Confidential draft No. 3 submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2018.
This draft registration statement has not been filed publicly with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and all information herein remains strictly confidential.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CAMBIUM NETWORKS CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Cayman Islands (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
3663 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
Not Applicable (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Atul Bhatnagar
Chief Executive Officer
Cambium Networks, Inc.
3800 Golf Road, Suite 360
Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008
(888) 863 5250
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants principal executive offices)
Intertrust Corporate Services (Cayman) Limited
190 Elgin Avenue
George Town
Grand Cayman KY1-9005
Cayman Islands
+1 (345) 943-3100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Martin A. Wellington Helen Theung Sidley Austin LLP 1001 Page Mill Road Building 1 Palo Alto, California 94304 (650) 565-7000 |
Sally J. Rau General Counsel Cambium Networks, Inc. 3800 Golf Road, Suite 360 Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 (888) 863-5250 |
Jeffrey D. Saper Robert G. Day Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation 650 Page Mill Road Palo Alto, California 94304 (650) 493-9300 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||
Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☒
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2) |
Amount of Registration Fee | ||
Ordinary Shares, par value $ per share |
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(1) | Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(2) | Includes the aggregate offering price of any additional ordinary shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to completion, dated , 2018
Preliminary Prospectus
shares
Ordinary shares
This is an initial public offering of ordinary shares by Cambium Networks Corporation. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price will be between $ and $ per share.
We have applied for listing of our ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol CMBM.
We are an emerging growth company as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and as such, have elected to comply with reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and may elect to do so in future filings.
After the completion of this offering, we will be a controlled company within the meaning of the corporate governance standard of the Nasdaq Global Market because Vector Capital will own % of our then outstanding ordinary shares. See Prospectus summaryControlled company status, Principal shareholders and Risk factorsRisks related to this offering and ownership of our shares.
Per share | Total | |||||||
Initial public offering price |
$ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) |
$ | $ | ||||||
Proceeds to Cambium Networks, before expenses |
$ | $ | ||||||
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(1) | See Underwriting for additional information regarding total underwriter compensation. |
Cambium Networks has granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to additional ordinary shares at the initial public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions.
Investing in our ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk. See Risk factors beginning on page 14.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the ordinary shares to investors on or about .
J.P. Morgan | Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | |||||
Deutsche Bank Securities | Raymond James | JMP Securities | Oppenheimer & Co. |
, 2018
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Cambium Networks Connecting the unconnected Large market opportunity Large Customer base Rapid growth Significant scale $9bn+ 10,000+ 19% $217mm Total addressable market1 Network operators Revenue growth from 2016 to 2017 Revenue All data is as of the year ended December 31, 2017
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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. We and the underwriters have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or make any representations different from that contained in this prospectus or any free writing prospectus we have prepared. We and the underwriters are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, our shares only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, or earlier date stated in this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our shares.
Through and including , 2018 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting a transaction in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
For investors outside the United States: Neither we nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
Cambium, Cambium Networks, cnPilot, cnMaestro, cnMedusa, Elevate, cnArcher, cnReach, the Cambium logos and other trademarks or service marks of Cambium Networks, Inc. appearing in this prospectus are the property of Cambium Networks Corporation. This prospectus contains additional trade names, trademarks and service marks of others, which are the property of their respective owners.
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before buying shares in this offering. Therefore, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the Risk factors section beginning on page 14, Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase our shares. Unless the context requires otherwise, the words we, us, our, the Company, Cambium and Cambium Networks refer to Cambium Networks Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Overview
We provide wireless broadband networking infrastructure solutions for network operators, including medium-sized wireless Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Our scalable, reliable and high performance solutions create a purpose built wireless fabric which connects people, places and things across distances ranging from two meters to more than 100 kilometers, indoors and outdoors, at attractive economics.
Our wireless fabric includes intelligent radios, smart antennas, radio frequency, or RF, algorithms and our cloud-based network management software. Our embedded proprietary RF technology and software enables automated optimization of data flow at the outermost points in the network, which we refer to as the intelligent edge. This intelligent edge offers network operators increased performance, visibility, control and management, as well as the ability to efficiently transfer large amounts of data back to enterprise data centers for fast and efficient analysis and decision-making even in conditions characterized by a high degree of interfering signals generated both within the network or from outside sources, which we refer to as noise.
