Related Fees are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and
related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and are not reported under Audit Fees. These fees include mainly accounting consultations regarding the accounting treatment of matters that occur in the regular course of
business, implications of new accounting pronouncements and other accounting issues that occur from time to time. There were no Tax Fees or Other Fees billed or paid during 2013 or 2014.
Our audit committee has adopted a pre-approval policy for the engagement of our independent accountant to perform certain audit and
non-audit services. Pursuant to this policy, which is designed to assure that such engagements do not impair the independence of our auditors, the audit committee pre-approves annually a catalog of specific audit and non-audit services in the
categories of audit service, audit-related service and tax services that may be performed by our independent accountants.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable.
Item 16F. Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, we are subject to NYSE corporate governance listing standards. However, NYSE rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate
governance practices of its home country. Currently, we rely on the NYSE Listed Company Manual with respect to our corporate governance to the extent possible under French law. The following are the significant ways in which our corporate governance
practices differ from those required for U.S. companies listed on the NYSE.
|
|
|
Audit CommitteeOur audit committee is responsible for organizing for selecting our statutory auditors and making a recommendation
to our board of directors regarding their chose and terms of compensation. As required by French law, the actual appointment of the statutory auditors is made by our shareholders at a general meeting of the shareholders. According to the Audit
Committee Charter, our audit committee has the authority to engage advisors and determine appropriate funding for payment of compensation to an independent auditor or other advisors necessary or appropriate to aid the committee in carrying out its
responsibilities. |
|
|
|
Executive Sessions/Communications with Independent DirectorsFrench law does not require (and we do not currently provide) for our
independent directors to meet regularly without management, nor does it require the independent directors to meet alone in executive session at least once a year. However, if our independent directors decide to do so, they may do so. In addition,
French law does not require (and we do not currently provide) a method for interested parties to communication with our independent directors. |
70
|
|
|
Equity Compensation PlansUnder French law, we must obtain shareholder approval at a general meeting of the shareholders in order to
adopt an equity compensation plan. Generally, the shareholders then delegate to our board of directors the authority to decide on the specific terms of the granting of equity compensation, within the limits of the shareholders authorization.
|
|
|
|
Corporate Governance GuidelinesWe have adopted a Board Internal Charter as required by French law that sets forth certain corporate
governance practices of our board under French law. This Board Internal Charter does not cover all items required by the NYSE Listed Company Manual for U.S. companies listed on the NYSE. |
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
71
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
See pages F-1 through F-39 of this annual report.
Item 18.
Financial Statements
Not applicable.
Item 19. Exhibits
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
1.1* |
|
By-laws (statuts) of Sequans Communications S.A. (English translation) |
|
|
2.1 |
|
Shareholders Agreement, by and between Sequans Communications S.A. and certain shareholders signatory thereto, dated January 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to Sequans Communications S.A.s Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended (Registration No. 333-173001) (Registration No. 333-173001)) |
|
|
2.2 |
|
Form of Deposit Agreement among Sequans Communications S.A., The Bank of New York Mellon and owners and holders of American Depositary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 to Registration No. 333-173001) |
|
|
2.3 |
|
Form of American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 2.2) |
|
|
4.1(a) |
|
Stock Option Subscription Plans2006-1, 2006-2, 2006-3, 2006-4, 2008-1, 2009-1, 2009-2, 2010-1, 2010-2, 2010-1-2, 2011-1, 2011-2 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
Registration No. 333-173001) |
|
|
4.1(b) |
|
Stock Option Subscription Plan2012-1 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(b) to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2013) |
|
|
4.1(c) |
|
Stock Option Subscription Plan2013-1 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014) |
|
|
4.1(d)* |
|
Stock Option Subscription Plan2014-1 |
|
|
4.2(a) |
|
BSA Subscription Plans2006-1, 2006-2, 2006-3, 2007-1, 2007-2, 2008-1, 2008-2, 2009-1, 2009-2, 2010-1, 2010-2, 2010-1-2, 2010-2-2, 2011-1, 2011-2 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Registration No. 333-173001) |
|
|
4.2(b) |
|
BSA Subscription Plan2012-2 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2013) |
|
|
4.2(c) |
|
BSA 2013-1 (Warrants) Issuance Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(c) to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014) |
|
|
4.2(d)* |
|
BSA Subscription Plan2014-1 |
|
|
4.3 |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated January
11th, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2012) |
|
|
4.4 |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated January
11th, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to
Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2012) |
|
|
4.5 |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated March
8th, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to
Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2012) |
|
|
4.6 |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated June 26, 2012 (6,000 BSA) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2013) |
72
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
4.7 |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated June 26, 2012 (25,000 BSA) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2013) |
|
|
4.8 |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated June 25, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Sequans Communications S.A.s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014) |
|
|
4.9 |
|
Investment Agreement, by and between Sequans Communications S.A. and certain investors signatory thereto, dated July 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
Registration No. 333-173001) |
|
|
4.10 |
|
Form of Letter Agreement by and between Sequans Communications S.A. and Board Nominee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Registration No. 333-173001) |
|
|
4.11 |
|
Assembly & Testing Service Agreement by and between Sequans Communications S.A. and United Test and Assembly Center Ltd, dated as of November 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.11 to Registration No. 333-173001) |
|
|
4.12* |
|
BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreement, dated June 26, 2014 |
|
|
4.13* |
|
Consulting Agreement with Alok Sharma, member of the board of directors, dated December 10, 2014 |
|
|
4.14 |
|
Convertible Note Agreement by and between Sequans Communications S.A. and Nokomis Capital Master Fund, LP, dated April 14, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Sequans
Communications S.A.s Report on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2015. |
|
|
4.15 |
|
Convertible Promissory Note issued by Sequans Communications S.A. to Nokomis Capital Master Fund, LP on April 14, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Sequans
Communications S.A.s Report on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2015. |
|
|
8.1* |
|
List of Subsidiaries |
|
|
12.1* |
|
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 |
|
|
12.2* |
|
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 |
|
|
13.1* |
|
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
13.2* |
|
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
15.1* |
|
Consent of Ernst & Young Audit, independent registered public accounting firm |
73
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized
the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
|
|
|
Sequans Communications S.A. |
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Dr. Georges Karam |
|
|
Name: Dr. Georges Karam |
|
|
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman |
Date: April 21, 2015
74
Sequans Communications S.A.
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sequans
Communications S.A. |
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and
2014 |
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December
31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 |
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 |
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity at December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 |
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and
2014 |
|
|
F-7 |
|
|
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
|
F-8 |
|
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sequans Communications S.A.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of
financial position of Sequans Communications S.A. (the Company) as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in
conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
We have also audited,
in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated April 21, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Ernst & Young Audit
/s/
Frédéric Martineau
Represented by Frédéric Martineau
Paris-La Défense, France
April 21, 2015
F-2
Sequans Communications S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,600 |
|
|
$ |
10,708 |
|
|
$ |
19,836 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,654 |
|
|
|
3,004 |
|
|
|
2,766 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
22,254 |
|
|
|
13,712 |
|
|
|
22,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,781 |
|
|
|
8,616 |
|
|
|
15,435 |
|
Cost of other revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
11,957 |
|
|
|
8,821 |
|
|
|
15,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,297 |
|
|
|
4,891 |
|
|
|
6,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
28,365 |
|
|
|
28,357 |
|
|
|
28,634 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,562 |
|
|
|
4,449 |
|
|
|
5,278 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,093 |
|
|
|
7,528 |
|
|
|
6,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
43,020 |
|
|
|
40,334 |
|
|
|
40,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32,723 |
) |
|
|
(35,443 |
) |
|
|
(34,060 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
(104 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
(145 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
(158 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32,744 |
) |
|
|
(35,444 |
) |
|
|
(33,962 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(32,978 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,586 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,124 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders of the parent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32,978 |
) |
|
|
(35,586 |
) |
|
|
(34,124 |
) |
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share |
|
|
6 |
|
|
$ |
(0.95 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.78 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|
|
6 |
|
|
$ |
(0.95 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.78 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares used for computing: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,680,227 |
|
|
|
45,456,367 |
|
|
|
59,141,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,680,227 |
|
|
|
45,456,367 |
|
|
|
59,141,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-3
Sequans Communications S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Profit (Loss) for the year |
|
$ |
(32,978 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,586 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,124 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedge |
|
|
985 |
|
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
(114 |
) |
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years |
|
|
1,037 |
|
|
|
(261 |
) |
|
|
(264 |
) |
Other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re-measurement gains (losses) on defined benefit plans |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(425 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(425 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
991 |
|
|
|
(252 |
) |
|
|
(689 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
(31,987 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,838 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,813 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders of the parent |
|
|
(31,987 |
) |
|
|
(35,838 |
) |
|
|
(34,813 |
) |
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-4
Sequans Communications S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
7 |
|
|
$ |
9,187 |
|
|
$ |
6,622 |
|
|
$ |
8,743 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
4,184 |
|
|
|
4,679 |
|
|
|
3,440 |
|
Deposits and other receivables |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
471 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
Available for sale financial assets |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
931 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
Research tax credit receivable |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,863 |
|
|
|
12,870 |
|
|
|
13,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
7,443 |
|
|
|
6,582 |
|
|
|
9,199 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5,529 |
|
|
|
5,486 |
|
|
|
7,749 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,074 |
|
|
|
2,832 |
|
|
|
2,988 |
|
Recoverable value added tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
508 |
|
|
|
447 |
|
Research tax credit receivable |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4,327 |
|
|
|
8,006 |
|
|
|
3,443 |
|
Deposit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
160 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
28,751 |
|
|
|
37,244 |
|
|
|
12,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,539 |
|
|
|
60,658 |
|
|
|
36,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
68,402 |
|
|
$ |
73,528 |
|
|
$ |
49,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued capital euro 0.02 nominal value, 59,144,741 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 (59,129,639 and
34,683,839 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively) |
|
|
12 |
|
|
$ |
912 |
|
|
$ |
1,567 |
|
|
$ |
1,568 |
|
Share premium |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
129,309 |
|
|
|
165,785 |
|
|
|
165,507 |
|
Other capital reserves |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
12,556 |
|
|
|
14,721 |
|
|
|
15,997 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(87,653 |
) |
|
|
(123,239 |
) |
|
|
(157,363 |
) |
Other components of equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
(594 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,471 |
|
|
|
58,929 |
|
|
|
25,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government grant advances and loans |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
|
|
4,013 |
|
Finance lease obligations |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
236 |
|
|
|
240 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Provisions |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
977 |
|
|
|
1,341 |
|
|
|
5,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
6,038 |
|
|
|
7,252 |
|
|
|
11,231 |
|
Interest-bearing receivables financing |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
Government grant advances |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
603 |
|
Finance lease obligations |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
4,133 |
|
|
|
4,384 |
|
|
|
4,017 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
609 |
|
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
Provisions |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
530 |
|
|
|
583 |
|
|
|
548 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,954 |
|
|
|
13,258 |
|
|
|
19,048 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
68,402 |
|
|
$ |
73,528 |
|
|
$ |
49,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-5
Sequans Communications S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to the shareholders of the parent |
|
|
|
Ordinary shares |
|
|
Share premium |
|
|
Other capital reserves |
|
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustments |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
Total equity |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 12) |
|
|
(Note 12) |
|
|
(Note 12) |
|
|
(Note 13) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
|
34,667,339 |
|
|
$ |
912 |
|
|
$ |
129,283 |
|
|
$ |
9,368 |
|
|
$ |
(54,675 |
) |
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
$ |
(726 |
) |
|
$ |
84,244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32,978 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32,978 |
) |
Re-measurement gains (losses) on defined benefit plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
(46 |
) |
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
Income and expense directly recognized in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
985 |
|
|
|
985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32,978 |
) |
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
939 |
|
|
|
(31,987 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares in connection with the exercise of options and warrants |
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
Share-based payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
34,683,839 |
|
|
$ |
912 |
|
|
$ |
129,309 |
|
|
$ |
12,556 |
|
|
$ |
(87,653 |
) |
|
$ |
134 |
|
|
$ |
213 |
|
|
$ |
55,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,586 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,586 |
) |
Re-measurement gains (losses) on defined benefit plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
Income and expense directly recognized in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,586 |
) |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
(35,838 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares in connection with the exercise of options and warrants |
|
|
70,800 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares in connection with public offering of February and November 2013 (Note 12) |
|
|
24,375,000 |
|
|
|
653 |
|
|
|
40,222 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,875 |
|
Transaction costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,744 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,744 |
) |
Share-based payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
59,129,639 |
|
|
$ |
1,567 |
|
|
$ |
165,785 |
|
|
$ |
14,721 |
|
|
$ |
(123,239 |
) |
|
$ |
148 |
|
|
$ |
(53 |
) |
|
$ |
58,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34,124 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34,124 |
) |
Re-measurement gains (losses) on defined benefit plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(425 |
) |
|
|
(425 |
) |
(Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
Income and expense directly recognized in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34,124 |
) |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
(539 |
) |
|
|
(34,813 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares in connection with the exercise of options and warrants |
|
|
15,102 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
Transaction costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(300 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(300 |
) |
Share-based payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
|
59,144,741 |
|
|
$ |
1,568 |
|
|
$ |
165,507 |
|
|
$ |
15,997 |
|
|
$ |
(157,363 |
) |
|
$ |
(2 |
) |
|
$ |
(592 |
) |
|
$ |
25,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-6
Sequans Communications S.A.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (Loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(32,744 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,444 |
) |
|
$ |
(33,962 |
) |
Non-cash adjustment to reconcile income (loss) before tax to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
4,442 |
|
|
|
4,510 |
|
|
|
3,510 |
|
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,758 |
|
|
|
1,826 |
|
|
|
1,790 |
|
Share-based payment expense |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
3,189 |
|
|
|
2,165 |
|
|
|
1,276 |
|
Increase in provisions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
565 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
Financial expense (income) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(137 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
20 |
|
Foreign exchange loss (gain) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
Working capital adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease (Increase) in trade receivables and other receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,925 |
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
(1,619 |
) |
Decrease (Increase) in inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,217 |
|
|
|
861 |
|
|
|
(2,617 |
) |
Decrease (Increase) in research tax credit receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,007 |
) |
|
|
424 |
|
|
|
4,563 |
|
Increase (Decrease) in trade payables and other liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,363 |
) |
|
|
1,272 |
|
|
|
3,424 |
|
Decrease in deferred revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(260 |
) |
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
Decrease in government grant advances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(292 |
) |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
(816 |
) |
Income tax paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(104 |
) |
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
(273 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flow used in operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(22,848 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,406 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment |
|
|
7, 8 |
|
|
$ |
(5,571 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,919 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,242 |
) |
Sale (Purchase) of financial assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(181 |
) |
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
652 |
|
Sale (Purchase) of short-term deposit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(160 |
) |
Interest received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flow used in investments activities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(5,511 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,956 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,625 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public equity offering proceeds, net of transaction costs paid |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
37,131 |
|
|
$ |
(300 |
) |
Proceeds from issue of warrants and exercise of stock options/warrants, net of transaction costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
Proceeds from interest-bearing receivables financing |
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
Proceeds from interest-bearing research project financing |
|
|
15.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,648 |
|
Repayment of borrowings and finance lease liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
|
(244 |
) |
Interest paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(105 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
(139 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(119 |
) |
|
$ |
36,791 |
|
|
$ |
5,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28,478 |
) |
|
|
8,490 |
|
|
|
(24,910 |
) |
Net foreign exchange difference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalent at January 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
57,220 |
|
|
|
28,751 |
|
|
|
37,244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at period end |
|
|
11 |
|
|
$ |
28,751 |
|
|
$ |
37,244 |
|
|
$ |
12,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-7
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Corporate information
Sequans Communications S.A. (Sequans) is organized as
a limited liability company (société anonyme) incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of France, with its principal place of business at 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle, 92700 Colombes, France. Sequans, together
with its subsidiaries (the Company), is a leading fabless designer, developer and supplier of 4G semiconductor solutions for wireless broadband applications. The Companys semiconductor solutions incorporate baseband processor and
radio frequency transceiver integrated circuits along with our proprietary signal processing techniques, algorithms and software stacks.
2. Summary of significant accounting and reporting policies
2.1. Basis of preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on a historical cost basis, except for fair value through profit and loss financial
assets, derivative financial instruments and available for sale financial assets that are measured at fair value. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
These Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 have been prepared on a going concern assumption. The Companys internal cash forecast is built from sales forecasts
by products and by customer and a stable operating cost structure. Taking into account forecasted operating cash flow, government and customer funding of research programs and proceeds from convertible debt (see Note 21), management believes that
Companys existing cash and cash equivalents plus cash generated from these activities will be sufficient at least for the 12 months following December 31, 2014.
Statement of compliance
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and whose application is mandatory for the year ending December 31,
2014. Comparative figures are presented for December 31, 2012 and 2013.
The accounting policies are consistent with those of the same
period of the previous financial year, except for the changes disclosed in Note 2.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 have been authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the board of directors on March 24, 2015.
Basis of consolidation
The
Consolidated Financial Statements comprise the financial statements of Sequans Communications S.A., which is the ultimate parent of the group, and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Country of incorporation |
|
Year of incorporation |
|
|
% equity interest |
|
Sequans Communications Ltd. |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sequans Communications Inc. |
|
United States |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sequans Communications Ltd. Pte. |
|
Singapore |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sequans Communications (Israel) Ltd. |
|
Israel |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using
consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses and profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full. The subsidiaries have been fully consolidated from their date of
incorporation.
F-8
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
2.2. Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
New and amended standards and interpretations
The accounting policies adopted in 2014 are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except for the following new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations effective as of January 1,
2014:
|
|
|
IAS 32 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Amendments to IAS 32 |
|
|
|
IAS 36 Recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets |
|
|
|
IAS 39 Novation of derivatives and continuation of hedge accounting |
IAS 32 - Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Amendments to IAS 32
These amendments clarify the meaning of currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off and the criteria for non-simultaneous settlement
mechanisms of clearing houses to qualify for offsetting. These amendments have no impact on companys financial statements.
IAS 36 -
Recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets
These amendments remove the unintended consequences of IFRS 13 on the disclosures
required under IAS 36. In addition, these amendments require disclosure of the recoverable amounts for the assets or CGUs for which impairment loss has been recognized or reversed during the period. These amendments have no impact on the
disclosures.
IAS 39 - Novation of derivatives and continuation of hedge accounting
These amendments provide relief from discontinuing hedge accounting when novation of a derivative designated as a hedging instrument meets certain
criteria. These amendments have no impact on companys financial statements.
IFRIC 21 - Levies
IFRIC 21 clarifies that an entity recognises a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation,
occurs. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the interpretation clarifies that no liability should be anticipated before the specified minimum threshold is reached. This amendment does not have a significant impact on
companys financial statements.
Standards issued but not yet effective
Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective up to the date of issue of the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements are listed
below. The Company intends to adopt these standards when they become effective.
IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments: Classification and
Measurement
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments which reflects all phases of the financial
instruments project and replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and all previous versions of IFRS 9. The standard introduces new requirements for classification and measurement, impairment, and hedge accounting. IFRS 9 is
effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with early application permitted. Retrospective application is required, but comparative information is not compulsory. Early application of previous versions of IFRS 9 (2009,
2010 and 2013) is permitted if the date of initial application is before 1 February 2015. The adoption of IFRS 9 will have an effect on the classification and measurement of the Groups financial assets, but no impact on the classification
and measurement of the Groups financial liabilities. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, this new standard is not expected to have significant impact on companys financial statements.
F-9
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
IAS 19 - Defined benefit plans : employee contributions
These amendments apply to contributions from employees or third parties to defined benefit plans. The objective of the amendments is to simplify the
accounting for contributions that are independent of the number of years of employee service. This new standard will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after 1 July 2014. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these
amendments are not expected to have significant impact on companys financial statements
Annual improvements to IFRS (2010-2012)
These improvements include:
|
|
|
IFRS 2 Definition of vesting condition |
|
|
|
IFRS 3 Accounting for contingent consideration in a business combination |
|
|
|
IFRS 8 Aggregation of operating segments and reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments assets to the entitys assets
|
|
|
|
IFRS 13 Short term receivables and payables |
|
|
|
IAS 16 Revaluation method proportionate restatement of accumulated depreciation |
|
|
|
IAS 24 Key management personnel |
|
|
|
IAS 38 Revaluation method proportionate restatement of accumulated depreciation |
These improvements will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after 1 July 2014. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these
improvements are not expected to have significant impact on companys financial statements.
Annual improvements to IFRS (2011-2013)
These improvements include:
|
|
|
IFRS 3 Scope exceptions for joint ventures |
|
|
|
IFRS 13 Scope of paragraph 52 (portfolio exception) |
|
|
|
IAS 40 Clarifying the interrelationship between IFRS 3 and IAS40 when classifying property as investment property or owner-occupied property
|
These improvements will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after 1 July 2014. Based on the preliminary
analysis performed, these improvements are not expected to have significant impact on companys financial statements.
IFRS 11:
Accounting for acquisition of interests in Joint Operations
IFRS 11 addresses the accounting for interests in joint ventures and
joint operations. The amendments add new guidance on how to account for the acquisition of an interest in a joint operation that constitutes a business. The amendments specify the appropriate accounting treatment for such acquisitions. This
amendment will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2016. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these amendments are not expected to have significant impact on companys financial statements.
