Westell Delivers Continued Profitability and $1.8M of Cash for Fiscal 3Q18


AURORA, Ill., Feb. 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTL), a leading provider of high-performance wireless infrastructure solutions, announced results for its fiscal 2018 third quarter ended December 31, 2017 (3Q18).  Management will host a conference call to discuss financial and business results tomorrow, Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 9:30 AM Eastern Time (details below).

Revenue was $13.7 million and comprised $5.2 million from the In-Building Wireless (IBW) segment, a strong $5.8 million performance from the Intelligent Site Management and Services (ISMS) segment, and a seasonally low $2.7 million from the Communication Network Solutions (CNS) segment.  Cash and short-term investments grew to $26.0 million at December 31, 2017, up from $24.2 million at September 30, 2017.

“Westell continued to generate positive operating profit margin and net income, and increase cash, even with the revenue seasonality that typifies our December quarters.  These positive results demonstrate the tremendous operating leverage we have in the business,” said Kirk Brannock, Westell’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

    
 3Q18
3 months ended
12/31/17
2Q18
3 months ended
9/30/17
 + favorable /
- unfavorable
Revenue$13.7M$17.2M-$3.5M
Gross Margin44.4%42.2%+2.2%
Operating Expenses$6.0M$7.2M+$1.2M
Operating Margin0.3%0.3%—%
Net Income$0.8M$0.7M+$0.1M
Earnings Per Share$0.05$0.05$—
Non-GAAP Operating Expenses (1)$4.7M$5.7M+$1.0M
Non-GAAP Operating Margin (1)10.2%9.3%+0.9%
Non-GAAP Net Income (1)$1.5M$1.7M-$0.2M
Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (1)$0.09$0.11-$0.02
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (1)$1.6M$1.8M-$0.2M
(1)   Please refer to the schedule at the end of this press release for a complete GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation and other information related to non-GAAP financial measures.
 

“The momentum of the efficiencies created over the past year resulted in our fifth consecutive quarter of positive non-GAAP operating profit margin.  Along with our healthy cost structure, we are encouraged by the revenue growth opportunities we have in the IBW public safety market, which grew sequentially this quarter, and in emerging wireless network densification applications like centralized radio access networks (CRAN).  At the same time, we continue to evaluate new growth opportunities to increase shareholder value,” Brannock added.

In-Building Wireless (IBW) Segment

IBW’s sequential revenue decrease was driven by lower sales of our Universal DAS Interface Tray (UDIT) and passive system components, both of which achieved record quarterly revenue levels last quarter.  IBW’s segment gross margin increase was driven primarily by lower costs.

    
 3Q18
3 months ended
12/31/17
2Q18
3 months ended
9/30/17
 + favorable /
- unfavorable
IBW Segment Revenue$5.2M$7.9M-$2.7M
IBW Segment Gross Margin47.3%46.1%+1.2%
IBW Segment R&D Expense$0.8M$1.4M+$0.6M
IBW Segment Profit$1.7M$2.2M-$0.5M
    

Intelligent Site Management & Services (ISMS) Segment

ISMS’s sequential revenue increase was driven primarily by higher support services revenue and increased sales of Remote units, resulting in ISMS attaining its highest revenue level since the December 2015 quarter.  ISMS’s segment gross margin increase was primarily due to a more favorable mix.

    
 3Q18
3 months ended
12/31/17
2Q18
3 months ended
9/30/17
 + favorable /
- unfavorable
ISMS Segment Revenue$5.8M$4.7M+$1.1M
ISMS Segment Gross Margin54.5%46.9%+7.6%
ISMS Segment R&D Expense$0.5M$0.5M$—
ISMS Segment Profit$2.6M$1.7M+$0.9M
    

Communication Network Solutions (CNS) Segment

CNS product lines are used primarily in the outdoor communication network; as a result, the December quarter tends to be its lowest performing quarter.  In 3Q18, CNS’s sequential revenue decrease was most affected by lower sales of Integrated Cabinets and Tower Mounted Amplifiers.  CNS’s gross margin decrease was primarily due to the lower revenue.

