Westell Reports Fiscal 2019 First Quarter Results and Charts a Course for Future Growth


AURORA, Ill., Aug. 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTL), a leading provider of high-performance network infrastructure solutions, announced results for its fiscal 2019 first quarter ended June 30, 2018 (1Q19) and, under new CEO leadership, a new course for future growth.  Management will host a conference call to discuss 1Q19 results and plans for future growth tomorrow, Thursday, August 2, 2018, at 9:30 AM Eastern Time (details below).

Revenue was $13.0 million and comprised $3.6 million from the In-Building Wireless (IBW) segment, $5.7 million from the Intelligent Site Management (ISM) segment, and $3.7 million from the Communication Network Solutions (CNS) segment.

 1Q19
3 months ended
6/30/18
4Q18
3 months ended
3/31/18
 + increase /
- decrease
Revenue$13.0M$11.1M+$1.9M
Gross Margin 45.5% 45.5% —%
Operating Margin -1.2% -8.5% +7.3%
Net Income (Loss)($0.0M)($0.9M)+$0.9M
Earnings (Loss) Per Share($0.00)($0.06)+$0.06 
Non-GAAP Operating Margin (1) +8.6% +3.5% +5.1%
Non-GAAP Net Income (1)$1.2M$0.4M+$0.8M
Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (1)$0.08 $0.03 +$0.05 
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (1)$1.3M$0.6M+$0.7M
Ending Cash and ST Investments$25.8M$27.7M-$1.9M
(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.

“While sequential quarter revenue rebounded, largely on stronger ISM results, our goal and primary focus is to achieve meaningful growth across all three business segments,” said Stephen John, who joined Westell as President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2018.  “With the changes taking place in the industry, including network densification, deeper fiber access, in-building wireless, and the migration to 5G, our customers require more efficient infrastructure investments, especially at the edge of the network where Westell has built a solid reputation for high-quality solutions.  To capitalize on these opportunities, we are charting a course for future growth that we expect to include acquisitions and partnerships, complemented by organic growth through go-to-market strategies, expansion into adjacent markets, and innovation.  Our primary focus is to grow the business and drive increased shareholder value.”

In-Building Wireless (IBW) Segment

 1Q19
3 months ended
6/30/18
4Q18
3 months ended
3/31/18
 + increase /
- decrease
IBW Segment Revenue$3.6M$3.2M+$0.4M
IBW Segment Gross Margin46.7%48.0%-1.3%
IBW Segment R&D Expense$0.5M$0.5M$—M
IBW Segment Profit$1.1M$1.0M+$0.1M

IBW’s revenue increase was driven primarily by higher sales of public safety repeaters.  IBW’s gross margin decrease was due primarily to mix.  IBW’s segment profit increase was driven by the higher revenue.

Intelligent Site Management (ISM) Segment

 1Q19
3 months ended
6/30/18
4Q18
3 months ended
3/31/18
 + increase /
- decrease
ISM Segment Revenue$5.7M$4.7M+$1.0M
ISM Segment Gross Margin51.3%52.3%-1.0%
ISM Segment R&D Expense$0.6M$0.6M$—M
ISM Segment Profit$2.4M$1.8M+$0.6M

ISM’s revenue increase was driven by higher sales of remote units and software licenses, partly offset by lower services revenue.  ISM’s gross margin decreased slightly due primarily to mix.  ISM’s segment profit increase was driven by the higher revenue.

Communication Network Solutions (CNS) Segment

 1Q19
3 months ended
6/30/18
4Q18
3 months ended
3/31/18
 + increase /
- decrease
CNS Segment Revenue$3.7M$3.2M+$0.5M
CNS Segment Gross Margin35.5%33.2%+2.3%
CNS Segment R&D Expense$0.3M$0.2M-$0.1M
CNS Segment Profit$1.0M$0.8M+$0.2M

CNS’s revenue increase was driven primarily by higher sales of power distribution products.  CNS’s gross margin increase was driven primarily by a more favorable mix and lower costs.  CNS’s segment profit increase was driven by the higher revenue and improved gross margin.

Conference Call Information
Management will discuss financial and business results and plans for future growth during the quarterly conference call on Thursday, August 2, 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 August 2, 2018, by calling (877) 875-0056 no later than 8:15 AM Central Time (9:15 AM Eastern Time) and providing the operator confirmation number 47253729.

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: https://ir.westell.com.  A digital recording of the entire conference will be available for replay on Westell's website by approximately 12:00 PM Eastern Time following the conclusion of the conference.