Our solutions are deployed by medium-sized wireless Internet service providers and enterprises, including utility, petrochemical, military, state and local government, industrial and other network operators that use our technology to connect a wide range of network assets, from traditional offices to complex sensor networks. Network operators deploy our enterprise-grade solutions to take advantage of their scalability, intelligence, reliability, attractive economics and ease of deployment:
| Superior outdoor scalability. Our solutions scale to greater density for outdoor applications because of their leading spectral efficiency. |
| Embedded network intelligence. Our solutions have embedded intelligence, utilizing software and RF algorithms that work together to optimize network performance. This intelligence allows networks to adapt and evolve as network requirements vary, environments change and network footprints grow over time. |
| Reliable wireless connectivity in congested environments. Our solutions deliver superior reliability enabled by our technologys frequency reuse capabilities, embedded dynamic spectrum optimization and dynamic filtering abilities. |
| High quality at attractive economics. Our solutions improve economics for network operators by supporting a large number of customer premise equipment, or CPE, per access point while providing enterprise-grade performance and quality. We reduce ongoing management costs through device reliability and embedded software that independently manages and resolves network performance issues. |
| Ease of deployment and simplicity to scale the network. Network operators can utilize our cloud-based software to help design, install and manage their networks from cloud-to-tower-to-edge. Our cloud-based |
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network management software offers full lifecycle management of a network through a single pane of glass, reducing the complexity of network operations and the onboarding of large numbers of devices. |
Our products are typically deployed by medium-sized service providers, such as wireless Internet service provider networks serving from 5,000 to over 200,000 subscribers, enterprise networks and sensor heavy industrial networks. We estimate that medium-sized Internet service providers contributed approximately half of our revenues in 2016 and 2017.
We market and sell our solutions through our global channel partner network, which drives a substantial majority of our revenues. We sell our solutions as one-time sales, although a majority of our revenues in a given period typically is generated by purchases from network operators that have previously purchased our products. Growth from these network operators is driven by expansion within existing networks and in new territories, replacement of competitor products with our solutions, deployment of new and incremental use cases and, in the case of local governments, mandates to offer fixed broadband wireless to all of their citizens.
We have experienced rapid revenue growth over the last several years and we have shipped more than three million devices since 2012, including over one million in 2017, to more than 10,000 network operators in over 145 countries. For 2016 and 2017, our revenues were $181.4 million and $216.7 million, respectively. During the same periods, our net income was $2.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively. In the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, our revenues were $48.8 million and $58.5 million, respectively. During the same periods, our net income was $2.8 million and our net loss was $0.2 million, respectively.
Our industry
According to Cisco Visual Networking Index, wireless mobile data traffic is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44% from 2017 to 2021. We believe that growth in data traffic will be predominantly driven by the proliferation of connected devices, applications and sensors for both service provider and enterprise use cases. For example:
| Consumers are using connected devices to access cloud applications, stream media-rich content and connect to friends and family utilizing wireless connectivity. |
| Enterprises are increasingly deploying their own wireless broadband infrastructure to provide individuals access to corporate networks, data centers and cloud applications. |
| Industrial enterprises are using wireless broadband to help replace periodic, manual system monitoring with hundreds of wireless sensors and cameras that can monitor key production activities in real-time for safety, productivity and security. For example, wireless connectivity is allowing industrial enterprises real-time comprehensive monitoring of operations across a field of onshore facilities or offshore platforms to increase both the efficiency and safety of industrial operations. |
The growing adoption of wireless networks is driving massive amounts of data that is being analyzed locally at the edge or at enterprise or cloud data centers. This requires greater wireless connectivity to capture and evaluate the data locally or to backhaul large amounts of data to a data center. Local operations centers or distant corporate data centers must also communicate with the edge devices to optimize operations.
