See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Upon adoption of ASC 842, Leases, on April 1, 2019 the Company recorded $508,551 of right-use assets and related operating leases liabilities.
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. (the “Company” or “TIC” or “Tel”) as of September 30, 2019, the results of operations and changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the three and six months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, and statements of cash flows for the six months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include disclosures normally made in an Annual Report on Form 10-K. The March 31, 2019 balance sheet included herein was derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of that date. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 1, 2019 (the “Annual Report”).
Note 2 – Liquidity and Going Concern
The Aeroflex litigation (see Note 13 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements) did not result in a favorable outcome for the Company, despite our belief that we committed no wrong doing. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern. As reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2019, the Company has recorded estimated damages to date of approximately $5.5 million, including interest, as a result of a jury verdict associated with the Aeroflex litigation. The Company has filed for an appeal (see Note 13). In June 2019, Bank of America agreed to extend the Company’s line of credit until March 31, 2020 (see Note 8). While the Company’s operations and profitability have significantly improved, and the Company believes it has sufficient cash and financing in place to fund its plans for the next twelve months, exclusive of any determination that may result from the Aeroflex litigation, due in part to recent large orders it has received that has returned the Company to profitability. The Company may not have sufficient resources to satisfy the judgment if we are not successful in our appeal. We have no commitment from any party to provide additional working capital and there is no assurance that any funding will be available as required, or if available, that its terms will be favorable or acceptable to the Company. This factor raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements are issued.
The jury found no misappropriation of Aeroflex trade secrets, but it did find that the Company tortiously interfered with a prospective business opportunity and awarded damages. The jury also ruled that Tel tortiously interfered with Aeroflex’s non-disclosure agreements with two former Aeroflex employees. The jury also found that the former Aeroflex employees breached their non-disclosure agreements with Aeroflex. The Court conducted further hearings on the Company’s post-trial motions which sought to reduce the damages award of $2.8 million, as well as the punitive damages claim. The Court denied the Company’s motions and awarded Aeroflex an additional $2.1 million of punitive damages. The Company filed motions in January 2018 for the Court to reconsider the amount of damages on the grounds that they are duplicative and not legally supportable. The Court heard these motions and such motions were denied. The Company has filed for the appeal. The Company has posted a $2 million bond for the appeal. This $2 million bond amount will remain in place during the appeal process (See Note 13).
The Company is optimistic about the prospects of its appeal for either a judgment as a matter of law or a new trial. The appeal process is expected to take at least another year to complete. However, the Company cannot predict the timing or the outcome of the appeal.
The Company believes it has sufficient cash and financing in place to fund its plans for the next twelve months, exclusive of any determination that may result from the Aeroflex litigation.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The core principle of Topic 606 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The ASU defines a five-step process to achieve the core principal and, in doing so, it is possible more judgement and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are currently in use. The ASU was effective for the Company in the first quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 using either of two methods: (1) retrospective application to each prior reporting period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (2) retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU recognized at the date of the initial application and providing certain disclosures. The Company adopted Topic 606 pursuant to the method (2) and we determined that any cumulative effect for the initial application did not require an adjustment to retained earnings at April 1, 2018.
The Company generates revenue from designing, manufacturing and selling avionic tests and measurement solutions for the global commercial air transport, general aviation, and government/military aerospace and defense markets. The Company also offers calibration and repair services for a wide range of airborne navigation and communication equipment.
Under ASU 2014-09 Topic 606, Revenue from Contacts with Customers (“ASC 606”), the Company recognizes revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which is expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The Company recognizes revenue following the five-step model prescribed under ASC 606: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the entity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
Nature of goods and services
The following is a description of the products and services from which the Company generates revenue, as well as the nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms for each.
Test Units/Sets
The Company develops and manufactures unit sets to test navigation and communication equipment, such as ramp testers and bench testers for equipment installed in aircraft. The Company recognizes revenue when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product based on the contractual shipping terms of the contract. Revenue on products are presented gross because the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the product, is responsible to ensure that the product is produced in accordance with the related supply agreement, and bears the risk of loss while the inventory is in-transit. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products to the customer.
If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines stand-alone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the stand-alone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.