IAS 16 and IAS 38 - Clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and amortization
IAS 16 and IAS 38 both establish the principle for the basis of depreciation and amortization as being the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits of an asset. The IASB
has clarified that the use of revenue-based methods to calculate the depreciation of an asset is not appropriate because revenue generated by an activity that includes the use of an asset generally reflects factors other than the consumption of the
economic benefits embodied in the asset. The IASB also clarified that revenue is generally presumed to be an inappropriate basis for measuring the consumption of the economic benefits embodied in an intangible asset. This presumption, however, can
be rebutted in certain limited circumstances. These amendments will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2016. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these amendments are not expected to have significant
impact on companys financial statements.
F-10
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
IFRS 15 - Revenue from contracts with customers
IFRS 15 was issued in May 2014 and establishes a new five-step model that will apply to revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15
revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The principles in IFRS 15 provide a more structured approach to measuring and
recognising revenue. The new revenue standard is applicable to all entities and will supersede all current revenue recognition requirements under IFRS. Either a full or modified retrospective application is required for annual periods beginning on
or after 1 January 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 15 and plans to adopt the new standard on the required effective date. The analysis of this new standards impact on companys
financial statements is in progress.
Amendments to IFRS10 and IAS28: Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate
or Joint Venture
The amendments address an acknowledged inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28
(2011), in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The main consequence of the amendments is that a full gain or loss is recognised when a transaction involves a business (whether it is
housed in a subsidiary or not). A partial gain or loss is recognised when a transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are housed in a subsidiary. These amendments will be effective from annual periods
commencing on or after 1 January 2016. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these amendments are not expected to have significant impact on companys financial statements.
Annual Improvements to IFRS (2012-2014)
These improvements include:
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IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations |
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IFRS 7 Financial Instruments : Disclosures |
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|
IAS 19 Employee benefits |
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IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting |
These improvements will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2016. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these improvements are not expected to have significant
impact on companys financial statements.
IAS 1 - Disclosure initiative
The amendments to IAS 1 are designed to further encourage companies to apply professional judgment in determining what information to disclose in their financial statements. Furthermore, the
amendments clarify that companies should use professional judgment in determining where and in what order information is presented in the financial disclosures. This amendment will be effective from annual periods commencing on or after
1 January 2016. Based on the preliminary analysis performed, these amendments are not expected to have significant impact on disclosures.
2.3. Summary of significant accounting policies
Functional currencies and translation of financial statements denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is also the functional currency of Sequans Communications S.A. The Company uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency due to
the high percentage of revenues, cost of revenue, capital expenditures and operating costs, other than those related to headcount and overhead, which are denominated in U.S. dollars. Each subsidiary determines its own functional currency and items
included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.
As at the reporting date, the assets and
liabilities of each subsidiary are translated into the presentation currency of the Company (the U.S. dollar) at the rate of exchange in effect at the Statement of Financial Position date and their Statement of Operations are translated at the
weighted average exchange rate for the reporting period. The exchange differences arising on the translation are taken directly to a separate component of equity (Cumulative translation adjustments).
F-11
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are initially recognized by Sequans Communications S.A. and each of its subsidiaries at their respective functional currency rates prevailing at the date of the transactions.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency spot rate of exchange in effect at the reporting date. All differences are taken to the Consolidated Statement of Operations within
financial income or expense. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transactions.
The table below sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, the average and closing exchange rate for the U.S. dollar (USD) to the euro (EUR), the
U.K. pound sterling (GBP), the Singapore dollar (SGD) and the New Israeli shekel (NIS):
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USD/EUR |
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USD/GBP |
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USD/SGD |
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USD/NIS |
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December 31, 2012 |
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Average rate |
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1.2856 |
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|
|
1.5850 |
|
|
|
0.8005 |
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0.2595 |
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Closing rate |
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|
1.3194 |
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1.6167 |
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0.8189 |
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0.2679 |
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December 31, 2013 |
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Average rate |
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1.3282 |
|
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|
1.5643 |
|
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|
0.7993 |
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0.2770 |
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Closing rate |
|
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1.3791 |
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1.6542 |
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0.7919 |
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0.2880 |
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December 31, 2014 |
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Average rate |
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1.3288 |
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1.6474 |
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0.7894 |
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0.2800 |
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Closing rate |
|
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1.2141 |
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1.5587 |
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0.7561 |
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0.2572 |
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Earnings (loss) per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share amounts are computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period.
Diluted earnings per share include the effects of dilutive options and warrants as if they had been exercised.
Revenue recognition
The Companys total revenue consists of product revenue
and other revenue.
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue
can be reliably measured and when the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding sales taxes or duty. The following specific
recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized.
Product revenue
Substantially all of the Companys product revenue is derived from the sale of semiconductor solutions for 4G wireless broadband applications.
Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer and
when no continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the sale of products is retained, which usually occurs on shipment of the goods. Products are not sold with a right of return but
are covered by warranty. Although the products sold have embedded software, the Company believes that software is incidental to the products it sells.
Other revenue
Other revenue consists of the sale of licenses to use the Companys
technology solutions and fees for the associated annual software maintenance and support services, as well as the sale of technical support and development services.
Revenue from the sale of licenses is recognized when (i) there is a legally binding arrangement with the customer, (ii) the software has been delivered (assuming no other significant obligations
exist), (iii) collection of the resulting receivable is probable and (iv) the amount of fees is fixed and determinable. If any of these criteria are not met, revenue recognition is deferred until such time as all of the criteria are met.
If the contract for a licensing agreement includes a clause allowing for free updates if and when available and if vendor specific objective evidence of fair value for this post-contract customer support cannot be determined at the time the contract
is signed, the revenue is recognized over the life of the contract.
F-12
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Revenue from the sale of software maintenance and support services is recognized over the period of the
maintenance (generally one year). When the first year of maintenance is included in the software license price, an amount equal to the negotiated rate for one year of maintenance is deducted from the value of the license and recognized as revenue
over the period of maintenance as described above. The difference between license and maintenance services invoiced and the amount recognized in revenue is recorded as deferred revenue.
Revenue from technical support and development services is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method when the outcome of the contract can be estimated reliably. This occurs when total contract
revenue and costs can be estimated reliably and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the contract will flow to the Company and the stage of contract completion can be measured. The costs associated with these arrangements are
recognized as incurred.
Cost of revenue
Cost of product revenue includes all direct and indirect costs incurred with the sale of products, including shipping and handling. Cost of other revenue includes all costs incurred with the sale.
Research and development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs are recognized as an intangible asset if the Company can demonstrate:
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the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale; |
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its intention to complete the asset and use or sell it; |
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its ability to use or sell the asset; |
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how the asset will generate future economic benefits; |
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the availability of adequate resources to complete the development and to use or sell the asset; and |
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the ability to measure reliably the expenditure during development. |
The asset is tested for impairment annually.
Government grants, loans and research tax
credits
The Company operates in certain jurisdictions which offer government grants or other incentives based on the qualifying
research expense incurred or to be incurred in that jurisdiction. These incentives are recognized as the qualify research expense is incurred if there is reasonable assurance that all related conditions will be complied with and the grant will be
received. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as a reduction of the related expense over the period necessary to match the grant on a systematic basis to the costs that it is intended to compensate. Any cash received in
advance of the expenses being incurred is recorded as a liability.
Some long-term research project are also financed through forgivable
loans. The present value of forgivable loans is calculated based on expected future payments discounted using interest rate applied for standard loans with same maturity. The difference between present value and amount received is accounted for as a
grant.
The Company also benefits from research incentives in the form of tax credits which are detailed in Note 4.4 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Financial income and expense
Financial income and expense include:
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interest expense related to financial debt (financial debt consists of finance-lease liabilities and other borrowings); |
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other expenses paid to financial institutions for financing operations; |
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foreign exchange gains and losses |
The Company reflects the classification of foreign exchange gains and losses related to hedges of euro-based operating expenses in operating expenses.
F-13
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Taxation
Current income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior
periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
The Company operates in certain jurisdictions which offer tax incentives based on the qualifying research expense incurred in those jurisdictions. When
the incentive is available only as a reduction of taxes owed, such incentive is accounted for as a reduction of tax expense; otherwise, it is accounted for as a government grant with the benefit recorded as a reduction of research and development
expenses.
Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities
and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary
differences, except with respect to taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not
reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry forwards of
unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry forwards of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized.
Deferred tax is computed based on the temporary difference that exists between tax and accounting basis for non-monetary items.
The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the reporting date and adjusted to the extent that it is probable that sufficient future
taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized.
Deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial
position date.
Deferred income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity.
Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right of offset exists.
Value added tax
Revenue, expenses and
assets are recognized net of the amount of value added tax except:
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|
|
where the value added tax incurred on a purchase of assets or services is not recoverable from the tax authorities, in which case the value added tax
is recognized as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable; and |
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|
|
receivables and payables that are stated with the amount of value added tax included. |
Value added tax recoverable consists of value added tax paid by the Company to vendors and suppliers located in the European Union and recoverable from
the tax authorities. Value added tax recoverable is collected on a quarterly basis.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of the cost of semiconductors and modules purchased from subcontractors, including wafer fabrication, additional components
for modules, assembly, testing and packaging. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined using the weighted average cost method) or net realizable value (estimated market value less estimated cost of completion and the estimated costs
necessary to make the sale).
The Company writes down the carrying value of its inventories for estimated amounts related to the lower of cost
or market value, obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value. The estimated market value of the inventory is based on historical usage and assumptions about future
demand, future product purchase commitments, estimated manufacturing yield levels and market conditions on a product-by-product basis. When the circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down below cost no longer exist or when
there is
F-14
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
clear evidence of an increase in net realizable value because of changed economic circumstances, the amount of the write-down is reversed (i.e. the reversal is limited to the amount of the
original write-down) so that the new carrying amount is the lower of the cost and the revised net realizable value.
Financial assets
Receivables
Receivables are initially recognized at fair value, which in most cases approximates the nominal value as the Company does not grant payment terms beyond
normal business conditions. If there is any subsequent indication that those assets may be impaired, they are reviewed for impairment. Any difference between the carrying value and the impaired value (present value of estimated future cash flows
(excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the receivables original effective interest rate) is recorded in operating income (loss). If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and
the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtors credit rating), the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed. In that case, the reversal of the
impairment loss is reported in operating income (loss).
Short-term investments
Short-term investments are money market funds with an initial maturity of greater than 90 days, but less than one year, and are reported as current
financial assets.
Deposits
Deposits are reported as non-current financial assets (loans and receivables) when their initial maturity is more than twelve months.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash
and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position includes cash at banks, term deposits and money market funds, which correspond to highly liquid investments readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to an
insignificant risk of change in value.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment loss. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives
of each component. The useful lives most commonly used are the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
3 to 5 years |
|
Building and leasehold improvements |
|
|
6 years |
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
3 years |
|
Furniture and office equipment |
|
|
5 years |
|
Impairment tests are performed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset
may not be recoverable. If any indication exists, the Company estimates the assets recoverable amount, which is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use. Where the carrying amount exceeds that recoverable amount, the
asset is considered impaired and it is written down to its recoverable amount.
Depreciation expense is recorded in cost of revenue or
operating expenses, based on the function of the underlying assets.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets, primarily purchased licenses for development or production technology and tools, are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and
any accumulated impairment loss. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each component, which generally is the shorter of the life of the license or five years.
Useful lives are reviewed on a regular basis and changes in estimates, when relevant, are accounted for on a prospective basis. The amortization expense
is recorded in cost of revenue or operating expenses, based on the function of the underlying assets.
Impairment tests are performed whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If any indication exists, the Company estimates the assets recoverable amount, which is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and
the value in use. Where the carrying amount exceeds that recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and it is written down to its recoverable amount.
F-15
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalized at the commencement of the lease at the fair value of the
leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the interest expense and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance
of the liability.
Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term, if there is no
reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.
Operating lease payments are recognized as an
expense in the Statement of Operations on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Costs of Public Offerings
Incremental costs directly attributable to the equity transaction are recorded as a deduction from equity in accordance with paragraphs 35 and 37 of IAS
32 Financial Instruments: Presentation.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event for which it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits
will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Company expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is
recognized as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presented in operating income (loss) net of any reimbursement.
Provisions include the provision for pensions and post-employment benefits. Pension funds in favor of employees are maintained in France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States and Israel, and
they comply with the respective legislation in each country and are financially independent of the Company. The pension funds are generally financed by employer and employee contributions and are accounted for as defined contribution plans with the
employer contributions recognized as expense as incurred. There are no actuarial liabilities in connection with these plans.
French law also
requires payment of a lump sum retirement indemnity to employees based on years of service and annual compensation at retirement. Benefits do not vest prior to retirement. This defined benefit plan is self-funded by the Company. It is calculated as
the present value of estimated future benefits to be paid, applying the projected unit credit method whereby each period of service is seen as giving rise to an additional unit of benefit entitlement, each unit being measured separately to build up
the final obligation. Following the application of IAS 19 revised, actuarial gains and losses are recognized in equity. The actualization rate is based on iBoxx Corporates AA.
Share-based payment transactions
Employees (including senior executives) and
certain service providers of the Company receive remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby they render services as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions).
The cost of equity-settled transactions is measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted. Prior to the Companys
initial public offering, the fair value was determined by management, which relied in part upon a report from an external valuator using the binomial pricing model, further details of which are given in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Following completion of the initial public offering of the Companys shares, the exercise price is based closing market price on the date of grant.
The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the
date on which the beneficiary become fully entitled to the award (the vesting date). The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting
period has expired and the Companys best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The Statement of Operations charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as at the
beginning and end of that period.
F-16
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Financial liabilities
Short-term debt secured by accounts receivables
As described in Note 14.2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has a factoring agreement with a French financial institution. The Company transfers to the finance company all invoices issued to qualifying customers, and the customers are instructed to settle the
invoices directly with the finance company. Consequently, the Company retains all receivables on its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position until they are paid and any amounts drawn on the line of credit are reflects in short-term debt. The
Company pays a commission on the face value of the accounts receivable submitted, which is recorded in General and Administration expense, and pays interest on any draw-down of the resulting line of credit.
Trade payables
Trade payables are
initially recognized at fair value, which in most cases approximates the nominal value. They are subsequently re-measured at amortized cost.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Company uses financial instruments, including derivatives such as foreign currency forward and options contracts, to reduce the foreign exchange risk on cash flows from firm and highly probable
commitments denominated in euros. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized directly as other comprehensive income in the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is immediately accounted for in
financial results in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Amounts recognized as other comprehensive income are transferred to the Consolidated Statement of Operations when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss. If the forecasted
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in equity is transferred to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative is designated as
a hedge, its effectiveness as a hedge, and the type of hedge transaction. Any change in the fair value of the derivatives deemed ineffective as a hedge is immediately recognized in earnings.
Commitments
Commitments comprise primarily future operating lease payments and
purchase commitments with its third-party manufacturers for future deliveries of equipment and components, which are described in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
In the process of
applying the Companys accounting policies, management must make judgments and estimates involving assumptions. These judgments and estimates can have a significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements and the Company
reviews them on an ongoing basis taking into consideration past experience and other relevant factors. The evolution of the judgments and assumptions underlying estimates could cause a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities as recognized in the financial statements. The most significant management judgments and assumptions in the preparation of these financial statements are:
Revenue recognition
The Companys policy for revenue recognition, in instances
where multiple deliverables are sold contemporaneously to the same counterparty, is in accordance with paragraph 13 of IAS 18 Revenue. When the Company enters into contracts for the sale of products, licenses and maintenance and support
services, the Company evaluates all deliverables in the arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting, each with its own separate earnings process, and its relative fair value. When the Company enters into contracts
for technical services for which revenues are recognized as the project advances, the Company evaluates the percentage of completion of the project. Such determinations require judgment and are based on an analysis of the facts and circumstances
surrounding the transactions.
F-17
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Inventories
As disclosed in Note 2.3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company writes down the carrying value of its inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value which approximates estimated
market value. The estimated market value of the inventory is based on historical usage and assumptions about future demand, future product purchase commitments, estimated manufacturing yield levels and market conditions on a product-by-product
basis. Actual demand may differ from the forecast established by the Company, which may materially impact recorded inventory values and cost of revenue.
Share-based compensation
As disclosed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, the Company has various share-based compensation plans for employees and non-employees that may be affected, as to the expense recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, by changes in valuation assumptions. Fair value of
stock options is estimated by using the binomial model on the date of grant based on certain assumptions, including, among others expected volatility, the expected option term and the expected dividend payout rate. The assumption as to volatility
has been determined by reference to the historical volatility of similar entities (using a selection of publicly-traded semiconductor companies). The fair value of the Companys shares underlying stock option grants equals to the closing price
on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value corresponds to the quoted price for listed financial assets and liabilities. Where no active market exists, the Company establishes fair value
by using a valuation technique determined to be the most appropriate in the circumstances, for example:
|
|
|
available-for-sale assets: comparable transactions, multiples for comparable transactions, discounted present value of future cash flows;
|
|
|
|
loans and receivables, financial assets at fair value through profit and loss: net book value is deemed to be approximately equivalent to fair value
because of their relatively short holding period; |
|
|
|
derivatives : fair value based on mark to market value; and |
|
|
|
trade payables: book value is deemed to be approximately equivalent to fair value because of their relatively short holding period;
|
3. Segment information
The Company has one operating segment, which is the design and marketing of semiconductor components for 4G broadband wireless systems. All information required to be disclosed under IFRS 8 Operating
Segments is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements and these associated Notes.
Sales to external customers disclosed below are
based on the geographical location of the customers. The following table sets forth the Companys total revenue by region for the periods indicated. The Company categorizes its total revenue geographically based on the location to which it
invoices.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Europe, Middle East, Africa |
|
|
Americas |
|
|
Asia |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Year ended December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales to external customers |
|
$ |
3,479 |
|
|
$ |
934 |
|
|
$ |
17,841 |
|
|
$ |
22,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales to external customers |
|
$ |
541 |
|
|
$ |
5,002 |
|
|
$ |
8,169 |
|
|
$ |
13,712 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales to external customers |
|
$ |
101 |
|
|
$ |
2,517 |
|
|
$ |
19,984 |
|
|
$ |
22,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The substantial majority of the Companys non-current assets are held by the parent company, Sequans Communications
S.A. See Note 18.3 to these Consolidated Financial Statements for information about major customers.
F-18
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
4. Other revenues and expenses
4.1. Financial income and expenses
Financial income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Income from short-term investments and term deposits and other finance revenue |
|
$ |
241 |
|
|
$ |
143 |
|
|
$ |
125 |
|
Foreign exchange gain |
|
|
1,904 |
|
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
1,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial income |
|
$ |
2,145 |
|
|
$ |
878 |
|
|
$ |
1,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-19
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Financial expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Interests on loans and finance leases |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
25 |
|
|
$ |
34 |
|
Other bank fees and financial charges |
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
2,062 |
|
|
|
770 |
|
|
|
1,128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial expenses |
|
$ |
2,166 |
|
|
$ |
879 |
|
|
$ |
1,273 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The net foreign exchange gain of $118,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013: net foreign exchange loss
$35,000; 2012: net foreign exchange loss $158,000) arises primarily from euro-based monetary assets. This includes a loss of $3,000 corresponding to the ineffectiveness of foreign exchange hedge (loss of $26,000 in 2013 and gain of $158,000 in
2012).
4.2. Depreciation, amortization, and share-based payment expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Included in cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of components |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8,501 |
|
|
$ |
6,636 |
|
|
$ |
13,213 |
|
Depreciation and impairment |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
1,447 |
|
|
|
698 |
|
|
|
682 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
Wages and benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
677 |
|
|
|
653 |
|
|
|
756 |
|
Share-based payment expense |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
Assembly services, royalties and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
1,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,957 |
|
|
$ |
8,821 |
|
|
$ |
15,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Included in operating expenses (between gross profit and operating result): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and impairment |
|
|
7 |
|
|
$ |
2,995 |
|
|
$ |
3,812 |
|
|
$ |
2,829 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,721 |
|
|
|
1,811 |
|
|
|
1,790 |
|
Wages and benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,820 |
|
|
|
22,681 |
|
|
|
23,787 |
|
Share-based payment expense |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
3,033 |
|
|
|
2,052 |
|
|
|
1,230 |
|
Foreign exchange gains and losses related to hedges of euro |
|
|
|
|
|
|
838 |
|
|
|
(133 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,613 |
|
|
|
10,111 |
|
|
|
11,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
43,020 |
|
|
$ |
40,334 |
|
|
$ |
40,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3. Employee benefits expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Wages and salaries |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,578 |
|
|
$ |
17,464 |
|
|
$ |
18,555 |
|
Social security costs and other payroll taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,702 |
|
|
|
5,694 |
|
|
|
5,787 |
|
Other benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
Pension costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
Share-based payment expenses |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
3,189 |
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total employee benefits expense |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26,686 |
|
|
$ |
25,499 |
|
|
$ |
25,820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
The amount recognized as an expense for defined contributions plans amounts to $1,137,000 for the year
ended December 31, 2014 $1,110,000 and $1,082,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively).
4.4. Research
and development expense and tax credit receivable
All research and development costs were charged directly to expense in the Statement of
Operations.
The Company operates in a highly innovative, dynamic and competitive sector. Therefore, the costs incurred from the point when
the criteria for capitalization are met to the point when the product is made generally available on the market are not material. The amount of research tax credit is deducted from research and development costs. The research tax credit in France is
deducted from corporate income taxes due; if taxes due are not sufficient to cover the full amount of the credit, the balance is received in cash three years later (one year later if the Company is below certain size criteria). Total research tax
credit receivable as of December 31, 2014 is $3,443,000, relating to tax credits receivables for 2014, which is expected to be recovered in 2015 (in cash).
In December 2012, the Company was notified of proposed tax adjustments, penalties and interest which relates almost entirely to the research tax credits claimed for 2008 and 2009 (already received). The
Company contested the tax authorities position in a formal response in February 2013. In March 2014, the Company was notified that the tax authorities had accepted the Companys response. (See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements).