Many existing wireless solutions are limited by their ability to deliver real-time adaptability, scalability, efficient use of spectrum, network reliability and economical use cases:
| Limited real-time adaptability. Wireless network footprints are continually changing due to individuals moving within a network, rapidly changing environments in an industrial footprint and expanding use cases |
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or functionality. Many wireless solutions lack the software and RF technology to continually optimize performance of rapidly evolving network infrastructure and in noisy conditions. |
| Lack of network scalability. Current wireless solutions often struggle to scale primarily because they lack end-to-end management capabilities and integrated RF algorithms in the software. Software is required to efficiently plan, synchronize and optimize large-scale deployments of wireless broadband, while mitigating self-interference. Existing solutions are typically provisioned manually and managed by spreadsheets or management tools developed by customers internally. Real-time, efficient management requires embedded software and technology capable of optimizing network performance at the edge in varying environmental conditions. |
| Inefficient use of spectrum. Many existing solutions do not contain data path optimization technologies that allow for efficient use of frequency channels and available spectrum. This leads to performance degradation and limits the number of users and devices to which the network can deliver quality access. |
| Lack of network reliability in areas with congested signals. Many existing solutions struggle with interference in high noise environments because they cannot reuse frequencies to expand available channels for traffic. These solutions also do not include software that identifies congested channels and automatically switches traffic to channels with less congestion. Inability to reuse frequencies or to recognize congested channels can degrade performance and limit available bandwidth. |
| Uneconomical for certain use cases. Existing fixed wireless broadband solutions can be cost-prohibitive because of their inability to serve a high concentration of CPE without the deployment of a high number of access points. Additionally, many existing solutions fail because of a lack of software intelligence to foresee upcoming issues and an inefficient path to resolution for issues given limited services and support capabilities. |
Our solutions
Our Point-to-Point, or PTP, solutions are typically connected to high-speed, high-bandwidth wireline networks, and provide wireless broadband backhaul to facilities or Point-to-Multipoint, or PMP, access points deployed throughout a network over distances of more than 100 kilometers and at more than 2 Gbps. Our PMP solutions extend wireless broadband access from tower mounted access points to CPE providing broadband access to residences and enterprises covering wide areas with a range of 10 to 30 kilometers. Our cnPilot Wi-Fi solution provides distributed access to individual users in indoor settings, such as office complexes, and outdoor settings, such as athletic stadiums, over distances as short as two meters with high capacity. Our cnReach solutions offer narrow-band connectivity for sensors and devices at the network edge, typically over the last few meters. Our embedded proprietary RF technology and software enables automated optimization of data flow at the outermost points in the network.
Our competitive strengths
We have a number of competitive strengths, including the following:
| Wireless fabric that enables fast and efficient scalability. Our solution allows network operators to densify their networks with incremental access points that scale subscriber support in a linear manner without compromise to quality of service. |
| Advanced RF signal algorithms. Our RF algorithms drive network performance by employing technologies such as frequency reuse, congestion-based channel switching and noise filtering. |
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| Broad applicability of our wireless fabric. Our technology has broad application across a wide range of connectivity use cases, and our core technologies underlying the wireless fabric offer broad extensibility to new markets such as Wi-Fi and Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT, solutions. |
| Network management software platform built for scale. Our cloud-based network management software increases ease of deployment and usage through easy provisioning, configuration, monitoring and complete network visualization, with the ability to support over 100,000 devices. |
| Culture of constant innovation combined with high velocity product development and service. We pride ourselves in our strong work ethic and focus on providing innovative products and first-class service to network operators. Our employees are united by our mission to eliminate the digital divide by building innovative products to connect underserved and developing communities. |
Market opportunity
The majority of our revenues today come from PTP and PMP solutions. According to Sky Light Research, the PTP Microwave market is expected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2017 to $4.2 billion through 2021. According to QYResearch, the PMP market is expected to grow from $0.5 billion in 2017 to $0.9 billion in 2025. We entered the Wi-Fi market in 2016 and it has become a meaningful portion of our revenues. According to IDC, a market research firm, the enterprise WLAN market is expected to grow from $5.8 billion in 2017 to $7.6 billion through 2022. Combining these served markets, our addressable market in 2017 exceeded $9 billion. In 2017, we introduced our cnReach IIoT products, and while the market remains at an early stage of development, we believe this market presents significant commercial opportunities.