When determining the transaction price of a contract, an adjustment is made if payment from the customer occurs either significantly before or significantly after performance, resulting in a significant financing component. Applying the practical expedient in paragraph 606-10-32-18, the Company does not assess whether a significant financing component exists if the period between when the Company performs its obligations under the contract and when the customer pays is one year or less. None of the Company’s contracts contained a significant financing component as of September 30, 2019.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Revenue Recognition (continued)
Replacement Parts
The Company offers replacement parts for test equipment, ramp testers, and bench testers. Similar to the sale of test units, the control of the product transfers at a point of time and therefore, revenue is recognized at the point in time when the obligation to the customer has been fulfilled.
Extended Warranties
The extended warranties sold by the Company provide a level of assurance beyond the coverage for defects that existed at the time of a sale or against certain types of covered damage with coverage terms generally ranging from 5 to 7 years. Amounts received for warranties are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue ratably over the respective term of the agreements. As of September 30, 2019, approximately $308,708 is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations for extended warranties. For the three and six months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized revenue of $21,166 and $40,657, respectively, from amounts that were included in Deferred Revenue as compared to $10,687 and $19,620 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018.
Other Deferred Revenues
For the periods ended September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019, the Company has other deferred revenues of $359,488 and $11,926, respectively.
Repair and Calibration Services
The Company offers repair and calibration services for units that are returned for annual calibrations and/or for repairs after the warranty period has expired. The Company repairs and calibrates a wide range of airborne navigation and communication equipment. Revenue is recognized at the time the repaired or calibrated unit is shipped, as it is at this time that the work is completed.
The majority of the Company’s revenues are from contracts with the U.S. government, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, domestic distributors, international distributors for sales to military and commercial customers, and other commercial customers. The contracts with the U.S. government typically are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) which provides guidance on the types of costs that are allowable in establishing prices for goods and services provided under U.S. government contracts.
Payment terms and conditions vary by contract, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within a range from 30 to 60 days, or in certain cases, up-front deposits. In circumstances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that the Company's contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. Payments received prior to the delivery of units or services performed are recorded as deferred revenues. Taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities, are excluded from sales. The Company applied the practical expedient to account for shipping and handling activities as fulfillment cost rather than as a separate performance obligation. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are classified as sales, and the shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of sales.
Other
All sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.
The Company excludes from revenues all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are imposed on the sale of its products and collected from customers.
The Company chose to apply the available practical expedient as commission eligible sales orders are fulfilled within less than one year and commissions are generally paid by the Company within 30 days of the related sales order fulfillment. Accordingly, management has determined that no change in accounting for costs to obtain a contract will be required for the Company to conform with ASC 606.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Revenue Recognition (continued)
Disaggregation of revenue
In the following tables, revenue is disaggregated by revenue category.
|
|
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
Government
|
|
Sales Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Test Units
|
|
$
|
182,987
|
|
|
$
|
3,140,454
|
|
|
|
$
|
182,987
|
|
|
$
|
3,140,454
|
|
The remainder of our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2019 are derived from repairs and calibration of $449,900, replacement parts of $117,661 and extended warranties of $21,166. We do not disaggregate these revenue streams as they are not deemed an important element related to how management operates the business between segments.
|
|
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
Government
|
|
Sales Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Test Units
|
|
$
|
280,056
|
|
|
$
|
1,284,099
|
|
|
|
$
|
280,056
|
|
|
$
|
1,284,099
|
|
The remainder of our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 are derived from repairs and calibration of $566,958, replacement parts of $81,141 and extended warranties of $10,687. We do not disaggregate these revenue streams as they are not deemed an important element related to how management operates the business between segments.
|
|
For the Six Months Ended
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
Government
|
|
Sales Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Test Units
|
|
$
|
478,910
|
|
|
$
|
5,644,594
|
|
|
|
$
|
478,910
|
|
|
$
|
5,644,594
|
|
The remainder of our revenues for the six months ended September 30, 2019 are derived from repairs and calibration of $872,756, replacement parts of $181,713 and extended warranties of $40,657. We do not disaggregate these revenue streams as they are not deemed an important element related to how management operates the business between segments.