    
 3Q18
3 months ended
12/31/17
2Q18
3 months ended
9/30/17
 + favorable /
- unfavorable
CNS Segment Revenue$2.7M$4.6M-$1.9M
CNS Segment Gross Margin16.9%30.7%-13.8%
CNS Segment R&D Expense$0.2M$0.2M$—
CNS Segment Profit$0.2M$1.2M-$1.0M
    

Conference Call Information
Management will discuss financial and business results during the quarterly conference call on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 9:30 AM Eastern Time.  Investors may quickly register online in advance of the call at https://www.conferenceplus.com/Westell.  After registering, participants receive dial-in numbers, a passcode and a registration ID that is used to uniquely identify their presence and automatically join them into the audio conference.  A participant may also register by telephone on February 8, 2018, by calling 888-206-4073 no later than 8:15 AM Central Time (9:15 AM Eastern Time) and providing the operator confirmation number 46315825.

This news release and related information that may be discussed on the conference call will be posted on the Investor Relations section of Westell's website: http://ir.westell.com.  A digital recording of the entire conference will be available for replay on Westell's website by approximately 1:00 PM Eastern Time following the conclusion of the conference.

About Westell Technologies
Westell is a leading provider of high-performance wireless infrastructure solutions focused on innovation and differentiation at the edge of communication networks where end users connect.  The Company's portfolio of products and solutions enable service providers and network operators to improve performance and reduce operating expenses.  With millions of products successfully deployed worldwide, Westell is a trusted partner for transforming networks into high-quality reliable systems. For more information, please visit www.westell.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements contained herein that are not historical facts or that contain the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “should,” or derivatives thereof and other words of similar meaning are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, product demand and market acceptance risks, customer spending patterns, need for financing and capital, economic weakness in the United States (“U.S.”) economy and telecommunications market, the effect of international economic conditions and trade, legal, social and economic risks (such as import, licensing and trade restrictions), the impact of competitive products or technologies, competitive pricing pressures, customer product selection decisions, product cost increases, component supply shortages, new product development, excess and obsolete inventory, commercialization and technological delays or difficulties (including delays or difficulties in developing, producing, testing and selling new products and technologies), the ability to successfully consolidate and rationalize operations, the ability to successfully identify, acquire and integrate acquisitions, the effect of the Company's accounting policies, retention of key personnel and other risks more fully described in the Company's SEC filings, including the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, under Item 1A - Risk Factors.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

      
Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
      
  Three months ended Nine months ended 
  December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31, 
  2017 2017 2016 2017 2016 
Revenue:           
Products $11,754  $16,097  $12,746  $43,396  $42,240  
Services 1,921  1,135  2,237  4,085  5,339  
Total revenue 13,675  17,232  14,983  47,481  47,579  
Cost of revenue:           
Products 7,114  9,522  7,807  26,060  27,788  
Services 485  435  1,122  1,303  2,805  
Total cost of revenue 7,599  9,957  8,929  27,363  30,593  
Gross profit 6,076  7,275  6,054  20,118  16,986  
Gross margin 44.4% 42.2% 40.4% 42.4% 35.7% 
Operating expenses:           
R&D 1,542  2,205  2,414  6,023  10,018  
Sales and marketing 1,950  1,992  1,943  6,278  8,220  
General and administrative 1,502  1,809  1,777  5,022  6,340  
Intangible amortization 1,047  1,048  1,212  3,142  3,613  
Restructuring   165 (1)490 (2)165 (1)3,055 (2)
Long-lived assets impairment         1,181 (3)
Total operating expenses 6,041  7,219  7,836  20,630  32,427  
Operating profit (loss) 35  56  (1,782) (512) (15,441) 
Other income, net 79  677 (4)(15) 799 (4)76  
Income (loss) before income taxes 114  733  (1,797) 287  (15,365) 
Income tax benefit (expense) 685 (5)(13) (10) 660 (5)(20) 
Net income (loss) $799  $720  $(1,807) $947  $(15,385) 
            