Our growth strategy
The key elements of our growth strategy include:
| Continue investment in wireless fabric while expanding into new markets. We are investing in our wireless fabric technology to expand the breadth of our solutions and to take advantage of new frequencies and communications standards. |
| Expand our software capabilities. We will continue to invest in our embedded software capabilities which include GPS synchronization, dynamic optimization and filtering technologies that facilitate the intelligent edge. We also plan to invest in cnMaestro, our cloud-based network management software platform, to improve functionality, ease of deployment and operations. |
| Drive greater penetration in our existing base. We intend to work collaboratively with key network operators to evaluate new use cases as these network operators expand their geographical footprint into new territories and increase their deployment of our products. |
| Deepen and expand channel and network operator relationships. We intend to deepen and expand our relationships in our channel which currently includes over 4,000 channel partners and received CRN Magazines five star rating in 2017 and 2018, which is its highest ranking awarded. |
| Position portfolio to take advantage of proliferation of higher-speed wireless connectivity. We intend to continue investing in and positioning our portfolio to pursue opportunities in high density environments as these markets move toward fixed wireless technology that is differentiated by reliability in congested environments. |
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Risks related to our business and this offering
Investing in our shares involves risks. You should carefully consider all the information in this prospectus prior to investing in our shares. These risks are discussed more fully in the section entitled Risk factors immediately following this prospectus summary. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
| Our operating results can be difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly, which could result in a failure to meet investor expectations or our guidance and a decline in the trading price of our shares. |
| The introduction of new products and technology is key to our success, and if we fail to predict and respond to emerging technological trends and network operators changing needs, we may be unable to remain competitive. |
| Competitive pressures may harm our business, revenues, growth rates and market share. |
| We rely on third-party manufacturers, which subjects us to risks of product delivery delays and reduced control over product costs and quality. |
| We rely on distributors and value-added resellers for the substantial majority of our sales, and the failure of our channel partners to promote and support sales of our products would materially reduce our expected future revenues. |
| Our third-party logistics and warehousing provider may fail to deliver products to our channel partners and network operators in a timely manner, which could harm our reputation and operating results. |
| Our or our distributors and channel partners inability to attract new network operators or sell additional products to network operators that currently use our products could adversely affect our revenue growth and cause our revenues to decrease. |
| Our reliance on third-party components, including components from limited or sole source suppliers, to build our products. |
| We generate a significant amount of revenues from sales outside of the United States, and we are therefore subject to a number of risks associated with international sales and operations. |
| Our public shareholders will have limited influence over significant corporate actions because Vector Capital will continue to hold a controlling interest in us. |
| Conflicts of interest could arise in the future between us and Vector Capital, including conflicts related to potential competitive business activities or opportunities, and the corporate opportunity provisions in our memorandum and articles of association, which gives Vector Capital and its affiliates the right to engage or invest in the same or similar business as us, and do business with any of our channel partners, distributors, network operators and any other party with which the Company does business, could enable Vector Capital to benefit from such opportunities without making them available to us. |
| Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions, such as a staggered board and the ability of the board to issue blank-check preferred shares, that could adversely affect the rights of our shareholders. |
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Corporate Information
Cambium Networks was formed in 2011 as Vector Cambium Holdings (Cayman), Ltd., and changed its name to Cambium Networks Corporation in 2018. We conduct our business through Cambium Networks, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of England and Wales, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Cambium Networks Corporation holds no material assets other than Cambium Networks, Ltd. and its subsidiaries and does not engage in any business operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, we use Cambium Networks to refer to Cambium Networks Corporation and its subsidiaries throughout this prospectus.
Prior to this offering, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vector Cambium Holdings (Cayman), L.P., which we refer to as VCH, L.P. throughout this prospectus. VCH, L.P. is, in turn, owned by Vector Capital and certain of its affiliates, which we refer to collectively as Vector Capital.
Our headquarters are located at Cambium Networks, Inc., at 3800 Golf Road, Suite 360, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 and our telephone number is (888) 863-5250. You can access our website at www.cambiumnetworks.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus, is not incorporated in this prospectus by reference and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.
About Vector Capital
Vector Capital is a leading global private equity firm specializing in spinouts, buyouts and recapitalizations of established technology businesses in both the private and public capital markets. Vector Capital strives to actively partner with management teams to develop and execute new financial and business strategies designed to materially improve the competitive standing of those businesses and enhance value for employees, customers and shareholders.
Recapitalization and return of capital
Under the VCH, L.P. Limited Partnership Agreement, or the VCH LPA, Class A Units were issued to Vector Capital in exchange for cash investments, while Class B Units were used exclusively to underlie share-based compensation awards granted to our employees and other service providers. The VCH LPA provides, among other things, that any distributions paid by VCH, L.P. in respect of its equity be paid: (i) first, to holders of Class A Units in the form of an 8% yield on invested capital, (ii) second, to holders of Class A Units as a return of invested capital until all such capital has been returned and (iii) thereafter, ratably among holders of Class A Units and holders of share-based compensation awards, provided, that in the case of share-based compensation awards certain valuation thresholds of Cambium Networks assigned to such awards at the time of grant have been exceeded. As of March 31, 2018, there remained a balance of $44.9 million of unreturned capital and accumulated yield payable to holders of Class A Units under the VCH LPA, which continues to accrue the 8% yield.