|
|
For the Six Months Ended
September 30, 2018
|
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
Government
|
|
Sales Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Test Units
|
|
$
|
612,431
|
|
|
$
|
2,376,681
|
|
|
|
$
|
612,431
|
|
|
$
|
2,376,681
|
|
The remainder of our revenues for the six months ended September 30, 2018 are derived from repairs and calibration of $899,657, replacement parts of $128,766 and extended warranties of $19,620. We do not disaggregate these revenue streams as they are not deemed an important element related to how management operates the business between segments.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Revenue Recognition (continued)
Disaggregation of revenue (continued)
In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by geography.
|
|
For the Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
For the Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2018
|
|
Geography
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States
|
|
$
|
2,420,423
|
|
|
$
|
1,879,079
|
|
International
|
|
|
1,491,745
|
|
|
|
343,862
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
3,912,168
|
|
|
$
|
2,222,941
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months
Ended
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
For the Six Months
Ended
September 30, 2018
|
|
Geography
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States
|
|
$
|
5,332,890
|
|
|
$
|
3,261,767
|
|
International
|
|
|
1,885,740
|
|
|
|
775,388
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
7,218,630
|
|
|
$
|
4,037,155
|
|
Recently Adopted Authoritative Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB established Topic 842, Leases, by issuing Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842; ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases; and ASU No. 2018-11, Targeted Improvements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard was effective on April 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. An entity may choose to use either (1) its effective date or (2) the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as its date of initial application. If an entity chooses the second option, the transition requirements for existing leases also apply to leases entered into between the date of initial application and the effective date. The entity must also recast its comparative period financial statements and provide the disclosures required by the new standard for the comparative periods. The Company adopted the new standard on April 1, 2019 and uses the effective date as the date of initial application. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before April 1, 2019. The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company elects the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Recently Adopted Authoritative Pronouncements (continued)
At the inception of an arrangement, the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease based on the circumstances present. Leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets, lease liabilities, and, if applicable, long-term lease liabilities. Lease liabilities and the corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present values of lease payments over the lease terms. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. As such, the Company utilizes the appropriate incremental borrowing rates, which are the rates that would be incurred to borrow on a collateralized basis, over similar terms, amounts equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The Company used 6.25%. ASU 2016-02 did not have an impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the six month period ended September 30, 2019, but had a significant impact on our unaudited consolidated condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, the Company recognized additional operating lease liabilities of $409,218 with corresponding ROU assets of the same amount based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases.
No other recently issued accounting pronouncements had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Note 4 – Accounts Receivable, net
The following table sets forth the components of accounts receivable:
|
|
September 30,
2019
|
|
|
March 31,
2019
|
|
Government
|
|
$
|
1,072,508
|
|
|
$
|
1,951,729
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
236,886
|
|
|
|
251,870
|
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(7,500
|
)
|
|
|
(7,500
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
1,301,894
|
|
|
$
|
2,196,099
|
|
Note 5 – Restricted Cash to support appeal bond
In January 2018, the Company transferred $2,000,000 to a restricted cash account to secure a letter of credit which was used for collateral for the appeal bond (See Note 13).
Note 6 – Inventories, net
Inventories consist of:
|
|
September 30,
2019
|
|
|
March 31,
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased parts
|
|
$
|
2,525,184
|
|
|
$
|
2,709,235
|
|
Work-in-process
|
|
|
1,042,431
|
|
|
|
721,397
|
|
Finished goods
|
|
|
32,783
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Less: Inventory reserve
|
|
|
(525,000
|
)
|
|
|
(498,000
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
3,075,398
|
|
|
$
|
2,932,632
|
|
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 7 – Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income (loss) per share has been computed according to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 260”), “Earnings per Share,” which requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS represents net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during a reporting period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities, including preferred stock, warrants and options, were converted into common stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding warrants and options is reflected in earnings per share by use of the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of preferred stock is reflected in earnings per share by use of the if-converted method. In applying the treasury stock method for stock-based compensation arrangements, the assumed proceeds are computed as the sum of the amount the employee must pay upon exercise and the amounts of average unrecognized compensation costs attributed to future services.