Government grants have been received in support of certain research programs. Where there are unfulfilled conditions or
contingencies relating to the grants, the corresponding amount has been deferred on the Statement of Financial Position until all conditions are fulfilled and contingencies settled at which time amounts earned are recorded as an offset to the
corresponding expenses.
The reduction of research and development expense from government grants and research tax credit was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Research and development costs |
|
$ |
33,318 |
|
|
$ |
32,882 |
|
|
$ |
33,043 |
|
Research tax credit |
|
|
(4,226 |
) |
|
|
(3,749 |
) |
|
|
(4,047 |
) |
Government grants |
|
|
(727 |
) |
|
|
(776 |
) |
|
|
(362 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total research and development expense |
|
$ |
28,365 |
|
|
$ |
28,357 |
|
|
$ |
28,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. Income tax
The major components of income tax expense are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Consolidated Statement of Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current income tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current income tax charge |
|
$ |
207 |
|
|
$ |
190 |
|
|
$ |
197 |
|
Deferred income tax: |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations |
|
$ |
234 |
|
|
$ |
142 |
|
|
$ |
162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-21
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the French statutory rate (34.43% from the year ended
December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014) to the income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Accounting profit (loss) before income tax |
|
$ |
(32,744 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,444 |
) |
|
$ |
(33,962 |
) |
At Frances statutory income tax rate of 34.43% |
|
|
(11,274 |
) |
|
|
(12,203 |
) |
|
|
(11,693 |
) |
Non-deductible share-based payment expense |
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
745 |
|
|
|
440 |
|
Tax credits |
|
|
(1,455 |
) |
|
|
(1,291 |
) |
|
|
(1,393 |
) |
Unrecognized benefit of tax loss carryforwards and permanent differences |
|
|
11,865 |
|
|
|
12,891 |
|
|
|
12,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit) reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations |
|
$ |
234 |
|
|
$ |
142 |
|
|
$ |
162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had accumulated tax losses which arose in France of $162,701,000 that are
available for offset against future taxable profits of Sequans Communications S.A within a limit of one million euro per year, plus 50% of the profit exceeding this limit. Remaining unapplied losses would continue to be carried forward indefinitely.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company also had accumulated tax losses which arose in its U.K. subsidiary of $489,000 that are available for offset against future taxable profits of its U.K. subsidiary for an unlimited period.
Deferred tax assets were recognized in 2012, 2013 and 2014 only to the extent that deferred tax liabilities existed in the same jurisdiction.
As non-monetary assets and liabilities are measured in their functional currency and the Company taxable profit is determined in another currency,
deferred tax has to be computed based on the temporary difference that exists between tax and accounting basis. Companys analysis led to a deferred tax liability of $543,000 which has been recognized and offset by a deferred tax asset,
computed on accumulated tax losses, of an equivalent amount.
6. Earnings (loss) per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share amounts are calculated by dividing net income (loss) for the year attributable to all shareholders of the Company by the
weighted average number of all shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net
earnings attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of shares that would be issued on the exercise of all the dilutive stock options and
warrants. Dilution is defined as a reduction of earnings per share or an increase of loss per share. As the exercise of all outstanding stock options and warrants would decrease loss per share, they are considered to be anti-dilutive and excluded
from the calculation of loss per share.
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per
share computations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands, except share and per share data) |
|
Profit (Loss) |
|
$ |
(32,978 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,586 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,124 |
) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding for basic EPS |
|
|
34,680,227 |
|
|
|
45,456,367 |
|
|
|
59,141,716 |
|
Net effect of dilutive stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net effect of dilutive warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding for diluted EPS |
|
|
34,680,227 |
|
|
|
45,456,367 |
|
|
|
59,141,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share |
|
$ |
(0.95 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.78 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|
$ |
(0.95 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.78 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-22
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
7. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
Plant and equipment |
|
|
IT and office equipment |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
1,364 |
|
|
$ |
14,036 |
|
|
$ |
4,085 |
|
|
$ |
19,485 |
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,036 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
4,232 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(484 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(484 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
1,376 |
|
|
|
17,652 |
|
|
|
4,297 |
|
|
|
23,325 |
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,852 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
1,946 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
(170 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
1,380 |
|
|
|
19,540 |
|
|
|
4,221 |
|
|
|
25,141 |
|
Additions |
|
|
1,060 |
|
|
|
4,133 |
|
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
5,679 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
(1,114 |
) |
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
(388 |
) |
|
|
(1,572 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(81 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(113 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
1,313 |
|
|
$ |
23,522 |
|
|
$ |
4,300 |
|
|
$ |
29,135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and impairment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
566 |
|
|
$ |
6,860 |
|
|
$ |
2,725 |
|
|
$ |
10,151 |
|
Depreciation charge for the year |
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
3,538 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
|
|
4,442 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(484 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(484 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
30 |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
779 |
|
|
|
9,943 |
|
|
|
3,417 |
|
|
|
14,139 |
|
Depreciation charge for the year |
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
3,424 |
|
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
4,268 |
|
Impairment |
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
242 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
(170 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
1,306 |
|
|
|
13,392 |
|
|
|
3,821 |
|
|
|
18,519 |
|
Depreciation charge for the year |
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
2,827 |
|
|
|
495 |
|
|
|
3,511 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
(1,114 |
) |
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(361 |
) |
|
|
(1,544 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
375 |
|
|
$ |
16,103 |
|
|
$ |
3,914 |
|
|
$ |
20,392 |
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
798 |
|
|
$ |
7,176 |
|
|
$ |
1,360 |
|
|
$ |
9,334 |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
7,709 |
|
|
|
880 |
|
|
|
9,186 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
6,148 |
|
|
|
401 |
|
|
|
6,622 |
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
938 |
|
|
$ |
7,419 |
|
|
$ |
386 |
|
|
$ |
8,743 |
|
In May 2014, the Company moved its headquarters to another site. Leasehold improvements from the previous site, fully
depreciated as of December 31, 2013, were written off and are shown as disposals.
The cost of equipment purchased under capital leases
included in tangible assets at December 31, 2014 totaled $730,000 ($730,000 at December 31, 2013 and $384,000 at December 31, 2012). Accumulated amortization of this equipment totaled $512,000 at December 31, 2014 ($269,000 at
December 31, 2013 and $36,000 at December 31, 2012).
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
In November 2013, the Company decided to move its headquarter to another site at the end of the lease in May 2014. The Company reviewed and adjusted the
useful life of related leasehold improvements. The amount recorded in the year ended December 31, 2013 to reflect this adjustment was $362,000, recognized in General and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations in the year ended December 31, 2013.
F-23
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
8. Intangible assets
Intangible assets include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licenses |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Cost: |
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
8,683 |
|
Additions |
|
|
1,722 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
2 |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
10,407 |
|
Additions |
|
|
2,318 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
7 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
12,732 |
|
Additions |
|
|
560 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
(8 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
13,272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and impairment: |
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
4,450 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
1,758 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
15 |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
6,223 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
1,826 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
4 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
8,053 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
1,790 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
(3 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
9,832 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value: |
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
4,233 |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
4,184 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
4,679 |
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
3,440 |
|
As no development costs have been capitalized during the three years ended December 31, 2014, the only intangible
assets recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are acquired licenses for technology used primarily in the product development process.
9. Inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Components (at cost) |
|
$ |
5,313 |
|
|
$ |
2,257 |
|
|
$ |
2,597 |
|
Finished goods (at lower of cost or net realizable value) |
|
|
2,130 |
|
|
|
4,325 |
|
|
|
6,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total inventories |
|
$ |
7,443 |
|
|
$ |
6,582 |
|
|
$ |
9,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-24
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company decided to enter the end-of-life process for
SQN2130, a WiMAX base station product, and for SQN3010, its first TDD-only LTE product. Provisions were recorded to reduce the value of the inventory related to these two products to zero. The Company also reviewed the value of inventory of finished
goods and components related to products which have not been declared end-of-life. Taking into consideration the latest estimations of expected demand, particularly for the WiMAX products, the Company determined that it was not probable that all of
the stock of memory components on hand would be used to produce finished goods and a provision was recorded for the portion of inventory considered to be in excess of future needs. In total, the inventory provision recorded in the year ended
December 31, 2012 was $854,000. The related expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Cost of product revenue.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reviewed the value of inventory of products which have not been declared end-of-life and for slow-moving WiMAX and LTE products and memory components.
Based on the latest estimations of demand, the provision for WiMAX related inventory was adjusted and resulted in a net inventory provision reversal of $165,000. The Company also recorded a provision for defective products and other LTE products of
$174,000 which is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Cost of product revenue.
In the year ended
December 31, 2014, the Company decided to write-off all WiMAX inventory (components and finished goods) except units to serve the remaining expected demand for identified customers and projects. This resulted in a provision of $1,884,000
included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Cost of product revenue.
10. Trade receivables
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-90 day payment terms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Trade receivables |
|
$ |
7,199 |
|
|
$ |
7,174 |
|
|
$ |
9,611 |
|
Unbilled revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
Unissued credit notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
Provisions on trade receivables |
|
|
(1,670 |
) |
|
|
(1,720 |
) |
|
|
(1,965 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net trade receivables |
|
$ |
5,529 |
|
|
$ |
5,486 |
|
|
$ |
7,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The movements in the provision for impairment of receivables were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
At January 1, |
|
$ |
1,222 |
|
|
$ |
1,670 |
|
|
$ |
1,720 |
|
Charge for the year |
|
|
448 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
Utilized amounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At year end |
|
$ |
1,670 |
|
|
$ |
1,720 |
|
|
$ |
1,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at year end, the aging analysis of trade receivables that were not impaired is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Neither past due nor Impaired |
|
|
Past due but not impaired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
<30 days |
|
|
30-60 days |
|
|
60-120 days |
|
|
>120 days |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
$ |
5,529 |
|
|
$ |
2,652 |
|
|
$ |
503 |
|
|
$ |
625 |
|
|
$ |
744 |
|
|
$ |
1,005 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
5,486 |
|
|
|
1,812 |
|
|
|
2,378 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
441 |
|
|
|
749 |
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
7,749 |
|
|
$ |
5,420 |
|
|
$ |
1,873 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
76 |
|
|
$ |
376 |
|
F-25
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
11. Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Cash at banks |
|
$ |
7,284 |
|
|
$ |
1,652 |
|
|
$ |
1,998 |
|
Cash equivalents |
|
|
21,467 |
|
|
|
35,592 |
|
|
|
10,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
28,751 |
|
|
$ |
37,244 |
|
|
$ |
12,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at banks earns no interest. Cash equivalents in money market funds are invested for short-term periods depending on
the immediate cash requirements of the Company, and earn interest at market rates for short-term investments. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is equal to book value. Most of the cash and cash equivalents is held in U.S. dollar and euros
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
U.S. dollar denominated accounts |
|
$ |
27,794 |
|
|
$ |
36,205 |
|
|
$ |
12,088 |
|
Euro denominated accounts |
|
|
843 |
|
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
GBP denominated accounts |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
SGP denominated accounts |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
NIS denominated accounts |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
RMB denominated accounts |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Other currencies denominated accounts |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
28,751 |
|
|
$ |
37,244 |
|
|
$ |
12,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. Issued capital and reserves
The share capital of Sequans Communications S.A. is denominated in euros, as required by law in France. Any distributions to shareholders are denominated in euros. Amounts of capital and reserves
presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position in U.S. dollars have been translated using historical exchange rates.
Authorized capital, in number of shares
Authorized capital includes all shares issued as well as all potential shares which may be issued upon exercise of stock options, founders warrants, other warrants and restricted share awards, or which
the shareholders have otherwise authorized for specific capital increases. At December 31, 2014, authorized capital was 80,680,889 ordinary shares with a nominal of 0.02 each (49,561,737 and 65,124,387 ordinary shares at December 31, 2012
and 2013, respectively).
During each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 there was only one category of authorized
shares: ordinary shares.
Shares issued and fully paid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for share data) |
|
Ordinary shares |
|
|
34,683,839 |
|
|
|
694 |
|
|
|
59,129,639 |
|
|
|
1,183 |
|
|
|
59,144,741 |
|
|
|
1,183 |
|
Converted to U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,567 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,568 |
|
Other capital reserves
Other capital reserves include the cumulated share-based payment expense as of period end, the counterpart of which is in retained earnings as the expense is reflected in profit and loss.
F-26
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Dividend rights
Dividends may be distributed from the statutory retained earnings and additional paid-in capital, subject to the requirements of French law and the by-laws of Sequans Communications S.A. There were no
distributable retained earnings at December 31, 2012, 2013 or 2014. Dividend distributions by the Company, if any, will be made in euros.
Capital transactions
On
February 21, 2013, the Company increased its capital in connection with a public offering by issuing 10,000,000 ordinary shares at $ 1.50 per share for a total offering amount of $ 15,000,000. $263,720 was recorded in share capital in the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and $14,736,280 in share premium. Costs directly attributable to the equity transaction amounting to approximately $1.5 million were deducted from the share premium.
On November 26, 2013, the Company increased its capital in connection with a public offering by issuing 12,500,000 ordinary shares at $
1.80 per share. On December 5, 2013, the underwriters purchased an additional 1,875,000 ordinary shares at the public offering price. The total offering amounted to $ 25,875,000. $389,553 was recorded in share capital in the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Position and $25,485,447 in share premium. Costs directly attributable to the equity transaction amounting to approximately $2.3 million were deducted from the share premium.
In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, ordinary shares were issued upon exercise of options and warrants as described in Note 13 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
13. Share-based payment plans
The expense recognized for employee and other services received during the year ended December 31, 2014 and arising from equity-settled share-based payment transactions was $1,276,000 (2012:
$3,189,000; 2013: $2,165,000). Of this total, $4,000 in 2014 (2012: $22,000; 2013: $4,000), related to warrants plans for consultants considered equivalent to employees.
The share-based payment plans are described below. There have been no cancellations or modifications to any of the plans during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 or 2014.
General employee stock option, founders warrant plans and restricted shares awards
All employees of the French parent company and its subsidiaries are entitled to a grant of stock options or restricted shares awards. Founders warrants were granted to residents of France prior to the
Companys IPO. Founders warrants are a specific type of option available to qualifying young companies in France and had more favorable tax treatment for both the employee and the employer compared to stock options. Otherwise, founders warrants
function in the same manner as stock options.
In general, vesting of the founders warrants and stock options occurs over four years, with 25%
vesting after the first anniversary of grant and the remaining 75% vesting monthly over the remaining 36 months. From time to time, vesting may be linked to employee performance. Restricted shares awards vest two years after the grant date and may
be sold only after an additional two years.
All expenses related to these plans have been recorded in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations in the same line items as the related employees cash-based compensation.
Warrant plans for certain consultants
considered equivalent to employees
The Company awards warrants to a limited number of consultants who have long-term relationships
with the Company and who are considered equivalent to employees. Vesting may be either on a monthly basis over a two-year, three-year or four-year period, or may be immediate, depending on the nature of the service contract. All expenses related to
these plans have been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same line items as the related service providers cash-based compensation.
Founders warrants, stock options, warrants and restricted share awards give the right to acquire ordinary shares. Following completion of the initial public offering of the Companys shares, the
exercise price is based on the closing market price on the date of grant. There is no exercise price for restricted share awards; the beneficiary receives title to the underlying ordinary shares with no cash payment at the end of the vesting period.
In general, the contractual life of the founders warrants, stock options and warrants is ten years. There are no cash settlement alternatives and the Company has not developed a practice of cash settlement.
F-27
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Movements in the periods presented
The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of, and movements in, founders warrants, stock options, warrants
and restricted shares awards during the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
WAEP |
|
|
Number |
|
|
WAEP |
|
|
Number |
|
|
WAEP |
|
Outstanding at January 1, |
|
|
4,110,098 |
|
|
$ |
5.79 |
|
|
|
4,709,198 |
|
|
$ |
5.07 |
|
|
|
5,319,848 |
|
|
$ |
4.50 |
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
952,300 |
|
|
$ |
1.03 |
|
|
|
1,056,100 |
|
|
$ |
1.88 |
|
|
|
1,318,800 |
|
|
$ |
1.47 |
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
|
(336,700 |
) |
|
$ |
2.72 |
|
|
|
(374,650 |
) |
|
$ |
5.07 |
|
|
|
(168,498 |
) |
|
$ |
3.18 |
|
Exercised during the year(1) |
|
|
(16,500 |
) |
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
|
|
(70,800 |
)(2) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
(15,102 |
) |
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
Expired during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at period end |
|
|
4,709,198 |
|
|
$ |
5.07 |
|
|
|
5,319,848 |
|
|
$ |
4.50 |
|
|
|
6,455,048 |
|
|
$ |
3.93 |
|
Of which, warrants for consultants equivalent to employees |
|
|
348,798 |
|
|
$ |
3.47 |
|
|
|
351,798 |
|
|
$ |
3.49 |
|
|
|
369,798 |
|
|
$ |
3.54 |
|
Exercisable at period end |
|
|
2,602,291 |
|
|
$ |
5.09 |
|
|
|
3,116,221 |
|
|
$ |
5.26 |
|
|
|
3,923,600 |
|
|
$ |
5.18 |
|
Of which, warrants for consultants equivalent to employees |
|
|
332,881 |
|
|
$ |
3.54 |
|
|
|
346,548 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
351,798 |
|
|
$ |
3.49 |
|
(1) |
The weighted average share estimated fair value at the dates of exercise of these options was $2.70 in 2014, $2.43 in 2013 and $2.60 in 2012
|
(2) |
Restricted share awards vested in October 2013, resulting in issuance of 70,800 shares. |
Prior to the initial public offering in April 2011, exercise prices were denominated in euros. Since the IPO, exercise prices are denominated in U.S. dollars. Euro-denominated exercise prices have been
converted to U.S. dollars at the historical exchange rate for purposes of presentation in this table.
The weighted average remaining
contractual life of founders warrants, stock options and warrants outstanding as at December 31, 2014 was 6.7 years (2013: 6.8 years; 2012: 7.1 years).
The range of exercise prices, with euro-denominated exercise prices converted to U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate, for founders warrants, stock options, and warrants outstanding at
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.43$8.61.
The weighted average fair value of founders warrants, stock options, warrants and
restricted shares awards granted during the year ended December 2014 was 0.47 (2013: 0.70; 2012: 0.81). The fair value is measured at the grant date. The following table lists the inputs to the models used for determining the value
of the grants made for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
Dividend yield (%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected volatility (%) |
|
|
54 - 60 |
|
|
|
52 - 57 |
|
|
|
43 - 44 |
|
Riskfree interest rate (%) |
|
|
2.03 - 2.93 |
|
|
|
1.71 - 2.57 |
|
|
|
0.70 - 1.66 |
|
Assumed annual lapse rate of options (%) |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Sell price multiple (applied to exercise price) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Weighted average share price () |
|
|
1.62 |
|
|
|
1.38 |
|
|
|
1.13 |
|
Model used |
|
|
Binomial |
|
|
|
Binomial |
|
|
|
Binomial |
|
Since the Company has a short history of being publicly traded, it is not practicable to determine the volatility of the
underlying shares based on the Companys own experience. Therefore, as allowed by Appendix B (paragraphs 26 to 29) of IFRS2 Share-based Payment, the historical volatility of similar entities (a selection of publicly-traded semiconductor
companies) after a comparable period in such companies lives was used.
Founders warrants, stock options, and warrants can be exercised
during a period after the vesting date until the plan terminates. In the pricing model, the assumption was made that plan participants will exercise before the end of the exercise period if the share price reaches a certain multiple of the exercise
price.
If a sell-price multiple of 3 instead of 2 had been used and if the weighted average share price used in the pricing model had been
decreased by 10%, share-based payment total compensation for founders warrants, stock options, warrants and restricted shares awards granted through December 31, 2014 would have increased by approximately -10.25% (2013: 2.05% 2012: -7.95%;).
F-28
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of
exercise patterns that may occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily be the actual outcome.
14. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease obligation |
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
$ |
202 |
|
Interest-bearing receivables financing |
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
$ |
2,335 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease obligation |
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
$ |
236 |
|
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
236 |
|
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no drawn or undrawn committed borrowing or overdraft facilities in place.
14.1. Finance lease obligation
Future minimum lease payments under capitalized lease obligations for the years ending December 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
|
$ |
206 |
|
2016 |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum lease payments |
|
|
215 |
|
Less amount representing interest |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Present value of net minimum lease payments |
|
|
211 |
|
Less current portion |
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion |
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In June 2012, the Company entered into a finance lease agreement with a French financial institution whereby the Company
has the possibility to finance acquisitions of qualifying equipment with a total purchase price of up to 1,500,000 ($1,918,000), through a finance leases which are reimbursed over a 36-month period at an effective rate of interest of 4.6%. The
finance lease obligation was secured by pledged money market with the financial institution equal to one-third of the original principal financed. This agreement expired February 28, 2013. The outstanding debt was secured by $240,000 at
December 31, 2014 ($271,000 at December 31, 2013 and $141,000 at December 31, 2012) in pledged money market funds, which is included in available-for-sale financial assets.
14.2. Interest-bearing receivables financing
In June 2014, the Company entered into a
factoring agreement with a French financial institution whereby a line of credit was made available equal to 90% of the face value of accounts receivable from qualifying customers. The Company transfers to the finance company all invoices issued to
qualifying customers, and the customers are instructed to settle the invoices directly with the finance company. The Company pays a commission on the face value of the accounts receivable submitted and interest at the rate of 1.20% (LIBOR 3 months
+0.75%) on any draw-down of the resulting line of credit. In the event that the customer does not pay the invoice within 60 days of the due date, the receivable is excluded from the line of credit, and recovery becomes the Companys
responsibility. At December 31, 2014, $2,133,000 had been drawn on the line of credit and recorded as a current borrowing.