We have determined that as a public company it would be preferable that equity compensation awards for our employees and service providers be issued in respect of our ordinary shares, as opposed to units in VCH, L.P., as this would provide direct alignment of these incentive awards with the interests of our public shareholders. To accomplish this alignment, in connection with this offering we will effect a Recapitalization, which will be comprised of (i) increasing our authorized and outstanding shares and (ii) exchanging the vested share-based compensation awards for our shares and unvested share-based compensation awards for restricted shares or restricted share units issued by Cambium Networks, in each case on a value-for-value basis based on the price
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to the public in this offering and after giving effect to the return to holders of Class A Units of the remaining unreturned capital and accumulated yield under the VCH LPA, which we refer to as the VCH Return of Capital. As part of the Recapitalization, prior to the completion of the share-based award exchange, we will declare a cash dividend payable to VCH, L.P. in an amount equal to the VCH Return of Capital as of the date of this prospectus, which dividend will be paid with a portion of the net proceeds of this offering immediately after the closing. The Recapitalization will have the effect of moving the relative pre-IPO economic ownership interests of our employees and service providers from VCH, L.P. to Cambium Networks Corporation, but will not otherwise affect our legal relationships with employees and service providers, all of whom will continue to be retained by us or our wholly-owned subsidiaries. After completion of the Recapitalization and this offering, we will neither be party to nor subject to any obligations under the VCH LPA.
Based on the share-based compensation awards outstanding and unreturned capital and accumulated yield due to holders of Class A Units as of March 31, 2018, assuming we sell shares in this offering at $ per share, the midpoint of the range on the cover of this prospectus, we would (i) pay VCH, L.P. a dividend of $ million, (ii) issue million shares to former share-based compensation award holders, of which million shares would be subject to vesting based on continuing employment with us and (iii) grant restricted share units in respect of shares that would be subject to vesting based on continued employment with us. As a result of the Recapitalization, we expect to incur an aggregate compensation expense of $ million in the quarterly period in which we complete this offering, of which $ million will be non-cash and $ million will be in cash. See Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operationsShare-based compensation expense in connection with this offering.
Except as otherwise indicated, all disclosure in this prospectus gives effect to the Recapitalization based on the mid-point of the offering price range on the cover of this prospectus. See Use of proceeds for more information.
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The following chart summarizes our organizational structure and equity ownership immediately following the completion of this offering. This chart is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not represent all legal entities affiliated with, or obligations of, the company.
(1) | Does not include shares subject to restricted share units issued in the Recapitalization. |
Emerging growth company
The JOBS Act was enacted in April 2012 with the intention of encouraging capital formation in the United States and reducing the regulatory burden on newly public companies that qualify as emerging growth companies. We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the JOBS Act. We may take advantage of certain exemptions from various public reporting requirements, including the requirement that we provide more than two years of audited financial statements and related managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and that our internal control over financial reporting be audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We intend to take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
See the section titled Risk factorsRisks related to our business. We are an emerging growth company and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our shares less attractive to investors due to certain risks related to our status as an emerging growth company.
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Controlled company status
Following the completion of this offering, we will be a controlled company under Nasdaq rules because more than 50% of the voting power of our shares will be held by Vector Capital. See Principal shareholders. We intend to rely upon the controlled company exemption relating to the board of directors and committee independence requirements under the Nasdaq listing rules. Pursuant to this exemption, we will be exempt from the rules that would otherwise require that our board of directors consist of a majority of independent directors and that our compensation committee and nominating and governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors. The controlled company exemption does not modify the independence requirements for the audit committee, and we intend to comply with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and Nasdaq, which require that our audit committee have a majority of independent directors upon consummation of this offering, and exclusively independent directors within one year following the effective date of the registration statement relating to this offering.
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Shares offered |
shares |
Shares outstanding after this offering |
shares |
Option to purchase additional shares |
We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days after the date of this prospectus to purchase up to additional shares. |
Use of proceeds |
The principal purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares, facilitate access to the public equity markets, increase our visibility in the marketplace, and obtain additional capital. |
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full), based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use an aggregate of $50.0 million of the net proceeds from this offering to return capital and accumulated yield and pay management fees owed to Vector Capital, and the remainder for working capital and general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness under our credit facility. In addition, we believe that opportunities may exist from time to time to expand our current business through acquisitions of or investments in complementary products, technologies or businesses. While we have no agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific acquisitions at this time, we may use a portion of our net proceeds for these purposes. See Use of proceeds for more information. |
Proposed Nasdaq Global Market symbol |
CMBM |
Risk factors |
See Risk factors and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our shares. |
The number of shares that will be outstanding after this offering is based on the number of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018. This number excludes:
| shares subject to unvested restricted share awards; |
| shares underlying restricted share units; and |
| shares reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Share Incentive Plan. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes:
| the filing and effectiveness of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; |
| no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares; and |
| completion of the Recapitalization based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ , the midpoint of the range on the cover of this prospectus. |
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Summary consolidated financial data
The following tables provide our summary consolidated financial data and should be read in conjunction with Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and our consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the summary consolidated statement of operations data for 2016 and 2017 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 from our audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary consolidated statement of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2018 have been derived from our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future, and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in any full year.