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
September 30, 2018
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share computation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
536,234
|
|
|
$
|
(191,410
|
)
|
Preferred dividends
|
|
|
(80,000
|
)
|
|
|
(60,000
|
)
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
|
|
|
456,234
|
|
|
|
(251,410
|
)
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
|
$
|
(0.08
|
)
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share computation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
456,234
|
|
|
$
|
(251,410
|
)
|
Add: Preferred dividends
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Diluted income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
536,234
|
|
|
$
|
(251,410
|
)
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
Incremental shares attributable to the assumed conversion of
preferred stock, and exercise of outstanding stock options and
warrants
|
|
|
1,689,778
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total adjusted weighted-average shares
|
|
|
4,945,665
|
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.11
|
|
|
$
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
September 30, 2018
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share computation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
794,010
|
|
|
$
|
(937,483
|
)
|
Preferred dividends
|
|
|
(160,000
|
)
|
|
|
(120,000
|
)
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
|
|
|
634,010
|
|
|
|
(1,057,483
|
)
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32
|
)
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share computation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
634,010
|
|
|
$
|
(1,057,483
|
)
|
Add: Preferred dividends
|
|
|
160,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Diluted income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
794,010
|
|
|
$
|
(1,057,483
|
)
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
Incremental shares attributable to the assumed conversion of
preferred stock, and exercise of outstanding stock options and
warrants
|
|
|
1,689,778
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total adjusted weighted-average shares
|
|
|
4,945,665
|
|
|
|
3,255,887
|
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32
|
)
|
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 7 – Net Income (Loss) per Share (continued)
The following table summarizes securities that, if exercised, would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share:
|
|
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
September 30, 2018
|
|
Convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,070,222
|
|
Stock options
|
|
|
118,500
|
|
|
|
42,500
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
|
168,500
|
|
|
|
1,162,722
|
|
Note 8 – Line of Credit
On March 21, 2016, the Company entered into a line of credit agreement with Bank of America, which expired March 31, 2017. In March 2017, the Company extended until March 31, 2018. The line provided a revolving credit facility with borrowing capacity of up to $1,000,000. There were no covenants or borrowing base calculations associated with this line of credit. On August 29, 2018, the Company entered a Loan Modification Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the bank. The Company had been working with the bank and had paid $100,000 to the bank to lower the outstanding balance to $900,000 at the signing of the Agreement. The Agreement had the following provisions:
1)
|
The Company to make an additional principal payment of $50,000 by October 1, 2018. (The Company made this payment.)
|
2)
|
Borrowing base calculation tied to accounts receivable and inventories.
|
3)
|
The Agreement expired May 31, 2019.
|
4)
|
Interest on any outstanding balances was payable monthly at an annual interest rate equal to the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rates) Daily Floating plus 3.75 percentage points.
|
5)
|
The line was collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company.
|
6)
|
The Company will make principal payments of $5,000 per month from September 30, 2018 through November 30, 2018 and principal payments of $10,000 per month from December 31, 2018 to May 31, 2019.
|
7)
|
Beginning with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, the Company must maintain a debt service coverage ratio.
|
During the six months ended September 30, 2019 the Company repaid $70,000 against this line of credit. As of September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019, the outstanding balances were $730,000 and $800,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 the remaining availability under this line is $-0-.
During June 2019, Bank of America agreed to extend the Company’s line of credit until March 31, 2020. The new Loan Modification Agreement (the “Amended Loan Modification Agreement”) with the bank contains the following provisions:
1)
|
The Company to make an additional principal payment of $10,000 at closing.
|
2)
|
Borrowing base calculation tied to accounts receivable.
|
3)
|
The Amended Loan Modification Agreement expires March 31, 2020.
|
4)
|
Interest on any outstanding balances is payable monthly at an annual interest rate equal to the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rates) Daily Floating plus 3.75 percentage points. The Company’s interest rate was 5.77% at September 30, 2019.
|
5)
|
The line is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company.
|
6)
|
The Company will make principal payments of $10,000 per month until March 31, 2020.
|
7)
|
The covenant for the debt service ratio is deleted.
|
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 9 – Segment Information
In accordance with FASB ASC 280, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and related information”, the Company determined it has two reportable segments - avionics government and avionics commercial. There are no inter-segment revenues.
The Company is organized primarily on the basis of its avionics products. The avionics government segment consists primarily of the design, manufacture, and sale of test equipment to the U.S. and foreign governments and militaries either directly or through distributors. The avionics commercial segment consists of design, manufacture, and sale of test equipment to domestic and foreign airlines, directly or through commercial distributors, and to general aviation repair and maintenance shops. The Company develops and designs test equipment for the avionics industry and as such, the Company’s products and designs cross segments.