F-29
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
15. Government grant advances and loans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government grant advances |
|
|
15.114.2 |
|
|
$ |
287 |
|
|
$ |
435 |
|
|
$ |
603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
287 |
|
|
$ |
435 |
|
|
$ |
603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current |
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government grant advances |
|
|
15.114.1 |
|
|
$ |
515 |
|
|
$ |
604 |
|
|
$ |
360 |
|
Research project financing |
|
|
15.214.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,647 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
15.214.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
515 |
|
|
$ |
604 |
|
|
$ |
4,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.1. Government grant advances
In 2012, the Company was named as a participant in two new collaborative projects with funding of 459,000 ($583,000), which is expected to be released to the Consolidated Statement of Operations
over the life of the project, expected to be between one and two years.
In 2013, the Company was named as a participant in two new
collaborative projects with funding of 695,000 ($942,000), which is expected to be released to the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the life of the project, expected to be between one and two years.
In 2014, the Company was named as a participant in one new collaborative projects with funding of 176,000 ($227,000), which is expected to be
released to the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the life of the project, expected to be between one and two years.
15.2.
Research project financing
In October 2014, Bpifrance, one of the companys shareholder, the financial agency of the French
government, provided funding to the Company in the context of a long-term research project, estimated to be completed over a 3-year period. The total funding will amount to 6,967,000 ($8,988,000) comprising a portion in the form of a grant
(2,957,000 or $3,815,000) and a portion in the form of a forgivable loan (4,010,000 or $5,173,000). The funding will be paid in three installments: the first tranche at the contract signature date, the second and the third installments
after milestones defined in the contract. The grant will be recognized as a reduction of research and development expense when corresponding expense is incurred. The forgivable loan advance will be repaid, except if the project is in commercial
failure, from June 30th, 2018 to June 30th, 2020 and bears interests at a 1.53% fixed contractual rate. The difference between the amount of grant received and the present value amounted to a reduction of $115,000 in the debt carrying
value, such difference to be amortized over the contract period. In the event of commercial success, defined as sales in excess of 350 million ($425 million) of the product developed under this program during a period of three years, then
the Company shall pay a bonus to Bpifrance of 1% of annual revenues generated by products issued from the project.
In 2014, the Company
received 2,092,000 ($2,651,000) as grant and 968,000 ($1,227,000) as forgivable loan.
The market rate of interest applied in 2014
was 2.30%. Accrued interest of $6,000 was recorded as of December 31, 2014.
16. Provisions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post- employment benefits |
|
|
Others |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Current |
|
|
Non-current |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
At January 1, 2012 |
|
$ |
259 |
|
|
$ |
75 |
|
|
$ |
334 |
|
|
$ |
75 |
|
|
$ |
259 |
|
Arising (released) during the year |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
530 |
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
530 |
|
|
|
369 |
|
Arising (released) during the year |
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
583 |
|
|
|
1,043 |
|
|
|
583 |
|
|
|
460 |
|
Arising (released) during the year |
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
$ |
893 |
|
|
$ |
883 |
|
|
$ |
1,776 |
|
|
$ |
548 |
|
|
$ |
1,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-30
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
The provision for post-employment benefits is for the lump sum retirement indemnity required to be paid
to French employees. The charge of the year includes $ 425,000 of actuarial loss (actuarial gain of $9,000 in 2013 and actuarial loss of $46,000 in 2012). No employee has retired during the past three years.
The main assumptions used in the calculation are the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014 |
Discount rate |
|
2.83% |
|
3.17% |
|
1.49% |
Salary increase |
|
between 2% and 3% |
|
3% |
|
3% |
Retirement age |
|
67 years |
|
67 years |
|
60-62 years |
Turnover: depending on the seniority |
|
10%, nil as from 50 year old |
|
10%, nil as from 50 year old |
|
3.32%, nil as from 64 year old |
In December 2011, the Company was notified that the French tax authorities would review the tax declarations for the
years 2009 and 2010, and the nine months ended September 30, 2011. In December 2012, the Company received proposed tax adjustments, penalties and related to the French tax audit totaling 884,000 ($1,167,000), which related almost entirely
to the research tax credits claimed for 2008 and 2009. The Company disagreed with nearly all the adjustments, which for the most part were differences of judgment, vigorously defended its position. Nevertheless, a provision for $327,000 was recorded
in the year ended December 31, 2012 given the then current trend of such disputes in France. This is the primary component of other provisions as of December 31, 2012 and 2013. In February 2013, the Company provided its
rebuttal to the proposed tax adjustment. In March 2014, the Company was notified that the tax authorities had accepted the Companys position and the provision was reversed.
In 2014, the Company canceled a final shipment of components from a supplier and was invoiced a contractual penalty of $507,000. The Company has recorded the full amount as a provision, which has been
recorded in G&A expense. However the Company will dispute the amount of the penalty. At December 31, 2014, other provisions include primarily this provision as well as estimated royalty payments assessed on sales of modules to
holders of patents which may be deemed as essential under the requirements of the LTE standard. The royalty provision is based on managements judgment, taking into consideration the various articles, reports, industry discussions on the
subject which were available, and is recorded in the cost of product revenue. The Companys modules are considered as final products incorporating the full LTE function, and therefore may have royalties assessed on their sale; no royalties are
accrued on the sales of chips as the full LTE functionality is not included in the chip.
17. Trade payables and other current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Trade payables |
|
$ |
6,038 |
|
|
$ |
7,252 |
|
|
$ |
11,231 |
|
Other current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employees and social debts |
|
|
3,475 |
|
|
|
3,668 |
|
|
|
3,329 |
|
Others |
|
|
658 |
|
|
|
716 |
|
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other current liabilities |
|
$ |
4,133 |
|
|
$ |
4,384 |
|
|
$ |
4,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenue |
|
$ |
609 |
|
|
$ |
343 |
|
|
$ |
314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-31
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Terms and conditions of the above financial liabilities:
|
|
|
Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 30-day terms. |
|
|
|
Other payables, primarily accrued compensation and related social charges, are non-interest bearing. |
Deferred revenue is related to maintenance revenue, recognized over the 12-month maintenance period.
18. Information about financial instruments
18.1. Financial assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amount |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Financial assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables |
|
$ |
5,529 |
|
|
$ |
5,486 |
|
|
$ |
7,749 |
|
|
$ |
5,529 |
|
|
$ |
5,486 |
|
|
$ |
7,749 |
|
Cash flow hedges |
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and other receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits |
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
471 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
471 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
Available for sale instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments |
|
|
931 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
931 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
|
|
28,751 |
|
|
|
37,244 |
|
|
|
12,489 |
|
|
|
28,751 |
|
|
|
37,244 |
|
|
|
12,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial assets |
|
$ |
35,811 |
|
|
$ |
44,299 |
|
|
$ |
21,155 |
|
|
$ |
35,811 |
|
|
$ |
44,299 |
|
|
$ |
21,155 |
|
Total current |
|
$ |
34,422 |
|
|
$ |
42,730 |
|
|
$ |
20,238 |
|
|
$ |
34,422 |
|
|
$ |
42,730 |
|
|
$ |
20,238 |
|
Total non-current |
|
$ |
1,389 |
|
|
$ |
1,569 |
|
|
$ |
917 |
|
|
$ |
1,389 |
|
|
$ |
1,569 |
|
|
$ |
917 |
|
Financial liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease liability |
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
211 |
|
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
211 |
|
Interest-bearing receivables financing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
Research project financing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,653 |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
|
6,038 |
|
|
|
7,252 |
|
|
|
11,231 |
|
|
|
6,038 |
|
|
|
7,252 |
|
|
|
11,231 |
|
Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial liabilities |
|
$ |
6,403 |
|
|
$ |
8,024 |
|
|
$ |
17,361 |
|
|
$ |
6,403 |
|
|
$ |
8,024 |
|
|
$ |
17,361 |
|
Total current |
|
$ |
6,167 |
|
|
$ |
7,784 |
|
|
$ |
13,699 |
|
|
$ |
6,167 |
|
|
$ |
7,784 |
|
|
$ |
13,699 |
|
Total non-current |
|
$ |
236 |
|
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
3,662 |
|
|
$ |
236 |
|
|
$ |
240 |
|
|
$ |
3,662 |
|
The carrying values of current financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade
receivables and trade and other payables) approximate their fair values, due to their short-term nature.
Available for sale long-term
investments are primarily related to:
|
|
|
a bank guarantee secured by pledges of investments in money market funds issued in favor of the owners of the new leased office space to secure annual
lease payments by the Company for its office space in Colombes. Former lease guarantee was reimbursed after the move in May 2014; |
|
|
|
bank credit lines used in connection with the purchase of hedging instruments and finance lease, also secured by pledged money market funds.
|
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:
|
|
|
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities |
|
|
|
Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly
|
|
|
|
Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data
|
F-32
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
As at December 31, 2012, the Company held the following financial instruments carried at fair value
on the statement of financial position:
Assets measured at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Available-for-sale instruments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments |
|
$ |
931 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
931 |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow and fair value hedges |
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
As at December 31, 2013, the Company held the following financial instruments carried at fair value on the statement
of financial position:
Assets measured at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Available-for-sale instruments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments |
|
$ |
1,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities measured at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value hedge |
|
$ |
(271 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(271 |
) |
|
|
|
|
As at December 31, 2014, the Company held the following financial instruments carried at fair value on the statement
of financial position:
Assets measured at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Available-for-sale instruments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments |
|
$ |
597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
597 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities measured at fair value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value hedge |
|
$ |
(133 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(133 |
) |
|
|
|
|
18.2. Financial instruments at fair value
The Company uses financial instruments, including derivatives such as foreign currency forward and options contracts, to reduce the foreign exchange risk on cash flows from firm and highly probable
commitments denominated in euros.
The following tables present fair values of derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2012,
2013 and 2014.
F-33
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
Notional Amount |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Forward contracts (buy euros, sell U.S. dollars) |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
$ |
231 |
|
Forward contracts (buy U.S dollars, sell euros) |
|
|
(6,000 |
) |
|
|
(141 |
) |
Options (buy euros, sell U.S. dollars) |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
$ |
98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
Notional Amount |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Forward contracts (buy U.S dollars, sell euros) |
|
|
(4,250 |
) |
|
$ |
(271 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
(4,250 |
) |
|
$ |
(271 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
|
|
Notional Amount |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Forward contracts (buy euros, sell U.S. dollars) |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
$ |
(116 |
) |
Options (buy euros, sell U.S. dollars) |
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
$ |
(133 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fair value of foreign currency related derivatives are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
in Other current financial liabilities for the periods presented. The earnings impact of cash flow hedges relating to forecasted operating expense transactions is reported in operating expense. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on
these instruments deemed effective for hedge accounting are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until the underlying transaction is recognized in earnings or the instruments are designated as hedges.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a loss of $114,000 (a loss of $275,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013) in
other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of the change in fair value of its cash flow hedges. There was no fair value of cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, there was no
amount transferred from other comprehensive income to Consolidated Statement of Operations (gain of $275,000 during the year ended December 31, 2013).
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized a net loss of $3,000 (gain of $26,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013) related to the ineffective position of its hedging
instrument. There was no ineffective portion of hedging instrument in the year ended December 31, 2013.
The derivatives have maturity
dates of less than 12 months. Management believes counterparty risk on financial instruments is minimal since the Company deals with major banks and financial institutions.
The use of different estimations, methodologies and assumptions could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The methodologies are as follows:
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other receivable and accrued liabilities: due to the short-term
nature of these balances, carrying amounts approximate fair value. |
|
|
|
Available for sale long-term investments are composed of debt-based mutual funds with traded market prices. Their fair values amounted to $931,000,
$1,098,000 and $597,000 at December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. |
|
|
|
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts: the fair values of foreign exchange forward and option contracts were calculated using the market price
that the Company would pay or receive to settle the related agreements, by reference to published exchange rates. |
F-34
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
18.3. Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Companys principal financial liabilities comprise trade payables. The Company has various financial assets such as trade receivables and cash
and cash equivalents, which arise directly from its operations, as well as from capital increases.
The main risks arising from the
Companys financial instruments are foreign currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk and cash flow liquidity risk. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks which are summarized below.
Foreign currency risk
The
Company faces the following foreign currency exposures:
|
|
|
Transaction risk arising from: |
|
|
|
Operating activities, when revenues or expenses are denominated in different currencies from the functional currency of the entity carrying out these
transactions. |
|
|
|
Non derivative monetary financial instruments that are denominated and settled in a currency different from the functional currency of the entity which
holds them. |
Nearly 100% of total revenues and approximately 95% of total cost of sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.
However, as a result of significant headcount and related costs from operations in France, which are denominated and settled in euros (the structural costs), the Company has transactional currency exposures which can be affected
significantly by movements in the US dollar/euro exchange rates. Approximately 50% of operating expense is denominated in euros. The Company seeks to mitigate the effect of its structural currency exposure by raising capital in euros sufficient to
cover euro-based operating expenses. The Company has not used the possibility offered by paragraph 72 of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement to designate non-derivative financial assets (cash and cash equivalents plus
trade accounts receivables less trade accounts payable, denominated in euro) as a hedging instrument for a hedge of a foreign currency risk (US dollar versus euro fluctuations) corresponding to structural cost related future cash outflows.
If there were a 10% increase or decrease in exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the euro, the Company estimates the impact, in absolute
terms, on operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have been approximately $2.0 million.
Credit risk
The Company trades only with recognized, creditworthy third parties. It is the Companys policy that all customers who wish to
trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. The Company has subscribed to a credit insurance policy which provides assistance in determining credit limits and collection, in addition to some coverage of uncollectible
amounts. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Companys exposure to bad debts is not significant.
The following table summarizes customers representing a significant portion of the Companys total revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer |
|
Customer Location |
|
% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, |
|
|
Accounts receivables at December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
A |
|
China |
|
|
39 |
% |
|
|
14 |
% |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
$ |
2,552,000 |
|
|
$ |
475,000 |
|
|
$ |
177,000 |
|
B |
|
China |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
|
$ |
1,308,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,317,000 |
|
|
$ |
787,000 |
|
C |
|
Taiwan |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,353,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
|
United States |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,485,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
E |
|
United States |
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
723,000 |
|
|
$ |
350,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
F |
|
Taiwan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 10 |
% |
|
|
32 |
% |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
71,000 |
|
|
$ |
538,000 |
|
F-35
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
With respect to credit risk arising from the other financial assets, which comprise cash and cash
equivalents, the Companys exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments. Nearly all cash and cash equivalents are held in France at two large and
international banks.
Vendor concentration risk
Access to foundry capacity is critical to the Companys operations as a fabless semiconductor company. The Company depends on a sole independent foundry in Taiwan to manufacture its semiconductor
wafers.
Liquidity risk
The Company monitors its risk of a shortage of funds using a cash flow planning tool. This tool considers the maturity of both its financial investments
and financial assets (e.g. accounts receivables, other financial assets) and projected cash flows from operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within 1 year |
|
|
1 to 2 years |
|
|
2 to 3 years |
|
|
3 to 4 years |
|
|
4 to 5 years |
|
|
More than 5 years |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
At December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease |
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
135 |
|
|
$ |
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
365 |
|
Trade payables |
|
|
6,038 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,038 |
|
Other financial liabilities |
|
|
4,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,300 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,536 |
|
At December 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease |
|
$ |
261 |
|
|
$ |
232 |
|
|
$ |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
501 |
|
Trade payables |
|
|
7,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,252 |
|
Other financial liabilities |
|
|
4,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,897 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,137 |
|
At December 31, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research project financing |
|
$ |
1,630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
$ |
|
|
$ |
368 |
|
|
$ |
719 |
|
|
$ |
936 |
|
|
$ |
3,653 |
|
Interest-bearing receivables financing |
|
|
2,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,133 |
|
Finance lease |
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
211 |
|
Trade payables |
|
|
11,231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,231 |
|
Other financial liabilities |
|
|
4,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,213 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
936 |
|
|
$ |
21,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companys liquidity risk for the next 12 months is described in note 2.1
Capital management
The primary
objective of the Companys capital management is to continue to execute according to its business plans and budgets in order to achieve profitability and positive cash flow, and to maximize shareholder value.
19. Commitments and contingencies
Contingencies
From time to time,
the Company has been and may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business.
On December 14, 2012,
the French tax authorities proposed revising research tax credits («Credit Impôt Recherche») granted to the Company for the years 2008 and 2009, for a total amount in tax adjustments, penalties and interest of 884,000
($1,167,000). The Company contested vigorously this tax adjustment (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In March 2014, the Company received the notification by the tax authorities that they had accepted the Companys
position.
F-36
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
On September 9, 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York against the Company, certain of its officers and directors, and UBS Limited and Jefferies & Company Inc, the lead underwriters in the Companys initial public offering. This action, Donald Dean Johnson v.
Sequans Communications S.A., et al, alleges violations of the U.S. federal securities laws in connection with the Companys initial public offering. A substantially similar complaint was filed on October 25, 2011, also in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York. On December 13, 2011 the Court consolidated the two actions, and appointed lead plaintiffs and co-lead plaintiffs counsel. On January 31, 2012, lead plaintiffs filed a
Consolidated Amended Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws, which seeks unspecified damages. On May 14, 2012, the Company filed a Motion to Dismiss the consolidated complaint. Following oral argument, on January 17, 2013, the
Court granted the Companys motion and gave lead plaintiffs 20 days leave to move to amend their complaint. On February 7, 2013, plaintiffs brought a motion for leave to file an amended complaint, and on March 15, 2013, the Company
filed an opposition, and on April 16, 2013, plaintiffs filed a reply. The parties subsequently engaged in settlement discussions and stayed the litigation pending mediation. Following mediation, on June 21, 2013, the parties informed the
Court that they had reached an agreement in principle to settle the action, subject to the negotiation of a mutually agreeable settlement agreement. A settlement agreement was executed on November 7, 2013, and the Court gave final approval on
April 9, 2014. All payment under the settlement agreement, including payment of most of the Companys attorneys fees and expenses, was directly supported by the insurance company.
Bank guarantee
A bank guarantee
was issued in favor of the owners of new leased office space in France, in order to secure six months of lease payments, for an amount of $357,000 as of December 31, 2014. This guarantee was secured by the pledge of certificates of deposit and
mutual funds for 100% of the amount of the guarantee. The total value of investments secured to cover this bank guarantee was $357,000 at December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Company had investments secured to cover the bank guarantee issued in favor of owners of the previously leased office space in France for an amount of $791,000 and
$828,000, respectively.
Operating leases
The Company has long-term operating leases for office rental. Future minimum undiscounted lease payments under operating leases are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Within one year |
|
$ |
1,604 |
|
|
$ |
1,382 |
|
|
$ |
720 |
|
After one year but not more than five years |
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
3,022 |
|
|
|
2,898 |
|
More than five years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
961 |
|
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum lease payments |
|
$ |
2,397 |
|
|
$ |
5,365 |
|
|
$ |
3,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1,750,000 (2013: $1,991,000 ; 2012:
$1,794,000).
Purchase commitments
At December 31, 2014, the Company had $5.0 million of non-cancelable purchase commitments with its third-party manufacturer and suppliers for future deliveries of equipment and components,
principally during the first half of 2015.
20. Related party disclosures
There is no single investor who has the ability to control the Board of Directors or the vote on shareholder resolutions. There is one investor who owns in excess of 10% of the share capital of the
Company: BPI France Participation Fonds Large Venture. BPI provided funding to a consortium which includes the Company in the context of a long-term research project (See Note 15.2 Research project financing).
Effective June 1, 2012, the Company and Gilles Delfassy, prior to Mr. Delfassy joining the board of directors, entered into an agreement
whereby Mr. Delfassy provided to the Company consultancy services in the area of business development and strategy in the broadband wireless access industry. This agreement expires on June 1, 2013. During the year ended December 31,
2013, Mr. Delfassy earned fees totaling $71,000 ($79,000 in 2012) under this contract. No consulting fees were paid during the year ended December 31, 2014.
F-37
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
On December 11, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a consulting agreement with Alok Sharma,
member of the board of directors, for services in business development and strategy. This agreement expires on March 10, 2015 and no consulting fees were paid or accrued during the year ended December 31, 2014.
No other transactions have been entered into with these or any other related parties in 2012, 2013 and 2014, other than normal compensation (including
share based payment arrangements) for and reimbursement of expenses incurred in their roles as Directors or employees of the Company.
Compensation of key management personnel
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Fixed and variable wages, social charges and benefits expensed in the year |
|
$ |
2,490 |
|
|
$ |
2,464 |
|
|
$ |
2,237 |
|
Share-based payment expense for the year |
|
|
2,170 |
|
|
|
1,541 |
|
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total compensation expense for key management personnel |
|
$ |
4,660 |
|
|
$ |
4,005 |
|
|
$ |
2,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key management personnel comprises the chief executive officer and all executive vice presidents reporting directly to
him.
The employment agreement with the chief executive officer calls for the payment of a termination indemnity of an amount equal to one
year of his gross annual base remuneration in the event of his dismissal by the Board of Directors of the Company.
In the year ended
December 31, 2014, the Company expensed a total of $186,000 board fees to non-executive members (2013: $172,000 ; 2012: $162,000).
One
non-executive board member was paid fees under the consulting agreement in 2012 and 2013 as described above. The Company entered into a consulting agreement with another non-executive board member in December 2014, but no fees were paid in 2014.