Three months ended March 31, |
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(in thousands, except share and per share data) | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income Data: |
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Revenues |
$ | 181,444 | $ | 216,671 | $ | 48,808 | $ | 58,453 | ||||||||
Costs of revenues |
91,715 | 105,960 | 23,099 | 30,250 | ||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
89,729 | 110,711 | 25,709 | 28,203 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
26,267 | 32,227 | 6,950 | 9,385 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
29,621 | 37,209 | 8,209 | 10,419 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
13,218 | 17,578 | 3,321 | 4,321 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,433 | 8,824 | 2,088 | 2,370 | ||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
77,539 | 95,838 | 20,568 | 26,495 | ||||||||||||
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Operating income |
12,190 | 14,783 | 5,141 | 1,708 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
7,565 | 5,018 | 1,493 | 1,758 | ||||||||||||
Other expense |
165 | 474 | 35 | 231 | ||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
4,460 | 9,381 | 3,613 | (281 | ) | |||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
1,547 | (418 | ) | 771 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | 2,913 | $ | 9,799 | 2,842 | (227 | ) | |||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest |
638 | 671 | 170 | | ||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders |
$ | 2,275 | $ | 9,128 | $ | 2,672 | $ | (227 | ) | |||||||
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Earnings (loss) per share:(1) |
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Basic and diluted(1) |
$ | 2,947.69 | $ | 11,827.05 | $ | 3,462.08 | $ | (294.12 | ) | |||||||
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Shares outstanding: |
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Basic and diluted(1) |
771.79 | 771.79 | 771.79 | 771.79 | ||||||||||||
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Pro forma net income (loss) per share, |
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Basic and diluted (unaudited) |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
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Pro forma weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (unaudited)(2) |
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(1) | Share numbers reflect historical outstanding share numbers as reflected in the consolidated financial statements and do not reflect the effect of the Recapitalization. For further information please see Prospectus summaryRecapitalization and return of capital and Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements. |
(2) | The unaudited calculation of the denominator of basic and diluted EPS gives effect to the adjustments to reflect the weighted average effect of the return of capital and accumulated yield in the Recapitalization as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, as if the transaction occurred at January 1, 2017. |
Non-GAAP financial measure | Three months ended March 31, |
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(in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
GAAP net income (loss)(1) |
$ | 2,913 | $ | 9,799 | $ | 2,842 | $ | (227 | ) | |||||||
Adjustments |
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Net interest expense |
7,565 | 5,018 | 1,493 | 1,758 | ||||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
1,547 | (418 | ) | 771 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
8,433 | 8,871 | 2,088 | 2,370 | ||||||||||||
Sponsor fees |
500 | 2,500 | 125 | 125 | ||||||||||||
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Total Adjustments |
18,045 | 15,971 | 4,477 | 4,199 | ||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 20,958 | $ | 25,770 | $ | 7,319 | $ | 3,972 | ||||||||
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(1) | See Selected consolidated financial dataNon-GAAP financial measure for additional information. |
The consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2018 are presented below:
| on an actual basis; |
| on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Recapitalization based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the range on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us; and |
| on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to: (i) the pro forma adjustment set forth above; (ii) the sale by us of shares offered by us in this prospectus, assuming an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the range on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us; and (iii) the application of a portion of the proceeds from this offering as described in Use of proceeds. |
As of March 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) (unaudited) | Actual | Pro forma | Pro forma as adjusted(1) |
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
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Cash |
$ | 4,492 | $ | $ | ||||||||
Working capital |
35,059 | |||||||||||
Total assets |
125,641 | |||||||||||
Total debt(2) |
93,392 | |||||||||||
Total shareholders deficit |
(18,944 | ) | ||||||||||
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(1) | Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) pro forma as adjusted, our cash balances and total assets by $ million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
(2) | Total debt includes external debt and is net of deferred issuance costs of $2.5 million at March 31, 2018. |
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An investment in our shares involves significant risks. You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described below, before making an investment in our shares. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In any such case, the market price of our shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks related to our business
Our operating results can be difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly, which could result in a failure to meet investor expectations or our guidance and a decline in the trading price of our shares.
Our quarterly and annual operating results have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future. In particular, the timing and size of sales of our products are difficult to predict and can result in significant fluctuations in our revenues from period to period. For instance, we have historically received and fulfilled a substantial portion of sales orders and generated a substantial portion of revenues during the last few weeks of each quarter. In addition, we generally recognize all product revenues in the same period in which the related products are sold. Because our operating results are relatively fixed in the short term, any failure to meet expectations regarding sales could have an immediate and material effect on our earnings. If our revenues or operating results fall below the expectations of investors or securities analysts or below any estimates we may provide to the market, the trading price of our shares would likely decline, which could have a material and adverse impact on investor confidence and employee retention.