Management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on gross margin. The Company’s general and administrative costs and sales and marketing expenses, and engineering costs are not segment specific. As a result, all operating expenses are not managed on a segment basis. Net interest includes expenses on debt and income earned on cash balances, both maintained at the corporate level. The tables below present information about reportable segments within the avionics business for the three and six month periods ending September 30, 2019 and 2018:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
|
|
Avionics
Government
|
|
|
Avionics
Commercial
|
|
|
Avionics
Total
|
|
|
Corporate
Items
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
3,140,454
|
|
|
$
|
771,714
|
|
|
$
|
3,912,168
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
3,912,168
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
1,626,089
|
|
|
|
412,446
|
|
|
|
2,038,535
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,038,535
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
1,514,365
|
|
|
|
359,268
|
|
|
|
1,873,633
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,873,633
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering, research, and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
525,739
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
525,739
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
278,026
|
|
|
|
347,137
|
|
|
|
625,163
|
|
Litigation costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,553
|
|
|
|
91,553
|
|
Change in fair value of common stock warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,500
|
)
|
|
|
(5,500
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1,018
|
)
|
|
|
(1,018
|
)
|
Interest expense - judgment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,596
|
|
|
|
90,596
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,866
|
|
|
|
10,866
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
803,765
|
|
|
|
533,634
|
|
|
|
1,337,399
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,069,868
|
|
|
$
|
(533,634
|
)
|
|
$
|
536,234
|
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
|
|
Avionics
Government
|
|
|
Avionics
Commercial
|
|
|
Avionics
Total
|
|
|
Corporate
Items
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
1,284,099
|
|
|
$
|
938,842
|
|
|
$
|
2,222,941
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2,222,941
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
714,590
|
|
|
|
509,138
|
|
|
|
1,223,728
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,223,728
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
569,509
|
|
|
|
429,704
|
|
|
|
999,213
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
999,213
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering, research, and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
503,380
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
503,380
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
194,179
|
|
|
|
361,232
|
|
|
|
555,411
|
|
Litigation costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,848
|
|
|
|
35,848
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1,009
|
)
|
|
|
(1,009
|
)
|
Interest expense - judgment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,003
|
|
|
|
72,003
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,990
|
|
|
|
24,990
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
697,559
|
|
|
|
493,064
|
|
|
|
1,190,623
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
301,654
|
|
|
$
|
(493,064
|
)
|
|
$
|
(191,410
|
)
|
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 9 – Segment Information (continued)
Six Months Ended
September 30, 2019
|
|
Avionics
Government
|
|
|
Avionics
Commercial
|
|
|
Avionics
Total
|
|
|
Corporate
Items
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
5,644,594
|
|
|
$
|
1,574,036
|
|
|
$
|
7,218,630
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
7,218,630
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
2,868,656
|
|
|
|
894,737
|
|
|
|
3,763,393
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,763,393
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
2,775,938
|
|
|
|
679,299
|
|
|
|
3,455,237
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,455,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering, research, and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,050,842
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,050,842
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
512,604
|
|
|
|
725,030
|
|
|
|
1,237,634
|
|
Litigation costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,060
|
|
|
|
102,060
|
|
Change in fair value of common stock warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,000
|
|
|
|
73,000
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,018
|
)
|
|
|
(2,018
|
)
|
Interest expense - judgment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
171,106
|
|
|
|
171,106
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
28,603
|
|
|
|
28,603
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,563,446
|
|
|
|
1,097,781
|
|
|
|
2,661,227
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,891,791
|
|
|
$
|
(1,097,781
|
)
|
|
$
|
794,010
|
|
Six Months Ended
September 30, 2018
|
|
Avionics
Government
|
|
|
Avionics
Commercial
|
|
|
Avionics
Total
|
|
|
Corporate
Items
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
2,376,681
|
|
|
$
|
1,660,474
|
|
|
$
|
4,037,155
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4,037,155
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
1,475,844
|
|
|
|
1,080,785
|
|
|
|
2,556,629
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,556,629
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
900,837
|
|
|
|
579,689
|
|
|
|
1,480,526
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,480,526
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering, research, and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,020,703
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,020,703
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
411,307
|
|
|
|
710,629
|
|
|
|
1,121,936
|
|
Litigation costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,119
|
|
|
|
75,119
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,007
|
)
|
|
|
(2,007
|
)
|
Interest expense – judgment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143,223
|
|
|
|
143,223
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
59,035
|
|
|
|
59,035
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,432,010
|
|
|
|
985,999
|
|
|
|
2,418,009
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
48,516
|
|
|
$
|
(985,999
|
)
|
|
$
|
(937,483
|
)
|
Note 10 – Income Taxes
FASB ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“ASC 740-10”) prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits.