Directors interests in an employee share incentive plan
The Company granted warrants to certain members of the Board of Directors during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:
- On June 26, 2012, the shareholders authorized the Board of Directors to grant to Messrs. de Pesquidoux, Patterson, Pitteloud, Sharma and Slonimsky 6,000 warrants each and to Mr. Delfassy
25,000 warrants. On June 26, 2012, the Board used this authorization to make such grants with an exercise price of $2.19 per ordinary share.
- On June 25, 2013, the shareholders authorized the Board of Directors to grant to Messrs. de Pesquidoux, Delfassy, Patterson, Pitteloud, Sharma and Slonimsky 6,000 warrants each. On June 25,
2013, the Board used this authorization to make such grants with an exercise price of $1.47 per ordinary share.
- On June 26, 2014, the
shareholders authorized the Board of Directors to grant to Messrs. de Pesquidoux, Delfassy, Patterson, Pitteloud, Sharma and Slonimsky 10,000 warrants each and to Mr. Maitre 25,000 warrants. On June 26, 2014, the Board used this
authorization to make such grants with an exercise price of $1.77 per ordinary share.
The board members were required to subscribe to the
warrants at a price of 0.01 per warrant, as required by French law. There is no subscription required for founders warrants.
Share-based payment expense incurred in connection with these transactions amounted to $51,000 in the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013: $178,000 ;
2012: $195,000).
21. Events after the reporting date
Effective March 2, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with TCL Communication Technology Holding Limited, agreement whereby the two companies will collaborate on the development of next
generation 5G wireless technologies. The Company will perform technology services and will receive funding as part of the collaboration. The initial term of the agreement is for one year, but may be renewed upon mutual agreement of the two parties.
F-38
Sequans Communications S.A.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(Continued)
Effective April 14, 2015, the Company issued $12 million in convertible notes to an affiliate of
Nokomis Capital LLC. The notes may be converted to ordinary shares at a conversion rate of 540.5405 shares or ADS for each $1,000.00 of convertible debt at any time from the effective date until April 14, 2018 at which time any unconverted
balance shall be repaid by the Company. The convertible notes bear interest at 7% per annum, with annual interest payable in the equivalent face amount of convertible notes. In the event that the Company issues ordinary shares before
April 14, 2016 at a price that is equivalent to a higher conversion rate than that of the convertible notes, the conversion rate shall be adjusted to match the equivalent higher rate from the equity issuance. In addition, if the equivalent
conversion rate is more that 43% higher, the conversion rate of the convertible debt shall be further adjusted to the equivalent conversion rate plus 43%.
In its meeting of March 24, 2015, the Board of Directors granted 27,200 stock options at an exercise price of $1.76.
F-39
Exhibit 1.1
Société Anonyme
with a share capital of 1,182,894.82
Registered office : 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulles 92700 COLOMBES
Trade Register N° : 450 249 677 Nanterre
B Y L A W S
As amended on June 27th, 2014
Article 1 Legal Form
The company is a société anonyme (French corporation) governed by corporate law, subject to specific laws governing the company and
to these by-laws.
Article 2 Company name
The companys name is:
« SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS ».
Article 3 Corporate purpose
The
companys corporate purpose, in France and abroad is:
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The study, development and marketing of all products and/or services relating to radio fixed and/or optical-type communication networks systems; |
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Advising and training, by all means and technical media, relating to the aforementioned fields of operations; |
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The participation, directly or indirectly, in all transaction that may be related to any of the purposes defined above, through the creation of new companies or legal entities, the contribution, subscription, or
purchase of securities or corporate rights, acquisition of interests, mergers, partnerships, or any other methods; |
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And, more generally, all industrial, commercial, and financial transactions, or transactions involving movable or fixed assets, that may be related directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, to any of the
aforementioned corporate purposes, or to any similar or related purposes, or to any and all purposes that may enhance or develop the companys business. |
Article 4 Registered office
The registered
office is located at :
15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulles 92700 COLOMBES.
The board of directors is empowered to transfer the companys registered office, within the applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Article 5 Term
The company was incorporated
for a term of ninety-nine years starting the day of its registration with the trade and company register, except in the cases of extension or early dissolution.
Article 6 Share capital
The share capital
is set at the amount of one million one hundred eighty two thousand eight hundred ninety four euros and eighty two cents (EUR 1,182,894.82).
It is
divided into fifty nine million one hundred forty four thousand seven hundred and forty one (59,144,741) shares of a par value of two cents (EUR 0.02), fully paid up.
- 2/9 -
Article 7 Changes to the capital
The share capital may be increased, decreased or amortized in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Article 8 Subscription for shares
In the
event of a share capital increase, shares subscribed for cash, when applied for, shall be paid up in the minimum proportion provided for by legal and regulatory provisions. Partly paid up shares shall be registered shares until fully paid up.
Payment of the remainder shall be made in one or several installments pursuant to a decision by the board of directors, within a maximum time limit of five years as of the date of the final capital increase.
Subscribers will be informed of calls for funds by certified mail with acknowledgement of receipt within fifteen days at least before the date set for each
payment. Payments shall be made either at the registered office, or at any other place designated for this purpose.
Should the shareholder fail to pay by
the date set by the board of directors, any amounts due shall bear interest, ipso jure, at the legal rate of interest, as of the due date for payment, without prejudice to other statutory proceeding and penalties. In particular, the company
may force the sale of the securities that have not been paid up.
Article 9 Legal forms of the shares
Shares are in registered form and shall be registered in an individual share account as provided by legal and regulatory provisions.
Article 10 Indivisibility of the shares
Shares shall be indivisible with respect to the company. Joint owners of indivisible shares shall be represented at shareholders general meetings by one
of them or by a joint agent of their choice. Failing their agreement on the choice of an agent, such an agent is appointed by the courts of justice ruling in interim proceedings at the request of the co-owner who is in the greatest hardship.
The voting rights attached to the share shall belong to the beneficial-owner at ordinary shareholders meetings, and to the bare-owner at extraordinary
shareholders general meetings.
Article 11 Transfer and passing of the shares
Shares are freely negotiable.
They shall be transferred by
means of a transfer order from account to account in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions.
The shares can be leased out or lent with
respect to the applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Article 12 Rights and obligations of the shares
Each share shall entitle its holder to a portion of the corporate profits and assets pro rata with respect to the amount of capital it represents.
Furthermore, each share shall entitle its holder to vote and be represented in the shareholders general meetings in accordance with legal rules and the
provisions of these by-laws. Ownership of one share implies, ipso jure, adherence to the by-laws and the decisions of the shareholders general meeting.
- 3/9 -
Shareholders shall be liable for losses within the limits of their contributions to the companys capital.
The heirs, creditors, legal beneficiaries and other representatives of a shareholder may not place liens on the property or securities of the company, nor
request the division or the public sale, nor interfere in the administration of the company. For the proper exercise of their right, they shall refer to the corporate records and to the decisions of the shareholders meetings.
At times when the ownership of several shares is necessary in order to exercise any right as in an exchange, grouping or allocation of shares, or as a
consequence of a capital increase or decrease, merger or other corporate operation, the owner of isolated shares, or fewer shares than the required amount, may only exercise the particular right on condition that the shareholder personally takes the
required steps to group or, if applicable, purchase or sell the number of requisite shares.
Article 13 Organization and functioning of the
board of directors
1 Composition
The
company is managed by a board of directors comprised of no more than 9 members, appointed by the shareholders meeting and that may be individuals or legal entities.
Directors that are legal entities shall designate a permanent legal representative when nominated. This legal representative will be subject to the same
conditions and obligations and will be subject to the same civil and criminal liability as if he were director under his own name, without prejudice of the liability in solidum of the legal entity he represents. His mandate as director is for
the same term as the mandate given to the legal entity he represents and must be renewed at each renewal of the legal entitys mandate.
When the
legal entity dismisses its representative, it must notify this dismissal to the company without delay, by certified mail and appoints, following the same procedure, a new permanent legal representative; the same rule applies in case of the death or
resignation of the permanent legal representative.
2 Term of office renewal and rotation
The term of office for directors shall be three years, expiring at the end of the shareholders general meeting approving the accounts of the last fiscal
years and held on the year of expiration of the mandate.
Directors can always be re-elected.
3 Vacancy Cooptation
In the event of
vacancy, as a result of death or by resignation, of one or more seats of directors, the board of directors may, between two general meetings, make appointments on a provisional basis.
However, if the number of directors in function is less than the minimum required by legal and regulatory provisions, a general meeting will be convened with
respect to applicable legal and regulatory provisions in order to complete the number of directors.
The provisional elections made by the board of
directors will be subject to ratification by the next general meeting. In case of failure of ratification, the resolutions adopted and the acts accomplished by the board of directors will remain valid.
The director appointed as a replacement of another remains in the office only for the remaining time of his predecessors mandate.
- 4/9 -
4 Remuneration
The shareholders meeting shall set the directors attendance fees. The board of directors, after express deliberation, shall be free to distribute
this remuneration among the directors, subject to applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Costs incurred by directors during their terms of office
shall be reimbursed by the company against documentary evidence.
5 Observers
The board of directors may appoint one or more observers chosen from among the shareholders, whether individuals or legal entities, or from outside their
number.
Their terms of office shall be set by the board of directors, but shall not exceed two years and shall expire at the next general meeting
approving the accounts of the last fiscal year and held on the year of expiration of the mandate. Observers can always be re-elected.
The board of
directors may terminate their appointment at any time without cause nor indemnity.
In the event of an observers death, dismissal or surrender of
office for any other reason, the board of directors may appoint a replacement for the remainder of said observers term office.
Observers are called
to assist as observers at board of directors meetings and may be consulted by it or its chairman. They may not vote on the board of directors resolutions.
Article 14 Chairman of the board of directors
The board of directors shall elect its chairman from among its members who are individuals. The chairman shall be elected for the entire duration of his office
as director and may be re-elected.
The chairman of the board of directors is subject to the age limit set out by legal and regulatory provisions. If this
limit is reached during office, the chairman of the board of directors shall be considered as having resigned from office at the end of the general meeting approving the accounts of the last fiscal year when the age limit was reached.
The board of directors determines the chairmans remuneration.
Article 15 Board meetings
1
The board of directors shall convene as often as the companys interest so require, pursuant to notice from the chairman.
The notice to convene must
be given at least three days in advance by letter, telegram, telex or fax. It must contain the agenda. In the event of an emergency meeting, the notice may be given immediately and by any means, including orally.
The meeting shall take place at the companys registered office or at any other place indicated in the notice to convene.
2 The board may not validly deliberate unless a quorum of at least half of its members are present, or, as the case may be, deemed to be present
as provided for under the internal charter of the board of directors set in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Any director may
give, by letter, telegram, telex or fax, a proxy to one of his colleague in order to represent him at a meeting of the board of directors, but each director may only represent one of his colleagues.
- 5/9 -
Decisions will be taken by a majority of members present, deemed to be present, or represented. In the event of a
tie vote, the chairman of the meeting shall cast the deciding vote.
3 An attendance sheet shall be kept which must be signed by the
directors at the board meeting and record, as the case may be, the participation of directors by means of videoconferencing or telecommunications.
4
Board decisions shall be recorded in minutes drawn up in compliance with applicable legal provisions and signed by the chairman of the meeting and one director or, if the chairman of the meeting is unable to attend, by two directors.
Copies or extracts of the minutes may be certified by the chairman of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, the delegated managing director, the director temporarily delegated to the duties of chairman or the holder of a power of
attorney duly authorized for this purpose.
Article 16 Powers of the board of directors
The board of directors shall determine the strategy of the companys activities and shall ensure its implementation. Subject to the powers expressly
granted to the shareholders meetings, and within the scope of the companys corporate purpose, the board shall take up all questions related to the management of the company and shall settle all related business through its deliberations.
The company shall be bound also by actions of the board of directors which do not fall within the corporate purpose, unless it proves that the third
party knew such action was outside the limits of this purpose, or that the third party could not fail to be aware of this in view of the circumstances.
The board of directors carries out the controls and verifications it considers appropriate. All directors must receive all the necessary information in order
to accomplish their task and may review all documents they consider useful.
Article 17 Powers of the chairman of the board of directors
The chairman of the board of directors shall organize and direct the boards work, which he shall report on to the general meeting. He shall
ensure the proper functioning of the companys governing bodies and shall ensure, in particular, that the directors are able to carry out their duties.
In case of a temporary unavailability or death of the chairman, the board of directors may delegate the powers of the chairman to a director. In case of a
temporary unavailability, this delegation is granted for a limited duration and is renewable. In case of death, it is granted until the appointment of the new chairman.
Article 18 General management
1
Choice between two methods of conducting General Management
General management of the company shall be assumed under the responsibility of either the
chairman of the board of directors or by another person appointed by the board and with the title of chief executive officer. The board of directors shall decide between these two methods of conducting general management, and shall duly inform the
shareholders and third parties according to the applicable regulatory conditions.
When the general management of the company is assumed by the chairman
of the board of directors, the provisions set forth above relating to the chief executive officer shall apply to him.
- 6/9 -
2 Chief executive officer
The chief executive officer shall be nominated amongst the directors or from outside their number. The board of directors shall set his term of office and his
remuneration. The chief executive officer is subject to the age limit set out by the applicable legal and regulatory provisions. If the age limit is reached during office, the chief executive officer shall be considered as having resigned from
office at the next general meeting approving the accounts of the last fiscal year and held the year the limit was reached.
The chief executive officer
may be dismissed at any time by the board of directors. If the dismissal is decided without fair grounds, it may give rise to damages, except if the chief executive officer is the chairman of the board of directors.
The chief executive officer shall be granted the widest powers to act in any manner on behalf of the company in all circumstances. He shall exercise his
powers within the limits of the corporate purpose subject to the powers expressly attributed by legal and regulatory provisions to shareholders meetings and to the board of directors.
The chief executive officer shall represent the company in its relations with third parties. The company shall be bound also by actions of the chief executive
officer which do not fall within the scope of the corporate purpose, unless its proves that the third party knew such action was outside of the limits of this purpose, or that the third party could not fail to be aware of this in view of the
circumstances, it being specified that the mere publication of the by-laws does not constitute such proof.
The provisions of the by-laws or the
resolutions of the board of directors limiting the powers of the chief executive officer are unenforceable against third parties.
3 Deputy
chief executive officer
Upon proposal of by the chief executive officer, the board of directors may appoint one or more individuals with the title of
deputy chief executive officer and determine his remuneration in order to assist the chief executive officer.
The maximum number of deputy chief
executives may not exceed five.
Deputy chief executives may be dismissed at any time by the board of directors upon proposal of the chief executive
officer. If the dismissal is decided without fair grounds, it may give rise to damages. If the chief executive officer ceases to exercise, or is prevented from carrying out his duties, the deputy chief executive officers shall, except when otherwise
decided by the board of directors, remain in office and retain their duties until appointment of the new chief executive officer.
In agreement with the
chief executive officer, the board of directors shall determine the scope and term of the powers granted to the deputy chief executive officers. With respect to third parties, the deputy chief executives shall have the same powers as the chief
executive officer.
The age limit applicable to the chief executive officer also applies to the deputy chief executive officers.
Article 19 Statutory auditors
The
companys account shall be audited by one or several statutory auditors appointed in accordance with legal and regulatory provisions and carrying out their duties in accordance therewith.
One or several deputy statutory auditors shall be appointed to replace the official statutory auditors in the event that they are unable or refuse to carry
out their mission, or should they resign or pass away.
Article 20 Shareholders meetings
1 Shareholders meetings are convened and deliberate in accordance with legal and regulatory provisions and carry out their duties in
accordance therewith.
- 7/9 -
Meetings are held at the companys registered offices or at any other location indicated in the notice to
convene.
2 Any shareholder has the right to attend general meetings and to participate to the resolutions personally or through a proxy, by
simple justification of his identity and no matter how many shares he owns as soon as the shares are paid up in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory provisions and that the shareholder justifies his shares are registered within the
companys books at least three days before the meeting.
Shareholders may only be represented by their spouse or another shareholder and for this
purpose, the proxy must prove his mandate.
Shareholders may participate in general meetings by means of videoconferences or telecommunications in
accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. The means of telecommunications authorized will be mentioned in the notice to convene.
3
Shareholders general meeting shall be chaired by the chairman of the board of directors or, in his absence, by a director appointed for this purpose by the board of directors, failing which the shareholders general meeting itself shall
elect its chairman.
4 The minutes shall be prepared, and copies or excerpts of the deliberations shall be issued and certified as required
by legal and regulatory provisions.
Article 21 Financial year
The financial year is twelve months, beginning January 1 ending December 31 of each year.
Article 22 Annual accounts Allocation of results
The board of directors shall keep proper accounts of corporate activities and draw up annual and consolidated accounts, in accordance with applicable legal and
regulatory provisions, regulations and standards.
The income statement, which summarizes the income and expenses for the financial year, shows, after
deduction of amortization and provisions, the profit or loss for the year.
5% is set aside from the earnings for the financial year minus previous
losses, if any, to fund the legal reserve. This withdrawal ceases to be mandatory when the reserve reaches one-tenth of the share capital and resumes when, for any reason, the legal reserve falls below the one tenth figure.
Distributable profits consist of the profits for the year, less prior losses, plus the amounts to be placed in reserves as required by legal and regulatory
provisions or by the by-laws, plus retained earnings. The shareholders meeting may withdraw from these earnings any sum it deems appropriate to allocate any optional reserves or to carry forward to the next financial year.
Moreover the shareholders general meeting may decide to distribute sums taken from reserves at its disposal, expressly indicating the reserve items from
which such withdrawals are made. Dividends shall however first be taken from the distributable earnings for the year.
Except in the case of a capital
decrease, no distribution may be made to shareholders when shareholders equity is or would, as a result of such distribution, be less than the amount of capital plus reserves which legal and regulatory provisions or the by-laws prohibit from
being distributed. The re-evaluation variance may not be distributed and may be incorporated, in whole or in part, into the capital.
- 8/9 -
Article 23 Payment of dividends
The terms and conditions for the payment of the dividends approved by the shareholders general meeting are determined by the shareholders meeting,
or in lieu, by the board of directors. However, cash dividends must be paid within a maximum of nine months after the close of the financial year, unless extended by court order.
The ordinary shareholders general meeting may grant each shareholder, for all or part of the dividends to be distributed, an option between payment of
the dividends in cash or in shares, subject to legal requirements.
Interim dividends may be distributed before the approval of the financial statements
for the year when the balance sheet established during or at the end of a financial year and certified by an auditor, shows that the company has made a profit since the close of the last financial year, after recognizing the necessary depreciation
and provisions and after deducting prior losses, if any, and the sums to be allocated to reserves, as required by legal and regulatory provisions or the by-laws, and including any retaining earnings. The amount of such interim dividends may not
exceed the amount of the profit so defined.
Dividends not claimed within five years after the payment date shall be deemed to expire.
Article 24 Liquidation
Subject to the
applicable legal provisions, the company shall be in liquidation from the time of its winding-up, however brought about. The general meeting of shareholders shall then decide on the method of liquidation and appoint the liquidators. The legal entity
of the company shall continue for the purposes of liquidation, until its definitive closure.
Article 25 Disputes
All disputes which may arise during the companys existence or its liquidation either between the shareholders and the company or among the shareholders
themselves, concerning the business of the company or the interpretation or implementation of these by-laws will be submitted to the jurisdiction of the relevant courts located in the jurisdiction where the companys registered office is
located.
- 9/9 -
Exhibit 4.1(d)
SO 2014 Subscription Plan
SEQUANS
COMMUNICATIONS
Société anonyme au capital de 1.182.668,64 Euros
Siège social : Les Portes de la Défense, 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle - 92700 COLOMBES
RCS Nanterre 450 249 677
Regulations
Stock Option
Subscription Plan 2014
SO 2014 Subscription Plan
- CONTENTS -
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I |
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DEFINITION OF STOCK OPTION SUBSCRIPTION PLAN |
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LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PLAN |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN |
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Issuing the Options |
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Features and period of validity of the Options |
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Cessation of the Beneficiarys duties with Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries |
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Setting the subscription price for shares obtained by exercising the Options |
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Maintaining the rights of Option holders during the exercise period |
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IV |
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REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR EXERCISING OPTIONS |
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Suspension of the rights to exercise the Options |
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Procedures and conditions for exercising the Options |
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FEATURES OF SHARES SUBSCRIBED |
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Delivery and form of shares |
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Rights - Availability |
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TAX PROVISIONS |
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APPENDIX RELATING TO ISRAELI BENEFICIARIES |
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- 2/15 -
SO 2014 Subscription Plan
I DEFINITION OF STOCK OPTION SUBSCRIPTION PLAN
In order to reward its employees and those of its subsidiaries, Sequans Communications wishes to set up a system enabling them to share in its growth.
A stock option subscription plan is a mechanism by which a company offer its employees and/or company officers, as well as the employees of its subsidiaries
within the meaning of Article L.225-180 of the French Commercial code, the possibility of subscribing for new shares during a certain period, at a price set on the date the Options are issued, and that remains fixed during the entire period.
In this way, the beneficiaries participate in their companys performance through the changes in share value, even before they become shareholders by
exercising the options to subscribe for shares (hereinafter Options).
Furthermore, the financial benefit obtained by exercising the Options
and by a subsequent sale of the shares is subject to a specific tax treatment.
II LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PLAN
This mechanism is governed, in particular, by articles L.225-177 and following of the French Code de commerce.
In a decision taken on 26 June 2014, a combined general shareholders meeting voted in favour of the principle of issuing Options likely to give
rise to a maximum of 1,350,000 new ordinary shares with a unitary par value of EUR 0.02.
This combined general shareholders meeting has defined the
conditions of setting of the subscription price for the security likely to be issued upon exercise of each Option and decided that this price would be set by the Board of Directors of the Company, at the fair market value as applicable at the date
of allocation of the Option, pursuant to objective methods applicable in the field of assessment of shares (including, as the case may be, the reference to the market price of Company listed shares), and if required, with the assistance of
independent experts.