Our operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, and which we may not foresee. In addition to other risks listed in this Risk factors section, factors that may affect our operating results include:
| fluctuations in demand for our products, including seasonal variations; |
| our failure to timely fulfill orders for our products, which may be due to inability of our third-party manufacturers and suppliers to meet our demand, logistical failures in warehousing and shipping products or other factors; |
| failure of our distributors and channel partners to effectively promote and sell our products or manage their inventory and fulfillment; |
| our ability to control costs, including our manufacturing and component costs and operating expenses; |
| our ability to develop, introduce and ship in a timely manner new products and product enhancements, and to anticipate future market demands; |
| changes in the competitive dynamics of our target markets, including new entrants, consolidation and pricing pressures; |
| the inherent complexity, length and associated unpredictability of the sales cycles for our products; |
| announcements by us or our competitors of new or enhanced products, promotions or other transactions; |
| variation in product costs, prices or mix of products we sell; |
| product quality issues that could result in increases in product warranty costs and harm to our reputation and brand; and |
| general economic or political conditions in our markets. |
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The effects of these or other factors individually or in combination could result in fluctuations and unpredictability in our operating results, our ability to forecast those results and the trading price of our shares. As a result, our past results should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance.
The introduction of new products and technology is key to our success, and if we fail to predict and respond to emerging technological trends and network operators changing needs, we may be unable to remain competitive.
The wireless broadband market is generally characterized by rapidly changing technology, changing needs of network operators, evolving regulations and industry standards and frequent introductions of new products and services. Historically, new product introductions have been a key driver of our revenue growth. To succeed, we must effectively anticipate and adapt in a timely manner to network operator requirements and continue to develop or acquire new products and features that meet market demands, technology trends and evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards. Our ability to keep pace with technological developments, such as 5G and LTE, satisfy increasing network operator requirements, and achieve product acceptance depends upon our ability to enhance our current products and develop and introduce or otherwise acquire the rights to new products on a timely basis and at competitive prices. The process of developing new technology is complex and uncertain, and the development of new products and enhancements typically requires significant upfront investment, which may not result in material improvements to existing products or result in marketable new products or costs savings or revenues for an extended period of time, if at all. Network operators have delayed, and may in the future delay, purchases of our products while awaiting release of new products or product enhancements. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, design, manufacturing, marketing and other difficulties that delay or prevent the development, introduction or marketing of new products and enhancements. In addition, the introduction of new or enhanced products requires that we carefully manage the transition from older products to minimize disruption in channel partner ordering practices. If we fail to anticipate industry trends and evolving regulations by developing or acquiring rights to new products or product enhancements and timely and effectively introducing such new products and enhancements, or network operators do not perceive our products to have compelling technological advantages, our business and the price of our shares would be adversely affected.
Competitive pressures may harm our business, revenues, growth rates and market share.
We generate a majority of our revenues from sales to wireless Internet service providers. The market for wireless broadband products is rapidly evolving, highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change. We expect competition to persist, intensify and increase.
In all of our markets, we compete with a number of wireless equipment providers worldwide that vary in size and in the products and solutions offered. Our competitors for products and solutions for the unlicensed, sub-6 GHz spectrum bands include Radwin, MicroTik and Ubiquiti. In the licensed microwave markets, our competitors include SIAE, SAF Tehnica and Aviat. Our Wi-Fi products and solutions compete with Cisco Meraki, HPE (Aruba), Ruckus Wireless (Arris) and Ubiquiti. Our cnReach IIoT products and solutions compete with GE MDS and Freewave. As our target markets continue to develop and expand, and as the technology for wireless broadband continues to evolve, we expect competition to increase. We also expect consolidation to impact the competitive landscape, such as the acquisition by Arris Group of Ruckus Wireless (Arris) in 2017.