The tax effect of temporary differences, primarily net operating loss carryforwards, asset reserves and accrued liabilities, gave rise to the Company’s deferred tax asset. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequence of such temporary differences at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. The Company has approximately $3.1 million in deferred tax assets, and we have provided a valuation allowance that offsets the majority of the asset. The inability to obtain new profitable contracts or the failure of the Company’s engineering development efforts could reduce estimates of future profitability, which could affect the Company’s ability to realize the deferred tax assets. Due to the adverse judgment and the resulting losses the past few years, management has established a valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset. This valuation allowance could be reversed when the Company returns to profitability, and can demonstrate that it will be able to utilize the deferred tax asset. The valuation will be re-evaluated as the Company continues to be profitable and will be utilizing a certain portion of its deferred tax asset. Currently, the Company is utilizing existing fully-reserved NOL’s to offset taxable income, thereby resulting in no income tax provision.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements
FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
As defined in ASC 820-10, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observation of those inputs. ASC 820-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined by ASC 820-10 are as follows:
-
|
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, marketable securities and listed equities.
|
-
|
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category generally include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, options and collars.
|
-
|
Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
|
The valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
●
|
Market approach — Uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
|
●
|
Income approach — Uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectations about those future amounts, including present value techniques, option-pricing models and excess earnings method.
|
●
|
Cost approach — Based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).
|
The carrying value of the Company’s borrowings is a reasonable estimate of its fair value as borrowings under the Company’s credit facility reflect currently available terms and conditions for similar debt.
The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019. As required by ASC 820-10, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
September 30, 2019
|
|
Level I
|
|
|
Level II
|
|
|
Level III
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
116,500
|
|
|
$
|
116,500
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
116,500
|
|
|
$
|
116,500
|
|
March 31, 2019
|
|
Level I
|
|
|
Level II
|
|
|
Level III
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
43,500
|
|
|
$
|
43,500
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
43,500
|
|
|
$
|
43,500
|
|
The Company adopted the guidance of ASC 815 “Derivative and Hedging”, which requires that we mark the value of our warrant liability to market and recognize the change in valuation in our statement of operations each reporting period. Determining the warrant liability to be recorded requires us to develop estimates to be used in calculating the fair value of the warrant.
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 financial liabilities from March 31, 2019 through September 30, 2019, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to the liability held at September 30, 2019:
Level 3 Reconciliation
|
|
Balance at
beginning of period
|
|
|
(Gains) and losses
for the period
(realized and unrealized)
|
|
|
Purchases, issuances,
sales and
settlements, net
|
|
|
Transfers in or
out of Level 3
|
|
|
Balance at the
end of period
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
43,500
|
|
|
$
|
73,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
116,500
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
$
|
43,500
|
|
|
$
|
73,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
116,500
|
|
The Company has remaining warrants with an outside investor to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.35 per share or exercising the “put option” to the Company. The warrant liability of the 50,000 warrants was $116,500 at September 30, 2019 as compared to $43,500 at March 31, 2019. These warrants must be converted at a purchase price of $3.35 per share or the cash put option must be exercised by September 10, 2019.
The holder has the right, exercisable at any time, in writing (the “Warrant Put Notice”, to cause the Company, subject to the terms and conditions herein, to purchase from the holder all, or any portion, of the warrant for the warrant put repurchase price (the “Repurchase Price”). The Repurchase Price is the greater of 1) Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) per share as of the date of the Warrant Put Notice, less $0.01, multiplied by the number of warrants or 2) the product of the current market price per share as of the date of the Warrant Put Notice, less the purchase price of the warrant or warrants, multiplied by the number of warrants, if this amount is higher. “Adjusted EBITDA” means EBITDA, multiplied by 5, plus cash and cash equivalents less unpaid debt divided by the number of shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis. As such, the values of the warrants at September 30, 2019 reflect the higher of these two options for each specific warrant.