Net income (loss) per share:           
Basic net income (loss) $0.05  $0.05  $(0.12)(6)$0.06  $(1.00)(6)
Diluted net income (loss) $0.05  $0.05  $(0.12)(6)$0.06  $(1.00)(6)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:           
Basic 15,504  15,461  15,391 (6)15,482  15,315 (6)
Diluted 15,755  15,672  15,391 (6)15,679  15,315 (6)

(1)   2Q18 restructuring expense related to severance costs for terminated employees.
(2)   The Company recorded restructuring expense primarily relating to abandonment of excess office space at its headquarters and in New Hampshire, and severance costs for terminated employees.
(3)   1Q17 non-cash impairment related to long-lived assets associated with the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
(4)   During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company dissolved the NoranTel legal entity which triggered a one-time $0.6 million foreign currency gain with the reversal of a cumulative translation adjustment.
(5)   During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company had an income tax benefit of $697K from the release of the tax valuation allowance associated with previously generated alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
(6)   All common stock, equity, share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect a one-for-four reverse stock split which was effective June 7, 2017. 

     
Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Amounts in thousands)
     
  December 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
 March 31, 2017
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $21,492  $21,778 
Short-term investments 4,537   
Accounts receivable, net 11,070  12,075 
Inventories 9,464  12,511 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 864  1,409 
Total current assets 47,427  47,773 
Land, property and equipment, net 1,630  1,984 
Intangible assets, net 12,482  15,624 
Tax receivable, non-current 697   
Other non-current assets 80  160 
Total assets $62,316  $65,541 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity    
Accounts payable $2,494  $4,163 
Accrued expenses 3,528  4,273 
Accrued restructuring 166  1,171 
Deferred revenue 1,931  2,359 
Total current liabilities 8,119  11,966 
Deferred revenue non-current 912  1,102 
Accrued restructuring non-current   63 
Other non-current liabilities 341  236 
Total liabilities 9,372  13,367 
Total stockholders’ equity 52,944  52,174 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $62,316  $65,541 

 

      
Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
      
  Three months
ended
December 31,
 Nine months
 ended
 December 31,
 
  2017 2017 2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income (loss) $799  $947  $(15,385) 
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:       
Depreciation and amortization 1,221  3,747  4,714  
Long-lived assets impairment     1,181 (1)
Stock-based compensation 316  988  1,346  
Loss on sale of fixed assets 2  10  11  
Restructuring   165  3,055  
Deferred taxes (697) (697) 20  
Gain on disposal of foreign operations   (608)(2)  
Exchange rate loss (gain) (14) (20) 44  
Changes in assets and liabilities:       
Accounts receivable   1,025  5,098  
Inventory 519  3,047  509  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,236) (3,542) (6,802) 
Deferred revenue 859  (618) 686  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 170  545  494  
Other assets 7  80  (7) 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 1,946  5,069  (5,036) 
Cash flows from investing activities:       
Net maturity (purchase) of short-term investments 474  (4,537) 10,555  
Purchases of property and equipment, net (7) (261) (527) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 467  (4,798) 10,028  
Cash flows from financing activities:       
Purchase of treasury stock (102) (558) (146) 
Payment of contingent consideration     (175) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (102) (558) (321) 
Gain (loss) of exchange rate changes on cash (19) 1  2  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,292  (286) 4,673  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 19,200  21,778  19,169  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $21,492 (3)$21,492 (3)$23,842  

(1)   1Q17 non-cash impairment related to long-lived assets associated with the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
(2)   During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company dissolved the NoranTel legal entity which triggered a one-time $0.6 million foreign currency gain with the reversal of a cumulative translation adjustment.
(3)   As of December 31, 2017, the Company has $4.5 million of short-term investments in addition to cash and cash equivalents.