In addition, this decision granted the Board of Directors the power to issue these Options, on one or more occasions, including the
authority to determine the beneficiaries and the number of Options to be issued, and the elimination of shareholders pre-emptive subscription rights. Furthermore, the Board of Directors was granted the power to increase share capital by a
maximum amount equal to the total number of Options issued, to record the successive increases in share capital as a result of the exercise of the Options, and to carry out all formalities required as a result thereof.
Therefore and pursuant to the aforesaid grant of authority, at a meeting held on 27 June 2014, the Board of Directors decided the procedures applicable
to this stock and established the present SO 2014 subscription Plan (hereafter the 2014 Plan or the Plan), in conformity with the principles set by the combined general shareholders meeting and aforesaid statutory provisions.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
III DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
The
list of the 2014 Plans beneficiaries (hereinafter Beneficiaries) shall be approved by the Companys Board of Directors.
III-1. Issuing the Options
The Options are issued
free of charge to each Beneficiary.
No person holding more than 10% of Sequans Communications share capital shall be issued any Options.
The number of Options issued to each Beneficiary, as well as the subscription price for the share to be issued pursuant to exercising an Option (as defined
under section III-4 below) shall be indicated in the Individual Letter of Notification sent to him/her by the Chairman or his delegate and which is deemed to be an exhibit of this Plan.
Exercising an Option entitles the Beneficiary to subscribe for one new ordinary share with a par value of EUR 0.02 (hereafter a New Share).
This number of shares cannot be modified during the Options period of validity, except in the event of an adjustment in the subscription price in
accordance with the requirements provided by law (see section III-4. hereinafter).
Within a period of seven (7) days following the receipt of the
Individual Letter of Notification informing him/her that Options have been issued to him/her, the Beneficiary undertakes to return to the Company:
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(ii) |
a copy of the Individual Letter of Notification |
being specified that all such copies shall be duly executed by
the Beneficiary who acknowledges that the Individual Letter of Notification is part of these Plan.
FAILURE TO
COMPLY WITH THIS FORMALITY WITHIN THE APPLICABLE PERIOD SHALL RENDER THE
OPTIONS ISSUED IMMEDIATELY AND AUTOMATICALLY VOID.
III-2. Features and period of validity of the Options
Options are granted for a period of 10 years as from the time they are issued by the Board of Directors.
As a result of issuing the Options, the pre-emptive right of shareholders to subscribe for the new shares to be issued as said Options are exercised will be
eliminated in favour of the Beneficiaries.
Rights obtained as the result of the Options cannot be transferred until the Options have been exercised.
Options must be exercised within the aforementioned maximum period of 10 years, any Option not exercised before the expiry of such period shall
automatically become null and void.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
Furthermore, the Beneficiary must comply with the following vesting schedule:
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The Beneficiary may exercise 25% of the Options issued to him/her after the expiry of a period of 12 months following the date he/she joins Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries; |
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Thereafter, the Beneficiary may exercise the remainder of his/her Options at the rate of 1/36th per month for the period between the 13th and 48th month following the date he/she joins Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries. |
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The Beneficiary may exercise 25% of the Options issued to him/her after the expiry of a period of 12 months following the date of such issue ; |
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Thereafter, the Beneficiary may exercise the remainder of his/her Options at the rate of 1/36th per month for the period between the 13th and 48th month following the date of the aforesaid issue. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the duties of the Beneficiary with Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries, be suspended on the request
of said Beneficiary for a given period, the vesting process and its schedule described above shall be suspended likewise until the end of the aforesaid period.
In the event that a third party acquires a 100% interest in Sequans Communications, and in no other case, a Beneficiary who is subsequently dismissed
other than for misconduct or gross negligence shall have the right to exercise all of his/her Options within a period of 30 days following the date of said dismissal, notwithstanding the schedule set out above for exercising his/her Options.
In the event that a company ceases to be a subsidiary of Sequans Communications, all Options held by the employees of such subsidiary, and that have not been
exercised before such time, shall automatically and immediately become null and void.
III-3. Cessation of the Beneficiarys duties with
Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries
In the event that the Beneficiarys duties with Sequans Communications or one of its
subsidiaries, whether as an employee or company officer, cease:
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said Beneficiary shall lose all rights with regard to Options that are not yet exercisable on the date that his/her duties cease in accordance with the schedule for exercising the Options set out in Article III-2.
hereinabove. |
However, the Beneficiary retains the right to exercise Options that are exercisable and that have not yet been exercised,
provided that the Beneficiary exercises his/her Options within a period of 30 days following the actual termination of his/her duties.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
Notwithstanding the above provisions, should the loss of the status as an employee during the Vesting Period be due to one of the following reasons, the
Options would be treated as follows:
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Retirement: A Beneficiary whose date of retirement is effective at least one year after the allotment of Options, shall enjoy an accelerated vesting under which all such Options will become immediately
exercisable. Such Beneficiary shall have a period of ninety (90) days to exercise the Options, from the effective date of retirement. Such Options shall remain subject to the other conditions of this Plan. |
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Death: the successors or beneficiaries of a Beneficiary shall have a period of six (6) months to exercise the Options, from the date of death of said Beneficiary; after the expiry of this period, the
successors or beneficiaries shall definitely lose the right to exercise unexercised Options. In any case, no exercise shall take place after the expiration of Options. |
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2nd and 3rd category disability, within the meaning of article L.341-4 of the French Social Security Codeor an equivalent foreign social security regimeBeneficiaries is entitled to the right to
exercise their Options which are exercisable, but they will remain subject to the other conditions of this Plan. |
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Termination for economic reasons (redundancy): the Beneficiary shall have a period of ninety (90) days to exercise the Optionswhich are exercisablefrom the effective date of termination;
they will be subject to the other conditions of this Plan. |
III-4. Setting the subscription price for shares obtained by exercising
the Options
The subscription price for New Shares to be issued pursuant to an exercise of the Options is set at the closing price of the Sequans
Communications share (ADS) listed on the NYSE, on the effective date of allotment of Options.
This price is mentioned in the Individual Notification
Letter, price which may not be changed during the Options period of validity, except in the event of adjustments in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
III-5. Maintaining the rights of Option holders during the exercise period
During the entire period of validity of the Options, the Company shall be entitled to proceed with a capital write-off or reduction, a change to the
appropriation of profits, a free allotment of shares, a capitalization of reserves, profits or share premiums, a distribution of reserves or any issue of capital securities or securities giving entitlement to an allotment of capital securities
conferring a subscription right reserved for shareholders, provided that the Company accordingly take the necessary measures in compliance with applicable legal and/or regulatory provisions.
IV REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR EXERCISING OPTIONS
IV-1. Suspension of the rights to exercise the Options
If necessary, the Board of Directors may suspend the right to exercise the Options. In particular, a suspension may be ordered whenever a transaction
concerning Sequans Communications share capital requires knowing in advance the exact number of shares that make up share capital or in the event that one of the financial transactions requiring an adjustment is carried out.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
In such case, Sequans Communications shall inform the Beneficiaries of the Options, indicating the date of the suspension and the date on which the right to
exercise Options will be re-established. Such suspension may not exceed 3 months.
If the right to exercise an Option expires during a period in which
rights are suspended, the period for exercising the Option shall be extended by 3 months.
IV-2. Procedures and conditions for exercising the
Options
All requests for exercising Options, documented by the signature of a subscription certificate specific to the SO 2014 Plan, shall be sent
to Sequans Communications, and shall be accompanied by a cheque made out to the Companys order in an amount corresponding to the number of New Shares subscribed, considering that such shares must be fully paid up in cash at the time of
subscription, except in case of settlement of the subscription price by way of a set-off with a debt. If the Beneficiary has been registered in the on-line equity management system established by the Company, exercise of Options shall take place in
accordance with the process manual provided to the Beneficiary and/or available from the Companys human resources department.
Failure to fully pay
the exercise price renders the subscription null and void.
V FEATURES OF SHARES SUBSCRIBED
V-1. Delivery and form of shares
New Shares
acquired by exercising Options are registered in the books of Sequans Communications as registered shares, which meets the statutory requirements for benefiting from the applicable favourable tax treatment.
V-2. Rights - Availability
New Shares (ordinary
shares), shall be subject to all provisions of the memorandum and articles of association and shall enjoy all rights pertaining to shares of such class as from the date the increase in share capital is completed.
These New Shares shall be immediately transferable.
Since
these shares are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange and in order to avoid any insider trading risk, Beneficiaries shall comply with the Insider Trading Compliance Policy of the Company, available on the Companys intranet and
website, and/or from the human resources department.
VI TAX PROVISIONS
The presentation of tax treatment is provided for informational purposes only. It corresponds to the French legislation in effect as of the date this
plan was approved by the Board of Directors.
The Beneficiary shall be responsible for learning about any amendments to the applicable tax treatment.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
VI-1. The tax provisions currently applicable to Beneficiaries who are employees of Sequans Communications and who are domiciled in France, are
explained below.
1. A Beneficiary who has exercised Options and subscribed for shares of Sequans Communications realizes a gain equal to the
difference between the value of the shares on the date the Option is exercised and the subscription price of the shares (Gain on Exercise).
Gain on Exercise is subject to
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an individual income tax (impôt sur le revenu) : progressive rate up to 45% |
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social security contributions (prélèvements sociaux : CSG, CRDS...) : 8% (5.1% being deductible for income tax purposes) |
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an employee specific contribution (contribution salariale spécifique) : 10% |
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as the case may be, an exceptional contribution on high income (contribution exceptionnelle sur les hauts revenus) : progressive rate up to 4% |
Gain on Exercise is exempt from standard social security contributions provided that Sequans Communicationsor its affiliates as the case may
becomplies with the relevant filing obligations.
2. The capital gain realised at the time of sale is equal to the difference between
the sale price of the share and the value of such share on the date the Option is exercised (Gain on sale). Gain on Sale is taxed from the first Euro in accordance with the tax treatment of capital gains realised on the sale of
securities.
The Gain on Sale is therefore subject to
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an individual income tax (impôt sur le revenu) : progressive rate up to 45%(*) |
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social security contributions (prélèvements sociaux : CSG, CRDS...) : 15.5 % (5.1% being deductible for income tax purposes) |
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as the case may be, an exceptional contribution on high income (contribution exceptionnelle sur les hauts revenus) : progressive rate up to 4% |
(*) : The Holder will also enjoy a complementary abatement of
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50% if he holds the shares for an additional period of 2 years from the date of exercise |
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65% if he holds the shares for an additional period of 8 years from the date of exercise |
Note: In
addition, in order to benefit from this specific tax treatment, the Beneficiary must attach to his/her income tax return for the year in which the Options are exercised a certificate that will be provided to him/her by the Company.
3. The tax information contained in this section VI-1 is likely to change in accordance with the applicable statutory and regulatory provisions. Sequans
Communications and its subsidiaries shall have no obligation to provide advice and/or assistance in this regard.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
VI-2. TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO BENEFICIARIES DOMICILED
ABROAD.
Beneficiaries domiciled abroad are solely responsible for:
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Determining the tax provisions applicable to gains resulting from (i) holding the Options, (ii) holding the shares issued as a result of exercising the Options, and (iii) the sale of such shares;
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Paying all taxes and contributions due as a result. |
However, Beneficiaries domiciled abroad might be subject
to a French withholding Tax in respect of the Gain on Exercise, to the extent of days worked in France.
Sequans Communications and its subsidiaries
shall have no obligation to provide advice and/or assistance in this regard.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
APPENDIX RELATING TO ISRAELI BENEFICIARIES
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1.1. |
This appendix (the Appendix) shall apply only to beneficiaries (the Beneficiaries) of the Plan (as such term is defined below) who are residents of the State of Israel or those who are deemed to
be residents of the State of Israel for the purpose of payment of income tax under the Ordinance (as such term is defined in Clause 2.13 below) (the Israeli Beneficiaries). The provisions specified hereunder shall form an integral part
of the Stock Options Subscription Plan 2014 (the Plan), which applies to the grant of options (Options) to purchase shares of Sequans Communications SA, a Societe Anonyme, incorporated under the laws of the Republic of
France, having its statutory seat in Colombes, France (the Company). |
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1.2. |
According to the Plan, options to purchase the Companys shares may be granted to employees, directors and/or other company officers as well as to employees of any the Companys Subsidiaries (as such term is
defined in Clause 2.16 below). |
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1.3. |
The Appendix is to be read as an integral part of the Plan so that the Appendix and the Plan jointly will comply with the requirements of Israeli law in general, and in particular with the provisions of Section 102
of the Ordinance, as may be amended or replaced from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, this Appendix does not apply to or modify the Plan with respect of any Beneficiaries except for the Israeli Beneficiaries. |
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1.4. |
The Plan and this Appendix are complimentary to each other and shall be deemed as one with respect to Israeli Beneficiaries. In any case of a contradiction (explicit or implicit) between the provisions of this Appendix
and the Plan, the provisions of this Appendix shall prevail where tax law issues are concerned. |
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1.5. |
Any capitalized term not specifically defined in this Appendix shall be construed according to the meaning given to it in the Plan. |
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2.1. |
Approved 102 Option means an Option granted to an Israeli Beneficiary pursuant to Section 102(b) of the Ordinance (as such term is defined in Clause 2.13 below) the registration thereof being maintained
by the Escrow Agent (as such term is defined in Clause 2.17 below), which may be classified as either a Capital Gains Option or a Ordinary Income Option (as such terms are respectively defined in Clauses 2.2 and 2.9 below).
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2.2. |
Capital Gains Option means an Approved 102 Option elected and designated by the Company to qualify under the capital gains tax treatment in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(b)(2) of the
Ordinance. |
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2.3. |
Controlling Shareholder shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 32(9) of the Ordinance. |
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2.4. |
Employee means a person who is employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including an individual who is serving as a director or an officer, but excluding any Controlling Shareholder, all as
determined in Section 102. |
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
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2.5. |
Exercise Price means the exercise price to be paid by the Israeli Beneficiary to the Company upon the exercise of an Option. |
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2.6. |
Exercised Share(s) means the Share(s) that were acquired and issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option. |
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2.7. |
ITA means the Israeli Tax Authorities. |
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2.8. |
Non-Employee means a Controlling Shareholder or any consultant, adviser, service provider or any other person who is engaged by or is related to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, but is not an
Employee. |
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2.9. |
Option Agreement means the share option agreement between the Company and an Israeli Beneficiary that sets out the terms and conditions of the Option granted to such Israeli Beneficiary. |
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2.10. |
Ordinary Income Option means an Approved 102 Option elected and designated by the Company to qualify under the ordinary income tax treatment in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(b)(1) of the
Ordinance. |
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2.11. |
102 Option means any Approved 102 Option or Unapproved 102 Option granted to an Employee pursuant to Section 102. |
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2.12. |
3(i) Option means an Option granted pursuant to Section 3(i) of the Ordinance to a Non- Employee. |
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2.13. |
Ordinance means the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version), 5721 1961, as in effect from time to time. |
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2.14. |
Share means one ordinary share with a par value of EUR 0.02 subscribed upon exercise of one Option. |
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2.15. |
Section 102 means Section 102 of the Ordinance and any regulations, rules, orders or procedures promulgated thereunder, as in effect from time to time. |
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2.16. |
Subsidiary means any employing company within the meaning of such term in Section 102(a) of the Ordinance. |
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2.17. |
Escrow Agent means an escrow agent appointed by the Company, and approved by the ITA, to serve as an escrow agent in connection with the grant of Approved 102 Options, all in accordance with the provisions
of Section 102. |
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2.18. |
Unapproved 102 Option means an Option granted pursuant to Section 102(c) of the Ordinance. |
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3.1. |
The persons eligible for participation in the Plan as Israeli Beneficiaries shall include Employees and Non-Employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who are residents of the State of Israel or those who are
deemed to be residents of the State of Israel for the purpose of payment of income tax under the Ordinance; provided, however, that: (i) Employees may only be granted 102 Options; and (ii) Non-Employees may only be granted 3(i)
Options. |
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
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3.2. |
The Company may designate, at its sole discretion, Options granted to Employees pursuant to Section 102 as Unapproved 102 Options or as Approved 102 Options. |
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3.3. |
The grant of Approved 102 Options shall be made under this Appendix adopted by the Board of Directors, and shall be conditioned upon the approval of this Appendix by the ITA. |
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3.4. |
No Approved 102 Options shall be granted under this Appendix to any Employee unless and until the Companys election of the type of Approved 102 Options to be granted to Employees Capital Gains Options or
Ordinary Income Options is appropriately filed with the ITA (the Election). Such Election shall become effective beginning on the first date of grant of an Approved 102 Option under this Appendix and shall remain in effect until
the end of the year following the year during which the Company first granted Approved 102 Options (the Term). The Election shall obligate the Company to grant during the Term only the type of Approved 102 Option it has elected,
and shall apply to all Israeli Beneficiaries who were granted Approved 102 Options during the Term, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(g) of the Ordinance. For the avoidance of doubt, such Election shall not prevent the
Company from granting Unapproved 102 Options simultaneously. |
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3.5. |
The Escrow Agent shall maintain a register of all Approved 102 Options, all in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in Clause4 below. |
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3.6. |
For the avoidance of doubt, the grant of Unapproved 102 Options and Approved 102 Options shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 102. |
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4.1. |
All Exercised Shares and, if applicable, other shares received subsequently following any exercise of rights in connection with the Approved 102 Options or Exercised Shares, including without limitation bonus Shares,
shall all be granted, allocated and issued to the Escrow Agent on behalf of the Israeli Beneficiary and held for the benefit of the Israeli Beneficiaries for such period of time as required under Section 102 (the Holding Period). In
the event the requirements for the Approved 102 Options are not met, then the Approved 102 Options may be regarded as Unapproved 102 Options, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 102. |
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4.2. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Escrow Agent shall not release any Shares allocated or issued to it upon exercise of Approved 102 Options prior to the full payment of the Israeli Beneficiarys tax
liabilities arising from the grant of the Approved 102 Options and/or the exercise of such Approved 102 Options and/or the sale of the Exercised Shares, if any. |
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4.3. |
Subject to the provisions of Section 102, an Israeli Beneficiary shall not sell or release from the Escrow Agent any Approved 102 Options, Exercised Shares and/or any Share received subsequently following any
exercise of rights in connection with Approved 102 Options or the Exercised Shares, including without limitation, bonus Shares, until the lapse of the Holding Period required under Section 102. Notwithstanding the above, if any such sale or
release occurs during the Holding Period, the sanctions under Section 102 shall apply to, and shall be borne by, such Israeli Beneficiary. |
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
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4.4. |
By the execution of the agreement and upon receipt of Approved 102 Option, the Israeli Beneficiaries undertakes to release the Escrow Agent from any liability in respect of any action or decision duly taken and bona
fide executed in relation to this Appendix, any Approved 102 Option or Exercised Share issued to such Israeli Beneficiary thereunder. |
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4.5. |
No Exercised Shares or any additional rights issued by the Company to the Escrow Agent for the benefit of an Israeli Beneficiary shall be held by the Escrow Agent for a period longer than ten (10) years after the
end of the Term. The Company shall instruct the Escrow Agent as to the transfer of these Shares. |
The terms and conditions upon which the Options shall be granted and exercised
shall be as specified in the Option Agreement to be executed pursuant to this Appendix. Each Option Agreement shall state, inter alia, the number of Shares to which the Option relates, the type of Option granted thereunder (whether Capital
Gains Option, Ordinary Income Option, Unapproved 102 Option or 3(i) Option), the vesting provisions and the exercise price.
If at the date of grant of Capital Gains Options the Companys shares
are listed on any stock exchange (as such term is defined in the Ordinance) or if the Companys shares will be registered for trading within ninety (90) days following the date of such grant of Capital Gains Options, the fair market value
of such grants underlying Shares at the date of grant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions set in Section 102(b)(3) of the Ordinance.
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7.1. |
Options shall be exercised by the Israeli Beneficiary by: (i) giving a written notice to the Company and where applicable, to the Escrow Agent or to any other third party designated by the Company, in such form and
method as may be determined from time to time by the Company, in accordance with the requirements of Section 102; and (ii) the payment to the Company, of the Exercise Price with respect to all the Options exercised, in such manner as shall
be determined by the Company. |
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7.2. |
Upon the delivery of a duly signed Notice of Exercise and actual receipt of the full payment to the Company of the Exercise Price with respect to all the Options specified therein, the Company shall issue the Exercised
Shares to the Escrow Agent (according to the applicable Holding Period) or to the Israeli Beneficiary, as the case may be. |
8. |
ASSIGNABILITY AND SALE OF OPTIONS |
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8.1. |
No Option or any right with respect thereto, purchasable hereunder, whether fully paid or not, shall be assignable, transferable or given as collateral or any right with respect to it given to any third party
whatsoever, and during the lifetime of the Israeli Beneficiary each and all of such Israeli Beneficiarys rights to purchase Shares hereunder shall be exercisable only by the Israeli Beneficiary. Any such action made directly or indirectly, for
an immediate validation or for a future one, shall be void. |
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8.2. |
As long as Exercised Shares are held by the Escrow Agent on behalf of an Israeli Beneficiary, all such Israeli Beneficiarys rights in the Exercised Shares are personal, can not be transferred, assigned, pledged or
mortgaged, except for transfers by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, provided that the transferee thereof shall be subject to the provisions of Section 102 as would have been applicable to the deceased Israeli Beneficiary.