On September 3, 2019, the holder of the warrant informed the Company that it has elected to exercise its “put option”, thereby requiring the Company to purchase the warrants held by holder. Total warrants were to purchase a total of 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The value of the warrants for the 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the time of exercise was $116,500, and the Company paid this amount using cash from operations in October 2019, thereby extinguishing the warrant liability.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 12 – Operating Lease Liability
The Company leases its facility in East Rutherford, NJ with monthly payments of $18,467 which expires in August 2021 and includes a renewal option for an additional five years. The Company also has an operating lease for office equipment with monthly payments of $523 which expires in May 2021.
The Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, and therefore the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate when measuring operating lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease. The Company used incremental borrowing rates as of April 1, 2019 for operating leases that commenced prior to that date. The Company estimated its incremental borrowing rate based on its credit quality, line of credit agreement and by comparing interest rates available in the market for similar borrowings. The Company used a discount rate of 6.25% at September 30, 2019.
The following table reconciles the undiscounted future minimum lease payments (displayed by year and in the aggregate) under non-cancelable operating leases with terms of more than one year to the total lease liabilities recognized on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019:
Remaining payments 2020
|
|
$
|
113,940
|
|
2021
|
|
|
227,880
|
|
2022
|
|
|
93,381
|
|
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments
|
|
|
435,201
|
|
Less: Difference between undiscounted lease payments and discounted lease liabilities
|
|
|
(25,983
|
)
|
Present value of net minimum lease payments
|
|
|
409,218
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(208,201
|
)
|
Operating lease liabilities – long-term
|
|
$
|
201,017
|
|
Total rent expense for the three and six months ended September 30, 2019 was $171,618 and $83,824 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to $180,927 and $94,229 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018.
Disclosures related to periods prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 using a modified retrospective adoption method at April 1, 2019 as noted in Note 3 “Recently Adopted Authoritative Pronouncements”. As required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. Minimum operating lease commitments as of March 31, 2019 that have initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
Years Ended March 31,
|
|
Amount
|
|
2020
|
|
$
|
327,434
|
|
2021
|
|
|
312,431
|
|
2022
|
|
|
128,610
|
|
|
|
$
|
768,475
|
|
Note 13 – Litigation
Contingencies are recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable, or otherwise disclosed, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 450, Contingencies (ASC 450). Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. In the event the Company determines that a loss is not probable, but is reasonably possible, and it becomes possible to develop what the Company believes to be a reasonable range of possible loss, then the Company will include disclosures related to such matter as appropriate and in compliance with ASC 450. To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that the losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, the Company will, when applicable, adjust the accrual in the period the determination is made, disclose an estimate of the additional loss or range of loss or if the amount of such adjustment cannot be reasonably estimated, disclose that an estimate cannot be made.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 13 – Litigation (continued)
On March 24, 2009, Aeroflex Wichita, Inc. (“Aeroflex”) filed a petition against the Company and two of its employees in the District Court located in Sedgwick County, Kansas, Case No. 09 CV 1141 (the “Aeroflex Action”), alleging that the Company and its two employees misappropriated Aeroflex’s proprietary technology in connection with the Company winning a substantial contract from the U.S. Army, to develop new Mode-5 radar test sets and kits to upgrade the existing TS-4530 radar test sets to Mode 5 (the “Award”). Aeroflex’s petition, seeking injunctive relief and damages, alleges that in connection with the Award, the Company and its named employees misappropriated Aeroflex’s trade secrets; tortiously interfered with Aeroflex’s business relationship; conspired to harm Aeroflex and tortiously interfered with Aeroflex’s contract. The central basis of all the claims in the Aeroflex Action is that the Company misappropriated and used Aeroflex proprietary technology and confidential information in winning the Award. In February 2009, subsequent to the Company winning the Award, Aeroflex filed a protest of the Award with the Government Accounting Office (“GAO”). In its protest, Aeroflex alleged, inter alia, that the Company used Aeroflex’s proprietary technology in order to win the Award, the same material allegations as were later alleged in the Aeroflex Action. On or about March 17, 2009, the U.S. Army Contracts Attorney and the U.S. Army Contracting Officer each filed a statement with the GAO, expressly rejecting Aeroflex’s allegations that the Company used or infringed on Aeroflex’s proprietary technology in winning the Award, and concluding that the Company had used only its own proprietary technology. On April 6, 2009, Aeroflex withdrew its protest.