     
Westell Technologies, Inc.
Segment Statement of Operations
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
     
Sequential Quarter Comparison
     
  Three months ended December 31, 2017 Three months ended September 30, 2017
  IBW ISMS CNS Total IBW ISMS CNS Total
Total revenue $5,223  $5,802  $2,650  $13,675  $7,919  $4,730  $4,583  $17,232 
Gross profit 2,469  3,160  447  6,076  3,650  2,219  1,406  7,275 
Gross margin 47.3% 54.5% 16.9% 44.4% 46.1% 46.9% 30.7% 42.2%
R&D expenses 750  547  245  1,542  1,443  523  239  2,205 
Segment profit $1,719  $2,613  $202  $4,534  $2,207  $1,696  $1,167  $5,070 


     
Year-over-Year Quarter Comparison
     
  Three months ended December 31, 2017 Three months ended December 31, 2016
  IBW ISMS CNS Total IBW ISMS CNS Total
Total revenue $5,223  $5,802  $2,650  $13,675  $6,224  $5,525  $3,234  $14,983 
Gross profit 2,469  3,160  447  6,076  2,511  2,795  748  6,054 
Gross margin (1) 47.3% 54.5% 16.9% 44.4% 40.3% 50.6% 23.1% 40.4%
R&D expenses 750  547  245  1,542  1,307  805  302  2,414 
Segment profit $1,719  $2,613  $202  $4,534  $1,204  $1,990  $446  $3,640 


       
Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP IBW Segment Gross Margin
       
  Three months ended
 December 31, 2017
 Three months ended
September 30, 2017
 Three months ended
December 31, 2016
  Revenue Gross
Profit
 Gross
Margin
 Revenue Gross
Profit
 Gross
Margin
 Revenue Gross
Profit
 Gross
Margin
GAAP - IBW segment $5,223  $2,469  47.3% $7,919  $3,650  46.1% $6,224  $2,511  40.3%
Stock-based compensation (1)   2      (2)     2   
Non-GAAP - IBW segment $5,223  $2,471  47.3% $7,919  $3,648  46.1% $6,224  $2,513  40.4%
(1) Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense incurred in accordance with share-based compensation accounting standards.


             
  Nine months ended December 31, 2017 Nine months ended December 31, 2016
  Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin
GAAP - IBW segment $20,098  $9,133  45.4% $18,989  $5,738  30.2%
ClearLink DAS E&O (1)         1,581   
Stock-based compensation (2)   8      7   
Non-GAAP - IBW segment $20,098  $9,141  45.5% $18,989  $7,326  38.6%
(1)   Excess and Obsolete inventory charges on ClearLink DAS inventory and firm purchase commitments.
(2)   Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense incurred in accordance with share-based compensation accounting standards.

 

                   
Westell Technologies, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                   
  Three months ended
 December 31, 2017
 Three months ended
 September 30, 2017
 Three months ended
 December 31, 2016
  Revenue Gross
Profit
 Gross
Margin
 Revenue Gross
Profit
 Gross
Margin
 Revenue Gross
Profit
 Gross
Margin
GAAP - Consolidated $13,675  $6,076  44.4% $17,232  $7,275  42.2% $14,983  $6,054  40.4%
Deferred revenue adjustment (1)             64  64   
Stock-based compensation (2)   11      (3)     10   
Non-GAAP - Consolidated $13,675  $6,087  44.5% $17,232  $7,272  42.2% $15,047  $6,128  40.7%


  Three months ended Nine months ended
  December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
  2017 2017 2016 2017 2016
GAAP consolidated operating expenses $6,041  $7,219  $7,836  $20,630  $32,427 
Adjustments:          
Stock-based compensation (2) (305) (345) (243) (955) (1,322)
Long-lived asset impairment (3)         (1,181)
Amortization of intangibles (4) (1,047) (1,048) (1,212) (3,142) (3,613)
Restructuring, separation, and transition (5)   (165) (490) (165) (3,055)
Total adjustments (1,352) (1,558) (1,945) (4,262) (9,171)
Non-GAAP consolidated operating expenses $4,689  $5,661  $5,891  $16,368  $23,256 