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
9. |
INTEGRATION OF SECTION 102 AND THE ITA |
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9.1. |
With regards to Approved 102 Options, the provisions of the Plan and/or the Appendix and/or the Option Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of Section 102 and the Israeli Tax Authoritys approval, and
the said provisions and permit shall be deemed an integral part of the Plan, the Appendix and the Option Agreement. For the removal of doubt, in case of any contradiction between any provision of the Plan, the Appendix or the Option Agreement, one
the one side, and Section 102 and/or the Israeli Tax Authoritys approval, on the other side, the latter shall prevail and shall be binding upon the Company and the Israeli Beneficiaries. |
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9.2. |
Any provision of Section 102 and/or the said permit which is necessary in order to receive and/or to keep any tax benefit pursuant to Section 102, which is not expressly specified in the Plan, the Appendix or
the Option Agreement, shall be binding upon the Company and the Israeli Beneficiaries. |
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Subject to the Companys incorporation documents and applicable laws, the Israeli Beneficiary shall be entitled to receive dividends with respect to all Exercised Shares held by the Israeli Beneficiary or by the
Escrow Agent, as the case may be, and subject to any applicable taxation on distribution of dividends, and when applicable subject to the provisions of Section 102. |
11. |
RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER |
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Unless otherwise specified in the Plan, an Israeli Beneficiary shall not have any rights as a shareholder with respect to Shares issued under this Plan, until such time as the Shares shall be released from escrow. The
Israeli Beneficiary shall have the right to vote the Exercised Shares at any and all shareholder meetings without restriction. |
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12.1. |
Any tax consequences arising from the grant of any Option to an Israeli Beneficiary, the exercise of any Option by an Israeli Beneficiary, the payment of the Exercise Price, or any other event or act with respect
thereof (of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and/or the Escrow Agent and/or the Israeli Beneficiary), shall be borne solely by the applicable Israeli Beneficiary. The Company and/or its Subsidiaries and/or the Escrow Agent shall withhold all
taxes according to the requirements under any applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including without limitation withholding taxes at source. Furthermore, the Israeli Beneficiary shall indemnify the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and/or the
Escrow Agent, as applicable, and hold them harmless against and from any and all liability for any such tax or interest or penalty thereon, including without limitation, liabilities relating to the necessity to withhold, or to have withheld, any
such tax from any payment made to the Israeli Beneficiary. |
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12.2. |
The Company and/or, when applicable, the Escrow Agent shall not be required to release any share certificate to an Israeli Beneficiary until to the Companys and, when applicable, to the Escrow Agents
discretion, all required payments have been fully made. |
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12.3. |
With respect to Unapproved 102 Options, if the Israeli Beneficiary ceases to be employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Israeli Beneficiary shall extend to the Company and/or the applicable Subsidiary a
security or guarantee, to the full satisfaction of the Company, for the payment of taxes and the like due at the time of sale of Shares, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 102. |
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SO 2014 Subscription Plan
13. |
GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION |
This Appendix shall be governed by and construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Israel, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws. The competent courts of Tel-Aviv, Israel shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction in any matters pertaining to the Plan.
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Exhibit 4.2(d)
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
SEQUANS
COMMUNICATIONS
Société anonyme au capital de 1.182.668,64 Euros
Siège social : Les Portes de la Défense, 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle - 92700 COLOMBES
RCS Nanterre 450 249 677
BSA 2014-1 (Warrants) Issuance Agreement
Dated
(1) SEQUANS
COMMUNICATIONS
(2) THE HOLDERS OF BSA 2014-1
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
Summary
PREAMBLE : PRESENTATION OF THE
ISSUANCE AGREEMENT
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Title 1. |
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SUBSCRIPTION AND FEATURES OF BSA 2014-1 |
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Article 1. |
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Holders of BSA 2014-1 |
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Article 2. |
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Allotment and subscription of BSA 2014-1 |
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Article 3. |
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Features and period of validity of BSA 2014-1 Conditions of exercise |
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Article 4. |
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Cessation of Holders contractual relationship with Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries |
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5 |
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Article 5. |
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Setting of the subscription price for shares covered by the BSA 2014-1 |
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5 |
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Title 2. |
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RIGHT OF EXERCIZE SUSPENSION FORMALITIES SHARES SUBSCRIBED |
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Article 6. |
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Suspension of the rights to exercise the BSA 2014-1 |
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Article 7. |
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Conditions of exercise of BSA 2014-1 |
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Article 8. |
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Delivery and form of shares |
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Article 9. |
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Rights and availability of shares |
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Title 3. |
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REPRESENTATION OF HOLDERS PROTECTION AMENDMENT OF THE ISSUANCE AGREEMENT |
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Article 10. |
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Representation of Holders |
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Article 11. |
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Protection of Holders Rights of the Company |
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Article 12. |
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Binding effect Amendment of the issuance agreement Term Jurisdiction |
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2
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
WHEREAS
In order to reward its business partners
(consultants, advisers...) which have not the quality of shareholder of the company, Sequans Communications wishes to set up a system enabling them to share in its growth.
This BSA 2014-1 warrants subscription plan is a mechanism by which Sequans Communications offers its business partners the possibility of subscribing for
warrants (hereafter referred to as BSA 2014-1) at a set price; the exercise of each BSA 2014-1 allows the subscription for a new ordinary share during a certain period, at a price set on the date the BSA 2014-1 are issued, and
that remains fixed during the entire period. In this way, the beneficiaries participate in their companys performance through the changes in share value, even before they become shareholders by exercising the BSA 2014-1 to subscribe for
shares. This mechanism is governed, in particular, by the provisions set forth under article L.228-91 of the French Commercial Code.
In a decision taken
on 26 June 2014, a combined general shareholders meeting voted in favour of the principle of issuing BSA 2014-1, with a unitary price of 0.01 Euro, likely to give rise to a maximum of 1,350,000 new ordinary shares with a unitary par value
of EUR 0.02.
This combined general shareholders meeting has defined the conditions of setting of the subscription price for the security likely to
be issued upon exercise of each BSA 2014-1 and decided that this price would be equal to the closing price of the Sequans Communications share (ADS) listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), on the date of the granting of said BSA 2014-1.
In addition, this decision granted the Board of Directors the power to issue such BSA 2014-1, on one or more occasions, including the authority to determine
the holders and the number of BSA 2014-1 to be issued and the exercise conditions. Furthermore, the Board of Directors was granted the power to increase share capital by a maximum amount equal to the total number of BSA 2014-1 issued, to record the
successive increases in share capital as a result of the exercise of the BSA 2014-1, and to carry out all formalities required as a result thereof.
Pursuant to the aforesaid delegation of power, the Board of Directors has defined, at a meeting held on June 26th 2014, the terms and conditions of the
BSA 2014-1 (Warrants) Issuance Agreement (the Issuance Agreement) governing BSA 2014-1.
3
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS
Title 1. SUBSCRIPTION AND
FEATURES OF BSA 2014-1
Article 1. Holders of BSA 2014-1
The Holder is a physical person having effective contractual relationship on the basis of a services contract duly signedwith Sequans
Communications at the date an offer of subscription of BSA 2014-1 is made pursuant to this Issuance Agreement.
Holders are approved by the Companys
Board of Directors.
Article 2. Allotment and subscription of BSA 2014-1.
The BSA 2014-1 proposed to the Holders shall be subscribed at the price of 0.01 Euro per BSA 2014-1, price which shall be paid on subscription, either by mean
of a payment in cash or by way of a set-off with a debt.
The number of BSA 2014-1 proposed to each Holder shall be indicated in an Individual
Notification Letter sent to him/her by the Chairman or his delegate; the subscription of such BSA 2014-1 shall be done no later than 7 days from the receipt of the aforesaid letter, by returning to the Company
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a copy of this Issuance Agreement, |
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a copy of the Individual Letter of Notification, and |
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the BSA subscription form duly signed |
being specified that all such copies shall be duly executed by the
Beneficiary who acknowledges that the Individual Letter of Notification is part of these Issuance Agreement.
FAILURE TO
COMPLY WITH THIS MAJOR FORMALITY WITHIN THE APPLICABLE PERIOD EXCEPT IN
THE EVENT OF FORCE MAJEURE SHALL RENDER THE BSA 2014-1 ISSUED IMMEDIATELY AND
AUTOMATICALLY NULL AND VOID.
Article 3. Features and period of validity of BSA
2014-1 Conditions of exercise
BSA 2014-1 are granted for a period of 10 years as from the time they are issued by the Board of Directors,
and provided they are subscribed for by the Holder.
BSA 2014-1 must be exercised within the aforementioned maximum period of 10 years, any
BSA 2014-1 not exercised before the expiry of such period shall automatically become null and void.
The Holder must comply with the following schedule:
(i) first allotment
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The Holder may exercise his/her BSA 2014-1 at the rate of 1/24th per month for the period between the 1st
and 24th month following the date the services contract signed with Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiarieshas entered in force. |
4
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
(i) further allotment(s)
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The Beneficiary may exercise his/her BSA 2014-1 at the rate of 1/24th per month for the period between the
1st and 24th month following the date of the issue of such BSA 2014-1. |
Exercising a BSA 2014-1 entitles the Holder to subscribe for one new ordinary share with a par value of EUR 0.02 (hereafter a New Share).
This number of shares cannot be modified during the BSA 2014-1 period of validity, except in the event of an adjustment in the subscription price -
as defined under article 5 below - in accordance with the requirements provided by law.
Article 4. Cessation of Holders contractual
relationship with Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries - Exceptions
In the event of a termination, anticipated or not, of the
Holders services contract with Sequans Communications or one of its subsidiaries, regardless of the reason, said Holder shall lose any and all rights with regard to BSA 2014-1 not yet exercisable on the date of the aforesaid termination, in
accordance with the schedule for exercising the BSA 2014-1 set out in the Individual Notification Letter referred to under article 2 above.
However, the
Holder retains the right to exercise BSA 2014-1 that are exercisable and that have not yet been exercised, provided that such Holder exercises his/her BSA 2014-1 within a period of thirty (30) days following the aforesaid termination.
After the expiry of such period, the Holder shall lose any and all rights with regard to unexercised BSA 2014-1 which shall be null and void.
Notwithstanding the above and in the event of
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death of the Holder, his heirs or beneficiaries shall have a period of 6 months to exercise the BSA 2014-1. After the expiry of this 6-month period hereinabove, said heirs or beneficiaries shall lose all rights
with regard to unexercised BSA 2014-1, |
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2nd and 3rd category disability, within the meaning of article L.341-4 of the French Social Security Codeor an equivalent foreign social security regime - Holders may preserve their right to exercise
their BSA 2014-1 which are exercisable, but they will remain subject to the other conditions of this Plan. |
Article 5. Setting of the
subscription price for shares covered by the BSA 2014-1
The subscription price for New Shares to be issued pursuant to an exercise of the BSA
2014-1 is set at the closing price of the Sequans Communications share (ADS) listed on the NYSE, on the effective date of allotment of such BSA 2014-1.
5
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
This price is mentioned in the Individual Notification Letter, price which may not be changed during the BSA 2014-1 period of validity, except in the
event of adjustments in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
The subscription price is set in USD per share (ADS); the counter value in
Euros shall be determined on the exercise date of the BSA. The par value of each share (ADS) is EUR 0.02.
Title 2. RIGHT OF EXERCISE
SUSPENSION FORMALITIES SHARES SUBSCRIBED
Article 6. Suspension of the rights to exercise BSA 2014-1
If necessary, the Board of Directors may suspend the right to exercise the BSA 2014-1. In particular, a suspension may be ordered whenever a transaction
concerning Sequans Communications share capital requires knowing in advance the exact number of shares that make up share capital or in the event that one of the financial transactions requiring an adjustment is carried out.
In such case, Sequans Communications shall inform the Beneficiaries of the BSA 2014-1, indicating the date of the suspension and the date on which the right
to exercise BSA 2014-1 will be re-established. Such suspension may not exceed 3 months.
If the right to exercise a BSA 2014-1 expires during a period in
which rights are suspended, the period for exercising the BSA 2014-1 shall be extended by 3 months.
Article 7. Conditions of exercise of BSA 2014-1
All requests for exercising BSA 2014-1, documented by the signature of a subscription certificate specific to this BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement,
shall be sent to Sequans Communications, and shall be accompanied by a cheque made out to the Companys order in an amount corresponding to the number of New Shares subscribed, considering that such shares must be fully paid up in cash at the
time of subscription, except the case of settlement of the subscription price by way of a set-off with a debt.
If the Holder has been registered in the
on-line equity management system established by the Company, exercise of BSA 2014-1 shall take place in accordance with the process manual provided to the Holder and/or available from the Companys human resources department.
Failure to fully pay the exercise price renders the subscription null and void.
Article 8. Delivery and form of shares
New Shares
acquired by exercising BSA 2014-1 are registered in the books of Sequans Communications as registered shares.
6
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
Article 9. Rights and availability of shares
The
New Shares shall be subject to all provisions of the by-laws and shall enjoy all rights pertaining to ordinary shares as from the date the increase in share capital is completed.
However, since these shares are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange and in order to avoid any insider trading risk, Holders shall comply with
the Insider Trading Compliance Policy of the Company, available on the Companys intranet and website, and/or from the human resources department.
Title 3. REPRESENTATION OF HOLDERS PROTECTION AMENDMENT OF THE ISSUANCE AGREEMENT
Article 10. Representation of Holders of BSA
Pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 228-103 of the French Commercial Code, the Holders of BSA 2014-1 are grouped into a body with legal personality
protecting their joint interests (the masse). General meetings of Holders may meet at the registered office or in any other location of the department of the registered office or of bordering departments.
The masse will appoint one or more representatives of the body, at the request of the Board of Directors. The representative(s) of the masse
will be governed by applicable legal and regulatory provisions. The representative of the masse will receive no remuneration for his duties.
Article 11. Protection of Holders Rights of the Company
11.1 |
Holders will enjoy the protection reserved by law and regulations for holders of securities giving access to the capital. The Company will provide the Holders, or their representative, with the information set out by
the law and regulations. |
11.2 |
During the entire period of validity of the BSA 2014-1, the Company will have the option of changing its form or object, without obtaining prior authorisation from the Holders of BSA 2014-1. In addition, the Company
shall be entitled to change the rules for distributing profits, write down its capital, or create preferred shares entailing such modification or writing down, subject to the prior authorisation to be delivered pursuant the terms of Article L.
228-103 of the French Commercial code and provided that the Company accordingly complies with applicable legal and/or regulatory provisions. |
11.3 |
Subject to the powers expressly reserved by law for the general meeting of shareholders and, as the case may be, for the general meeting and for the representative of the body of Holders, the Board of directors will be
empowered to take any measure relating to the protection and adjustment of the rights of Holders as provided for by the law and regulations, in particular by Article L. 228-99 of the French Commercial Code. |
7
BSA 2014-1 Issuance Agreement
11.4 |
The Issuance Agreement and the conditions for the subscription or allotment of equity securities determined at the time of the issuance may only be amended by the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the
Company, with the authorisation of the Holders obtained under the conditions provided for by law, in particular by Article L. 228-103 of the French Commercial Code. |
Article 12. Binding effect Amendment of the issuance agreement Term Jurisdiction
12.1 |
The Holders are automatically subject to this Issuance Agreement, through this subscription or acquisition of BSA 2014-1. |
12.2 |
This Issuance Agreement becomes effective on the date of effective subscription of the BSA 2014-1 and ends on the first of the following dates: (a) the expiry date of the BSA 2014-1, (b) the date on which all
the BSA 2014-1 have been exercised or waived. In addition, it will cease to be binding on each BSA 2014-1 Holder on the date on which such holder ceases to hold any BSA 2014-1. |
12.3 |
This Issuance Agreement is subject to French law. Any dispute relating to this Issuance Agreement or relating to the application of the terms and conditions of the BSA 2014-1 will be referred to the relevant court of
the district of the Cour dappel (Court of Appeal) of the registered office of the Company. |
Executed in two (2) copies
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SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS |
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M. |
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(the Holder)
(The Holder shall initialize each page, sign the last page and write down: read and approved)
8
Exhibit 4.12
SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS
Société anonyme au capital de 1.182.668,64 Euros
Siège social : Les Portes de la Défense, 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle - 92700 COLOMBES
RCS Nanterre B 450 249 677
BSA
(Warrants) Issuance Agreement
Dated June 26th, 2014
(1) SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS
(2) THE HOLDER OF BSA
Summary
PREAMBLE : PRESENTATION OF THE ISSUANCE AGREEMENT
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Title 1. |
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SUBSCRIPTION AND FEATURES OF BSA |
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Article 1. |
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Holder of BSA |
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3 |
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Article 2. |
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Allotment and subscription of BSA |
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3 |
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Article 3. |
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Features and period of validity of BSA Conditions of exercise |
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4 |
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Article 4. |
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Termination of the mandate of non-executive Board Member of Sequans Communications |
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Article 5. |
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Setting of the subscription price for shares covered by the BSA |
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Title 2. |
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RIGHT OF EXERCISE SUSPENSION FORMALITIES SHARES SUBSCRIBED |
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4 |
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Article 6. |
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Suspension of the rights to exercise the BSA |
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4 |
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Article 7. |
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Conditions of exercise of BSA |
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5 |
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Article 8. |
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Delivery and form of shares |
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5 |
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Article 9. |
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Rights and availability of shares |
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5 |
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Title 3. |
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REPRESENTATION OF HOLDERS - PROTECTION AMENDMENT OF THE ISSUANCE AGREEMENT |
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5 |
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Article 10. |
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Representation of Holders |
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5 |
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Article 11. |
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Protection of Holders Rights of the Company |
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5 |
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Article 12. |
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Binding effect Amendment of the issuance agreement Term Jurisdiction |
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WHEREAS
In
a decision taken on June 26th, 2014, a combined general shareholders meeting (the CGM) voted in favour of the issuance a total number of 85,000 BSA, at the price of 0.01 Euro per BSA, allocated as follows :
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Mr. Hubert de Pesquidoux |
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10,000 BSA |
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Mr. Gilles Delfassy |
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10,000 BSA |
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Mr. James Patterson |
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10,000 BSA |
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Mr. Dominique Pitteloud |
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10,000 BSA |
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Mr. Zvi Slonimsky |
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10,000 BSA |
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Mr. Alok Sharma |
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10,000 BSA |
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Mr. Yves Maître |
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25,000 BSA |
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Each BSA gives the Holder the right to subscribe for one ordinary share at the market value approved by the most recent
Board of Directors prior to the actual issue of said BSA. This decision entails the suppression of the shareholders pre-emptive subscription rights with respect to the ordinary shares likely to be issued.
Furthermore, the Board of Directors was granted the power to increase share capital by a maximum nominal amount of Euro 1,700, with respect to 85,000 BSA, to
record the successive increases in share capital as a result of the exercise of the BSA, and to carry out all formalities required as a result thereof.
The CGM, having eliminated the preferred subscription right of shareholders to the BSA, fully reserved subscription of these BSA for the subscribers
designated by the CGM.
The purpose of this BSA issuance agreement (the Issuance Agreement) is to define the terms and conditions governing
the BSA issued to each Holder with a vesting period.
THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS
Title 1. SUBSCRIPTION AND FEATURES OF BSA
The Holder is a physical person being an non-executive member of the
Companys Board of Directors, designated by the CGM.
The number of BSA allocated to the Holder is 10.000 or 25.000, as provided in the recitals.
Article 2. |
Allotment and subscription of BSA. |
The BSA proposed to the Holders shall be subscribed at the
price of 0.01 Euro per BSA, price which shall be paid on subscription, either by mean of a payment in cash or by way of a set-off with a debt.
The number
of BSA proposed to Holder shall be indicated in an Individual Notification Letter sent to him/her by the Chairman; the subscription of such shall be done no later than 10 days from the receipt of the aforesaid letter, by returning to the
Company
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the BSA subscription form duly signed, |
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as well as a copy of this Issuance Agreement attached to said letter, after the Holder has duly executed said copies. |
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS MAJOR FORMALITY
WITHIN THE APPLICABLE PERIOD EXCEPT IN THE EVENT OF FORCE MAJEURE -
SHALL RENDER THE BSA ISSUED IMMEDIATELY AND AUTOMATICALLY VOID.
Article 3. |
Features and period of validity of BSA Conditions of exercise |
Provided they are
subscribed for by the Holder, BSA are granted for a period of 10 years as from June 26th, 2014, date of their issuance by the CGM and subscription by the Holder.
BSA must be exercised within the aforementioned maximum period of 10 years; furthermore, the vesting schedule is at the rate of 1/3rd per year. For the
sake of clarity, it is specified that, the Holder shall be entitled to exercise up to 1/3rd of his BSA on the first, up to 2/3rd on the second
and without restriction on the third anniversary of the date defined by the CGM and reminded in the Individual Notification Letter.
Exercising a BSA
entitles the Holder to subscribe for one ordinary share of Sequans Communications share capital at the price of USD 1.77 (closing price of Sequans Communications ADS on NYSE on 26 June 2014); the counter value in Euro shall be
determined on the exercise date of the BSA.
This number of shares cannot be modified during the BSA period of validity, except in the event of an
adjustment in the subscription price and any other adjustments in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Any BSA that is not exercised
before the expiry of the aforementioned 10-year period shall be null and void.
Article 4. |
Termination of the mandate of non-executive Board member of Sequans Communications |
In the event
of a termination, anticipated or not, of the Holders mandate as non-executive Board member of Sequans Communications, regardless of the reason, said Holder shall lose any and all rights with regard to BSA not yet exercisable on the date of the
aforesaid termination (hereafter the Termination Date), in accordance with the schedule for exercising the BSA set under article 2 above.
However, the Holder retains the right to exercise BSA that are exercisable and that have not yet been exercised, provided that Holder exercises them within a
period of thirty (30) days following the Termination Date.
After the expiry of such period, the Holder shall lose any and all rights with regard to
unexercised BSA which shall be null and void.