In December 2009, the Kansas District Court dismissed the Aeroflex Action on jurisdiction grounds. Aeroflex appealed this decision. In May 2012, the Kansas Supreme Court reversed the decision and remanded the Aeroflex Action to the Kansas District Court for further proceedings. The case then entered an extended discovery period in the District Court.
On May 23, 2016, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment based on Aeroflex’s lack of jurisdictional standing to bring the case. The motion asserts that Aeroflex does not own the intellectual property at issue since it is a bare licensee of Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman has declined to join this suit as plaintiff. Aeroflex lacks standing to sue alone. Also, the motion raises the fact that Aeroflex allowed the license to expire, Aeroflex’s claims are either moot or Aeroflex lacks standing to sue for damages alleged to have accrued after the license ended in 2011. The motion for summary judgment was denied.
The Aeroflex trial on remand in the Kansas District Court began in March 2017. After a nine-week trial, the jury rendered its verdict. The jury found no misappropriation of Aeroflex trade secrets but it did rule that the Company tortiously interfered with a prospective business opportunity and awarded damages of $1.3 million for lost profits. The jury also ruled that Tel tortiously interfered with Aeroflex’s non-disclosure agreements with two former Aeroflex employees and awarded damages of $1.5 million for lost profits, resulting in total damages against the Company of $2.8 million. The jury also found that the former Aeroflex employees breached their non-disclosure agreements with Aeroflex and awarded damages against these two individuals totaling $525,000. The jury also decided that punitive damages should be allowed against the Company.
Following the verdict, the Company filed a motion for judgment as a matter of law. In the motion, the Company renewed its motion for judgment on Aeroflex’s tortious interference with prospective business opportunity claim arguing that such claim is barred by the statute of limitations. Alternatively, the motion asserts there is insufficient evidence supporting the lost profit award on that claim. Additionally, the motion for judgment addresses inconsistency between the awards against the former Aeroflex employees for breach of the non-disclosure agreements and the award against the Company for interfering with those agreements. Alternatively, the motion asserts there is insufficient evidence supporting the lost profit award on that claim.
During July 2017, the Court heard the Company’s motion for judgment as well as conducting a hearing as to the amount of a punitive damages award. Kansas statutes limit punitive damages to a maximum of $5 million.
Aeroflex submitted a motion to the Court requesting that the judge award punitive damages at the maximum $5 million amount. In October 2017, the Court denied the Company’s motions and awarded Aeroflex an additional $2.1 million of punitive damages, which brings the total Tel damages awarded in this case to approximately $4.9 million.
The Journal Entry of Judgment including judgment against the Company in the amount of $1.3 million for tortious interference with prospective business advantage, of $1.5 million for tortious interference with existing contracts, and $2.1 million in punitive damages was entered on November 22, 2017. Pursuant to K.S.A. 16-204(d) “any judgment rendered by a court of this state on or after July 1, 1986, shall bear interest on and after the day on which judgment is rendered at the rate provided by subsection (e). The Kansas Secretary of State publishes the rate amount. The amount published for July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 is 5.75% and 6.5% July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The current rate beginning July 1, 2019 is 7.0%. Interest on the $4,900,000 judgment started to accrue on November 22, 2017, the date the judgment was entered.
TEL-INSTRUMENT ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 13 – Litigation (continued)
The Company filed post-trial motions to avoid damage duplication and inconsistency, and to secure judgment as a matter of law or a new trial. The trial court denied those motions. The Company appealed the verdict and the post-trial rulings to the Court of Appeals of the State of Kansas, Case No. 18-119,563. The Company posted a $2 million supersedeas bond. The Plaintiff filed a cross-appeal. The appeal and cross-appeal are fully briefed. The appellate court has not set a date to hear the appeal.
The Company is optimistic about the prospects of its appeal for either a judgment as a matter of law or a new trial. However, the appeal process is expected to take at least another year to complete. However, the Company cannot predict the timing or the outcome of the appeal.
Other than the matters outlined above, the Company is currently not involved in any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of executive officers of our Company, threatened against or affecting our Company, or our common stock in which an adverse decision could have a material effect.