About Westell Technologies
Westell is a leading provider of high-performance network 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, 2018, 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
  June 30, March 31, June 30,
  2018 2018 2017
Revenue $13,037  $11,096  $16,574 
Cost of revenue 7,102  6,047  9,807 
Gross profit 5,935  5,049  6,767 
Gross margin 45.5% 45.5% 40.8%
Operating expenses:      
R&D 1,432  1,352  2,276 
Sales and marketing 2,137  2,012  2,336 
General and administrative 1,534  1,580  1,711 
Intangible amortization 990  1,047  1,047 
Total operating expenses 6,093  5,991  7,370 
Operating profit (loss) (158) (942) (603)
Other income, net 119  89  43 
Income (loss) before income taxes (39) (853) (560)
Income tax benefit (expense)   (63) (12)
Net income (loss) $(39) $(916) $(572)
       
Net income (loss) per share:      
Basic net income (loss) $  $(0.06) $(0.04)
Diluted net income (loss) $  $(0.06) $(0.04)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:      
Basic 15,632  15,541  15,481 
Diluted 15,632  15,541  15,481 

 

 

Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Amounts in thousands)
 
  June 30, 2018 (Unaudited) March 31, 2018
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $24,497  $24,963 
Short-term investments 1,346  2,779 
Accounts receivable, net 10,571  8,872 
Inventories 9,727  9,222 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,283  816 
Total current assets 47,424  46,652 
Land, property and equipment, net 1,498  1,601 
Intangible assets, net 10,445  11,435 
Tax receivable, non-current 697  697 
Other non-current assets 74  74 
Total assets $60,138  $60,459 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity    
Accounts payable $2,256  $1,903 
Accrued expenses 3,053  3,328 
Accrued restructuring 14  63 
Deferred revenue 1,516  1,790 
Total current liabilities 6,839  7,084 
Deferred revenue non-current 599  846 
Other non-current liabilities 229  234 
Total liabilities 7,667  8,164 
Total stockholders’ equity 52,471  52,295 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $60,138  $60,459 

 

 

Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
   
  Three months
 ended
 June 30,
  2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income (loss) $(39) $(572)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 1,142  1,277 
Stock-based compensation 291  330 
Deferred taxes   7 
Exchange rate loss (gain) 10  (4)
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable (1,705) 1,748 
Inventory (505) 321 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 24  (220)
Deferred revenue (192) (677)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (467) 228 
Other assets   7 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,441) 2,445 
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Net maturity (purchase) of short-term investments 1,433   
Purchases of property and equipment, net (50) (155)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 1,383  (155)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Purchase of treasury stock (405) (374)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (405) (374)
Gain (loss) of exchange rate changes on cash (3) (6)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (466) 1,910 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 24,963 (1)21,778 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $24,497 (1)$23,688 
          
(1) As of June 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, the Company has $1.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively, 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 June 30, 2018 Three months ended March 31, 2018
  IBW ISM CNS Total IBW ISM CNS Total
Total revenue $3,557  $5,744  $3,736  $13,037  $3,167  $4,688  $3,241  $11,096 
Gross profit 1,662  2,948  1,325  5,935  1,520  2,454  1,075  5,049 
Gross margin 46.7% 51.3% 35.5% 45.5% 48.0% 52.3% 33.2% 45.5%
R&D expenses 522  569  341  1,432  485  629  238  1,352 
Segment profit $1,140  $2,379  $984  $4,503  $1,035  $1,825  $837  $3,697 


Year-over-Year Quarter Comparison
     
  Three months ended June 30, 2018 Three months ended June 30, 2017
  IBW ISM CNS Total IBW ISM CNS Total
Total revenue $3,557  $5,744  $3,736  $13,037  $6,956  $4,130  $5,488  $16,574 
Gross profit 1,662  2,948  1,325  5,935  3,014  2,126  1,627  6,767 
Gross margin 46.7% 51.3% 35.5% 45.5% 43.3% 51.5% 29.6% 40.8%
R&D expenses 522  569  341  1,432  1,463  565  248  2,276 
Segment profit $1,140  $2,379  $984  $4,503  $1,551  $1,561  $1,379  $4,491 

 

Westell Technologies, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three months ended
  June 30, March 31, June 30,
  2018 2018 2017
GAAP consolidated operating expenses $6,093  $5,991  $7,370 
Adjustments:      
Stock-based compensation (1) (279) (286) (305)
Amortization of intangibles (2) (990) (1,047) (1,047)
  Total adjustments (1,269) (1,333) (1,352)
Non-GAAP consolidated operating expenses $4,824  $4,658  $6,018 


  Three months ended
  June 30, March 31, June 30,
  2018 2018 2017
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $(39) $(916) $(572)
Less:      
Income tax benefit (expense)   (63) (12)
Other income, net 119  89  43 
GAAP consolidated operating profit (loss) $(158) $(942) $(603)
Adjustments:      
Stock-based compensation (1) 291  283  330 
Amortization of intangibles (2) 990  1,047  1,047 
  Total adjustments 1,281  1,330  1,377 
Non-GAAP consolidated operating profit (loss) $1,123  $388  $774 
Depreciation 152  163  230 
Non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (3) $1,275  $551  $1,004 


  Three months ended
  June 30, March 31, June 30,
  2018 2018 2017
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $(39) $(916) $(572)
Adjustments:      
Stock-based compensation (1) 291  283  330 
Amortization of intangibles (2) 990  1,047  1,047 
  Total adjustments 1,281  1,330  1,377 
Non-GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $1,242  $414  $805 
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) per common share:      
Diluted $  $(0.06) $(0.04)
Non-GAAP consolidated net income (loss) per common share:      
Diluted $0.08  $0.03  $0.05 
Average number of common shares outstanding:      
Diluted 15,748  15,794  15,617 
          

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)  Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense incurred in accordance with share-based compensation accounting standards.
(2)  Amortization of intangibles is a non-cash expense arising from previously acquired intangible assets.
(3)  EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.  The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA.

For additional information, contact:

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