Notwithstanding the above and in the event of death of the Holder, his heirs or beneficiaries shall have a
period of 6 months to exercise the BSA. After the expiry of this 6-month period hereinabove, said heirs or beneficiaries shall lose all rights with regard to unexercised BSA.
However and should Sequans Communications be subject to an acquisition by a third company, all BSA subscribed by the Holder and not yet exercisable would
nevertheless become exercisable from the effective date of such change of control, notwithstanding the schedule set out under article 3 above, allowing said Holder to exercise any and all remaining BSA, provided that such exercise occurs within a
period of 30 days following the aforesaid acquisition.
Article 5. |
Setting of the subscription price for shares covered by the BSA |
The CGM decided that the
subscription price for shares to be issued pursuant to an exercise of the BSA shall be equal to the closing price of Sequans Communications share on NYSE as determined on June 26, 2014.
This subscription price with respect to this BSA Issuance Agreement - is set in the amount of USD 1.77 per share (ADS) ; the counter value in Euros
shall be determined on the exercise date of the BSA. The par value of each share (ADS) is EUR 0.02.
This price may not be changed during the BSA period
of validity, except in the event of adjustments in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Title 2. RIGHT OF EXERCISE
SUSPENSION FORMALITIES SHARES SUBSCRIBED
Article 6. |
Suspension of the rights to exercise BSA |
If necessary, the Board of Directors may suspend the
right to exercise the BSA. In particular, a suspension may be ordered whenever a transaction concerning Sequans Communications share capital requires knowing in advance the exact number of shares that make up share capital or in the event that
one of the financial transactions requiring an adjustment is carried out.
- 4/6 -
In such case, Sequans Communications shall inform the Holders of the BSA, indicating the date of the suspension
and the date on which the right to exercise BSA will be re-established. Such suspension may not exceed 3 months.
If the right to exercise a BSA expires
during a period in which rights are suspended, the period for exercising the BSA shall be extended by 3 months.
Article 7. |
Conditions of exercise of BSA |
All requests for exercising BSA, documented by the signature of
the corresponding subscription certificate, shall be sent to Sequans Communications, and must be accompanied by a cheque or a money transfer made out to the Companys order in an amount corresponding to the number of shares subscribed.
Alternatively, BSA may be exercised via any on-line equity incentives system which may be put in place by Sequans Communications.
Shares subscribed must
be, at the time of subscription, either fully paid up in cash or by way of a set-off with a debt.
Failure to do so renders the subscription of shares
null and void.
Article 8. |
Delivery and form of shares |
Shares acquired by exercising BSA are registered in the books of
Sequans Communications as registered shares.
Article 9. |
Rights and availability of shares |
The ordinary shares shall be subject to all provisions of the
by-laws and shall enjoy all rights pertaining to shares of such class as from the date the increase in share capital is completed.
These shares shall be
immediately transferable.
Title 3. REPRESENTATION OF HOLDERS PROTECTION AMENDMENT OF THE ISSUANCE AGREEMENT
Article 10. |
Representation of Holders of BSA |
Pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 228-103 of the
French Commercial Code, the Holders of BSA are grouped into a body with legal personality protecting their joint interests (the masse). General meetings of Holders meet at the registered office or in any other location of the
department of the registered office or of bordering departments.
The masse will appoint one or more representatives of the body, at
the request of the Board of Directors. The representative(s) of the masse will be governed by applicable legal and regulatory provisions. The representative of the masse will receive no remuneration for his duties.
Article 11. |
Protection of Holders Rights of the Company |
11.1 |
Holders will enjoy the protection reserved by law and regulations for holders of securities giving access to the capital. The Company will provide the Holders, or their representative, with the information set out by
the law and regulations. |
11.2 |
During the entire period of validity of the BSA, the Company will have the option of changing its form or object, without obtaining prior authorisation from the Holders of BSA. In addition, the Company shall be entitled
to change the rules for distributing profits, write down its capital, or create preferred shares entailing such modification or writing down, subject to the prior authorisation to be delivered pursuant the terms of Article L. 228-103 of the French
Commercial code and provided that the Company accordingly take the measures necessary to maintain the rights of the Holders, in compliance with applicable legal and/or regulatory provisions. |
11.3 |
Subject to the powers expressly reserved by law for the general meeting of shareholders and, as the case may be, for the general meeting and for the representative of the body of Holders, the Board of directors will be
empowered to take any measure relating to the protection and adjustment of the rights of Holders as provided for by the law and regulations, in particular by Article L. 228-99 of the French Commercial Code. |
11.4 |
The Issuance Agreement and the conditions for the subscription or allotment of equity securities determined at the time of the issuance may only be amended by the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the
Company, with the authorisation of the Holders obtained under the conditions provided for by law, in particular by Article L. 228-103 of the French Commercial Code. |
- 5/6 -
Article 12. |
Binding effect Amendment of the issuance agreement Term Jurisdiction |
12.1 |
The Holders are automatically subject to this Issuance Agreement, through this subscription or acquisition of BSA. |
12.2 |
This Issuance Agreement becomes effective on the date of effective subscription of the BSA and ends on the first of the following dates: (a) the expiry date of the BSA, (b) the date on which all the BSA have been
exercised or waived. In addition, it will cease to be binding on each BSA Holder on the date on which such holder ceases to hold any BSA. |
12.3 |
This Issuance Agreement is subject to French law. Any dispute relating to this Issuance Agreement or relating to the application of the terms and conditions of the BSA will be referred to the relevant court of the
district of the Cour dappel of the registered office of the Company. |
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SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS |
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M.
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(the Holder) |
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(The Holder shall initialize each page, sign the last page and write down: read and approved) |
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Exhibit 4.13
Consultancy Agreement
The present agreement (Agreement), dated December 11, 2014, is entered into by and between Sequans Communications S.A.
(Sequans), a French corporation with an office located at 15-55 boulevard Charles de Gaulle, 92700 Colombes, France, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates and Alok Sharma (Consultant), an independent contractor.
1 The Mission
This Agreement sets forth the general
business terms under which Consultant shall provide Sequans with consulting services, as more fully detailed in Appendix A of this Agreement and/or with respect to other similar services as shall be specified in the future by Sequans and agreed with
Consultant from time to time (Consulting Services or Mission).
Consultants activities with respect to this Agreement shall
be coordinated with Sequans through Georges Karam, CEO, or anyone else determined by Sequans.
The Consulting Services shall generally be rendered in
India. Consultant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Consulting Services may require flexible working hours and may include, among other things, at Sequans request and approval, occasional travel, at Sequans expense.
Documentation materials, models and other work developed by Consultant for Sequans under the Mission shall be referred to herein as Deliverables.
Consultant shall maintain electronic records related to the Services provided in connection with the Mission.
Consultant shall regularly keep Sequans advised as to Consultants progress in performing the Consulting Services hereunder, and will, as may be
requested by Sequans, prepare written reports with respect thereto.
2 Payment for the Mission - Expenses
In consideration of the performance and the duration of the Mission, Sequans shall pay to the Consultant the fee set forth in Appendix A (the Fee).
Consultant shall invoice Sequans starting with the last day of each month for his Fee and for his other costs. Such invoices shall be due and payable
within 15 days of receipt of the invoice.
If needed, Sequans will furnish all specific materials and equipment (such as product samples and prototypes)
required to provide the Services under this Agreement.
Sequans shall reimburse Consultant for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (included but not limited
to flight tickets, accommodations, conferences fee, etc.) which have been authorized in advance in writing by Sequans and incurred in connection with performances of the Consulting Services. Such expenses shall be itemized on Consultants
invoices and supported with receipts. Company shall pay such invoices along with the above monthly Fee.
3 Term
This Agreement shall commence on December 11, 2014 and shall continue in force for 3 (three) months except if terminated pursuant to Section 8. After that
initial period, the Agreement may be extended by mutual written consent for additional analysis phases.
4 Relationship of the Parties
Consultant is engaged by Sequans as an independent Consultant on the basis of his specific skill. Consultant shall not disclose to any third party information
concerning any efforts undertaken for Sequans except information which is required to fulfill the Mission, without the express prior written consent of Sequans.
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Consultant shall perform the Mission under its own responsibility and shall determine the adequate manner and
means by which the Mission is accomplished, subject to the express condition that Consultant shall at all times comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and applicable law.
Consultant shall not subcontract any of its duties under this Agreement, nor retain third parties to furnish services to it, in connection with its
performance of this Agreement except with the express prior written consent of Sequans.
During the Term of this Agreement and for three (3) months
thereafter, Consultant shall not provide substantially similar services for a third party who directly competes with Sequans within the specific Consultancy Service scope without prior written approval of Sequans.
5 Warranties - Limitation of Liability
Consultant
warrants that (i) all services performed under this Agreement shall be performed with general prevailing professional or industry standards and that (ii). In the performance of the Mission, Consultant will not use any confidential, proprietary, or
trade secret information that it has learned in prior projects for other clients, nor will it violate any existing copyright, trademark and/or patent
Consultant represents and warrants that he is not under any pre-existing obligation or obligations inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.
Sequans takes over the responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the Deliverables. The accuracy of Deliverables cannot be warranted against continued
development of Sequans products or technology, inaccuracies in Sequans source material supplied to Consultant or lack of review by Sequans technical experts.
EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 5, CONSULTANT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED FOR THE DELIVERABLES OR SERVICES DEVELOPED OR
PROVIDED UNDER STATEMENTS OF WORK OR OTHERWISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. CONSULTANT SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO SUCH DELIVERABLES AND SERVICES. CONSULTANTS
TOTAL LIABILITY UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID TO CONSULTANT FOR THE PROJECT IN QUESTION. IN NO EVENT SHALL CONSULTANT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES INCURRED AS A
RESULT OF ITS ACTS OR OMISSION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. HOWEVER, CONSULTANT SHALL REMAIN LIABLE FOR BODILY INJURY OR PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM GROSSLY NEGLIGENT AND WILLFUL ACTIONS OF CONSULTANT WHILE ON SEQUANS PREMISES TO THE EXTENT
SUCH ACTIONS WERE NOT CAUSED BY SEQUANS.
6 Intellectual Property Ownership
Consultant agrees that all right, title and interest in and to all techniques, methods, processes, formulae, improvements, inventions and discoveries made or
conceived or reduced to practice by Consultant, solely or jointly with others, which are specifically conceived in the course of providing the Services hereunder to Sequans during the period of this Agreement (Intellectual Property)
shall become the sole and exclusive property of Sequans, pursuant to the conditions set out hereafter in this section 6. This Agreement does not apply to an invention or other intellectual property for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or
trade secret information of Sequans was used and which was developed entirely on Consultants own time, and which does not relate to the business of Sequans as disclosed to Consultant and which relates to his specific
Services, and which does not result from any work performed by Consultant for Sequans.
Consultant shall promptly and fully disclose to Sequans all
notes, drawings, data and other information relating to Intellectual Property in the course of providing the Services during the term of this Agreement.
To the extent that any Intellectual Property is not an oeuvre collective conceived under the supervision of Sequans (i.e. a collective work
of authorship governed by the provisions of article L.113-2 of the French Intellectual Property Code Code de la Propriété Intellectuelle) which shall consequently hold all related intellectual property rights, Consultant
agrees to assign to Sequans, or its designees, without additional consideration, all Consultant full right, title and interest, now existing or hereafter created, in and to all Intellectual Property, including all rights in the nature of copyright,
trademark, patent, trade secret, know-how and associated goodwill. Consultant agrees that, during the term of this Agreement and subsequent to the
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completion or termination of this Agreement, Consultant shall, at Sequans request and expense, execute all
applications for French and foreign patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other rights, and will otherwise provide assistance (including but not limited to the execution and delivery of instruments of further assurance or confirmation) to assign such
Intellectual Property to or confirm ownership of such Intellectual Property by Sequans and to permit Sequans to enforce any patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets or other rights in and to such Intellectual Property. Subject to section 6(a)
above, Consultant shall not have any proprietary or other rights whatsoever in any of the Intellectual Property, and he shall not have the right or privilege to use any such Intellectual Property.
With respect to patents and notwithstanding the transfer to Sequans of all related Intellectual Property rights likely to be held by Consultant as inventor,
pursuant to the terms and conditions provided for under section 6 (c) herein, Sequans will take all necessary steps so that Consultants quality of inventor shall be expressly mentioned in the corresponding patent applications.
7 Confidentiality
Confidential information. In
order to conduct the duties involved with the services to be provided to Sequans, Consultant wishes to obtain certain information concerning Sequans and its business which is not generally known, and which Sequans considers to be proprietary and/or
confidential (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Information), which may include but is not limited to, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, diagrams, data, computer
programs, business activities and operations, reports, studies and other technical and business information.
Protection of Confidential
Information. Consultant acknowledges that Sequans claims its Confidential Information as a special, valuable and unique asset. Consultant agrees that it will keep in confidence all Confidential Information and that it will not directly or
indirectly disclose to any third party or use for its own benefit, or use for any purpose other than the consultancy services provided by Consultant, any Confidential Information it receives from Sequans. Consultant agrees to use reasonable care to
protect the Confidential Information, and in no event less than the same degree of care to protect the Confidential Information as it would employ with respect to its own information of like importance, which it does not desire to have published or
disseminated. Any information exchanged by the parties and entitled to protection under this Agreement shall be identified as such by appropriate markings on any documents exchanged, or, if the disclose has been made orally, then the disclosing
party shall identify the information as confidential at the time the disclosure is made and, within two (2) weeks of the disclosure, shall confirm in writing the confidential nature of the oral communication.
Limitations on Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include the information which:
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The Consultant knows at the time of disclosure, free of any obligation to keep it confidential, as evidenced by written records; |
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Is or becomes publicly available through authorized disclosure; |
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Is independently developed by the Consultant without the use of any Confidential Information; or |
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The Consultant rightfully obtains from a third party who has the right to transfer or disclose it. |
If any
portion of any Confidential Information falls within any of the above exceptions, the remainder of the Confidential Information shall continue to be subject to the requirements of this Agreement.
Compelled Disclosure. Should the Consultant be faced with legal action to disclose Confidential Information received under this Agreement, the Consultant
shall promptly notify Sequans and, upon the request of the latter, shall cooperate with Sequans in contesting such a disclosure. Except in connection with failure to discharge the responsibilities set forth in the preceding sentence, neither party
shall be liable in damages for any disclosures pursuant to such legal action.
8 Termination
Notwithstanding the duration of the Mission set forth under section 1 herein, either party may terminate this Agreement, upon written notice to the other
party, with acknowledgment of receipt. However, such termination shall respect a notice period of fifteen (15) days.
Either party may terminate this
Agreement without respecting any notice period if the other party has materially breached any of his obligations under the Agreement, provided a written notice was furnished to the party being in breach and such breach was not cured within 5 days of
receipt of written notice with acknowledgment of receipt
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Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason, Sequans shall promptly pay Consultant any amounts due
under this Agreement on a prorate basis with respect to the lump sum referred to under section 2 herein - upon delivery to Sequans by Consultant of work in progress and related Deliverables. Except as otherwise stated herein, each party shall
be released from all obligations and liabilities to the other party arising after the date of such termination. Sections 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9D shall survive termination of this Agreement.
Upon termination of this Agreement Consultant shall return to Sequans all tangible property belonging to Sequans including documents, computer files, data or
programs.
9 Miscellaneous
This Agreement is the
exclusive agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter and as of its date supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations, representations, and proposals, written or oral, related to its subject matter. Its terms cannot be
modified, supplemented, or rescinded except by an agreement in writing signed by both parties. Neither party shall be bound by nor liable to the other party for any representation, promise, or inducement made by any of such partys agents or
employees which is not embodied in this Agreement. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this Agreement and any other form used by either party in connection herewith, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in
no way be affected or impaired thereby.
No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any other breach, whether of the same or
any other covenant, term, or condition. The subsequent performance of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any preceding breach, regardless of the other partys knowledge of the preceding
breach at the time of subsequent performance, nor shall any delay or omission of either partys exercise of any right arising from any such default affect or impair the parties rights as to the same or future default.
Any and all disputes with respect to this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of France, without regard to its rules on conflict of
laws, and are irrevocably submitted to the exclusive authority of a competent court in Paris.
Whenever notice is required to be given under the terms of
this Agreement, it shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered or mailed, certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as set forth on Page 1 of this Agreement, to the party to receive such notice. E-mail notifications with receipt
requested will be accepted. Any change of address of either party shall be effective upon receipt of written notice of such change by the opposite party.
By executing this Agreement, the signatory for each party represents that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of such party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS S.A.:
Signature: /s/ Deborah
Choate
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Name: |
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Deborah Choate |
Title: |
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Chief Financial Officer |
Phone: |
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+33 1 70 72 16 00 |
Fax: |
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+33 1 70 72 16 09 |
ALOK SHARMA
Signature:
/s/ Alok Sharma
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Name: |
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Alok Sharma |
Title: Phone:
Fax: . |
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Page 4
Appendix A
Scope of Services and Fees
Consultancy Services
Mission: Provide strategic
business development (including, formation of industry partnerships) support for Sequans in the key markets of India and US across specific industry verticals beyond the traditional service provider market segment.
Key Accounts and Applications in India:
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1. |
India Defense Market (Annual expenditure of ~$40 billion) Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mahindra Aerospace/Mahindra Engineering Services,, Wipro,
Bharat Electronics Limited etc. |
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2. |
Tata Group (Revenues $103 billion) Tata Motors (Connected Car), Tata Power (Smart Grid), Tata Steel/Chemicals (M2M/IoT), Tata Consultancy Services (Smart Cities, M2M/IoT)
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3. |
Mahindra Group (Revenues $17 billion) Mahindra & Mahindra/SsangYong Motor (Connected Car), Mahindra Systech/Tech Mahindra/Mahindra Satyam (Smart Cities), Mahindra Ugine Steel Company
(M2M) |
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4. |
Wipro Group (Revenues $7.5 billion) Wipro Ltd. (Smart Cities), Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting/Wipro Infrastructure Engineering/Wipro GE Medical Systems Limited (M2M/IoT)
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5. |
Larsen and Toubro (Revenues $14.3 billion) L&T EDRC (Smart Cities), L&T Solar/Electrical & Automation/Information technology/Machinery & Industrial Products
(M2M/IoT/Industrial Networks) |
Note, this list is subject to modification as business conditions dictate. Further, additional accounts (such
as, Infosys, Birla Group etc.) are likely to be added as business development activity proceeds.
Key Accounts and Applications in US:
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3. |
Harris (Defense PMR, similar to Motorola Solutions) |
This list is subject to modification
as business conditions dictate.
Consultancy Fee (in USD):
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The monthly fee for the Consultancy Services above will be US$ 15,000 per month. |
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Should specific projects be identified which will require more time, the fee will be agreed in advance of any work being performed. |
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In the event that the Consultant is not able to perform the Consultancy Services or provide the Deliverables due to other commitments agreed in advance with Sequans, the fee shall be reduced on a pro rata basis for the
days not worked. |
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In addition to the Fee, Sequans shall reimburse Consultant for all reasonable out of pocket expenses as per section 2 above of the Agreement. |
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The payment of the Fee will be paid monthly within 15 days of receipt of invoice. |
Confidential
Page 5
Exhibit 8.1
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
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Name of Subsidiary |
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Jurisdiction |
Sequans Communications Ltd. |
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United Kingdom |
Sequans Communications Inc. |
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California (United States) |
Sequans Communications Ltd. Pte. |
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Singapore |
Sequans Communications (Israel) Ltd. |
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Israel |
Exhibit 12.1
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Dr. Georges Karam, certify that:
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1. |
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Sequans Communications S.A.; |
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2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
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3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
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4. |
The companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: |
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a. |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
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b. |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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c. |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
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d. |
Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
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5. |
The companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the
companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
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a. |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and |
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b. |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 21, 2015
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/s/ Dr. Georges Karam |
Name: Dr. Georges Karam |
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 12.2
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Deborah Choate, certify that:
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1. |
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Sequans Communications S.A.; |
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2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
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3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
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4. |
The companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: |
|
a. |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
|
b. |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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c. |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
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d. |
Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
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5. |
The companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the
companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
|
a. |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and |
|
b. |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 21, 2015
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/s/ Deborah Choate |
Name: Deborah Choate |
Title: Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Sequans Communications S.A. (the Company) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Dr. Georges Karam, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
|
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
April 21, 2015
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By: |
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/s/ Dr. Georges Karam |
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Name: Dr. Georges Karam Title: Chief
Executive Officer |
Exhibit 13.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Sequans Communications S.A. (the Company) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Deborah Choate, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
|
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
April 21, 2015
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By: |
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/s/ Deborah Choate |
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Name: Deborah Choate Title: Chief Financial
Officer |
Exhibit 15.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
|
(1) |
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-177919) pertaining to the Stock Option Subscription Plans, BSA Subscription Plans and BCE Subscription Plans of Sequans Communications S.A., |
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(2) |
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-180487) pertaining to the BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreements dated January 11, 2011 and March 8, 2011 of Sequans Communications S.A., |
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(3) |
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-187611) pertaining to the Stock Option Subscription Plan, BSA Subscription Plan and BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreements dated June 26, 2012 of Sequans Communications
S.A, |
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(4) |
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-194903) pertaining to the Stock Option Subscription Plan and BSA (Warrants) Issuance Agreements dated June 25, 2013 of Sequans Communications S.A; and
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(5) |
Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-198758) of Sequans Communications S.A; |
of our
reports dated April 21, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sequans Communications S.A. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Sequans Communications S.A. included in this Annual Report (Form
20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Ernst & Young Audit
/s/ Frédéric Martineau
Represented by
Frédéric Martineau
Paris La Défense, France
April 21, 2015
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