  Three months ended Nine months ended
  December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
  2017 2017 2016 2017 2016
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $799  $720  $(1,807) $947  $(15,385)
Less:          
Income tax benefit (expense) 685  (13) (10) 660  (20)
Other income, net 79  677  (15) 799  76 
GAAP consolidated operating profit (loss) $35  $56  $(1,782) $(512) $(15,441)
Adjustments:          
Deferred revenue adjustment (1)     64    190 
ClearLink DAS E&O (6)         1,581 
Stock-based compensation (2) 316  342  253  988  1,346 
Long-lived asset impairment (3)         1,181 
Amortization of intangibles (4) 1,047  1,048  1,212  3,142  3,613 
Restructuring, separation, and transition (5)   165  490  165  3,055 
Total adjustments 1,363  1,555  2,019  4,295  10,966 
Non-GAAP consolidated operating profit (loss) $1,398  $1,611  $237  $3,783  $(4,475)
Depreciation 174  201  272  605  1,101 
Non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (7) $1,572  $1,812  $509  $4,388  $(3,374)


  Three months ended Nine months ended
  December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31, December 31,
  2017 2017 2016 2017 2016
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $799  $720  $(1,807) $947  $(15,385)
Adjustments:          
Deferred revenue adjustment (1)     64    190 
ClearLink DAS E&O (6)         1,581 
Stock-based compensation (2) 316  342  253  988  1,346 
Long-lived asset impairment (3)         1,181 
Amortization of intangibles (4) 1,047  1,048  1,212  3,142  3,613 
Restructuring, separation, and transition (5)   165  490  165  3,055 
Foreign currency translation adjustment (8)   (608)   (608)  
Income taxes (9) (697)     (697)  
Total adjustments 666  947  2,019  2,990  10,966 
Non-GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $1,465  $1,667  $212  $3,937  $(4,419)
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) per common share:          
Diluted $0.05  $0.05  $(0.12) $0.06  $(1.00)
Non-GAAP consolidated net income (loss) per common share:          
Diluted $0.09  $0.11  $0.01  $0.25  $(0.29)
Average number of common shares outstanding:          
Diluted 15,755  15,672  15,425  15,679  15,315 

The Company conforms to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the preparation of its financial statements.  The schedules above reconcile the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.  The adjustments share one or more of the following characteristics: they are unusual and the Company does not expect them to recur in the ordinary course of its business; they do not involve the expenditure of cash; they are unrelated to the ongoing operation of the business in the ordinary course; or their magnitude and timing is largely outside of the Company's control.  Management believes that the non-GAAP financial information provides meaningful supplemental information to investors.  Management also believes the non-GAAP financial information reflects the Company's core ongoing operating performance and facilitates comparisons across reporting periods.  The Company uses these non-GAAP measures when evaluating its financial results.  Non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for the Company's GAAP results.

Footnotes:

(1)   On April 1, 2013, the Company purchased Kentrox.  The acquisition required the step-down on acquired deferred revenue, which resulted in lower revenue that will not recur once those liabilities have fully settled.  The adjustment removes the step-down on acquired deferred revenue that was recognized.
(2)   Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense incurred in accordance with share-based compensation accounting standards.
(3)   Non-cash impairment related to tangible long-lived assets associated with the previously announced strategic decision related to the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
(4)    Amortization of intangibles is a non-cash expense arising from previously acquired intangible assets.
(5)   Restructuring expenses are not directly related to the ongoing performance of our fundamental business operations, including costs relating to abandonment of excess office space at our headquarters and in New Hampshire, and severance costs for terminated employees. This adjustment also includes severance benefits related to the departure of certain former executives.
(6)   Non-recurring excess and obsolete inventory charges on inventory and firm purchase commitments associated with the previously announced strategic decision related to the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
(7)   EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.  The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA.
(8)   Non-recurring foreign currency translation gain related to the wind-up of the NoranTel legal entity during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
(9)   Adjustment removes one-time tax effect of changes in valuation allowance reserves associated with previously generated alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Minichiello
Chief Financial Officer
Westell Technologies, Inc.
+1 (630) 375 4740
tminichiello@westell.com