Demand for our solutions versus those of our competitors is influenced by a variety of factors, including the following:
| product quality, performance, features and functionality, and reliability; |
| depth and breadth of sales channel; |
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| brand awareness and reputation; |
| total cost of ownership and return on investment associated with the products; |
| ease of configuration, installation and use of the products; |
| ability to provide a complete compatible and scalable solution; |
| broad application across a range of use cases; |
| ability to allow centralized management of the products and network to enable better network planning, including scalable provisioning, configuration, monitoring and complete network visualization; and |
| strength, quality and scale of pre- and post-sales product support. |
We expect increased competition from our current competitors, as well as emerging companies and established companies, such as Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei and NEC, that may enter our markets. Further, we have in the past and may again experience price competition from lower cost vendors selling to network operators that have lower budget or less demanding applications than our products have been designed to serve. To address these competitive conditions, we introduced our lower cost ePMP and PTP 550 products that allow us to target certain market segments without compromising our gross margins on our more sophisticated and functionally versatile products. We also expect that even higher cost competitors may engage in price competition to establish greater market share, which may adversely affect our ability to grow our revenues and profitability. Competition could result in loss of market share, increased pricing pressure, reduced profit margins, increased sales and marketing expense, any of which would likely cause serious harm to our business, operating results or financial condition.
A number of our current or potential competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, significantly larger customer bases and sales channels and significantly greater financial, technical, sales, marketing and other resources than we do. Our competitors may be able to anticipate, influence or adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in network operator requirements, devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products and services, initiate or withstand substantial price competition, bundle similar products to compete, take advantage of acquisitions or other opportunities more readily, and develop and expand their product and service offerings more quickly than we can.
Some of our competitors have been acquired or entered into partnerships or other strategic relationships to offer a more comprehensive solution than they had individually offered. We expect this trend to continue. The companies resulting from such consolidation may create more compelling products and be able to offer greater pricing flexibility, making it more difficult for us to compete effectively. In addition, continued industry consolidation might adversely affect network operators perceptions of the viability of smaller and even medium-sized wireless broadband equipment providers and, consequently, network operators willingness to purchase from those companies.
Additionally, the markets for development, distribution and sale of our products are rapidly evolving. New entrants seeking to gain market share by introducing new technology and new products may make it more difficult for us to sell our products, and could create increased pricing pressure, reduced profit margins due to increased expenditure on sales and marketing, or the loss of market share or expected market share, any of which may significantly harm our business, operating results and financial condition. The success of new products depends on several factors, including appropriate new product definition, component costs, timely completion and introduction of products, differentiation of new products from those of our competitors and market acceptance of these products. We may not be able to successfully anticipate or adapt to changing technology on a timely basis, or at all. New technologies could render our existing products less attractive and if
16
such technologies are widely adopted as the industry standard for wireless Internet service providers, our business financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.
We rely on third-party manufacturers, which subjects us to risks of product delivery delays and reduced control over product costs and quality.
We outsource the manufacturing of our products to third-party manufacturers such as Flextronics, with whom we entered into an agreement pursuant to which Flextronics manufactures and supplies certain of our products subject to orders from us and our demand forecasts. In certain cases, we rely on third-party manufacturers to design products to our specifications and license those designs back to us. Purchases from these third-party manufacturers accounts for the most significant portion of our cost of revenues. Our reliance on third-party manufacturers reduces our control over the manufacturing process, including reduced control over quality, product costs and product supply and timing. From time to time, we have experienced and may in the future experience delays in shipments or issues concerning product quality from our third-party manufacturers. If any of our third-party manufacturers suffer interruptions, delays or disruptions in supplying our products, including by natural disasters or work stoppages or capacity constraints, our ability to ship products to distributors and network operators would be delayed. Additionally, if any of our third-party manufacturers experience quality control problems in their manufacturing operations and our products do not meet network operators requirements, we could be required to cover the repair or replacement of any defective products. These delays or product quality issues could have an immediate and material adverse effect on our ability to fulfill orders and could have a negative impact on our operating results. In addition, such delays or issues with product quality could harm our reputation and our relationship with our channel partners.
Our agreements do not typically obligate our third-party manufacturers to supply products to us in specific quantities or for an extended term, which could result in short notice to us of supply shortages and increases in the prices we are charged for manufacturing services. We believe that our orders may not represent a material portion of the total orders of our primary third-party manufacturers, such as Flextronics, and, as a result, fulfilling our orders may not be prioritized in the event they are constrained in their abilities or resources to fulfill all of their customer obligations in a timely manner. Although we provide demand forecasts to some of our third-party manufacturers, such forecasts are not generally binding and if we overestimate our requirements, some of our third-party manufacturers may assess charges, or we may have liabilities for excess inventory, each of which could negatively affect our gross margins. Conversely, because lead times for required materials and components vary significantly and depend on factors such as the specific supplier, contract terms and the demand for each component at a given time, if we underestimate our requirements, our third-party manufacturer may have inadequate materials and components required to produce our products. This could result in an interruption of the manufacturing of our products, delays in shipments and deferral or loss of revenues.
If our third-party manufacturers experience financial, operational, manufacturing capacity or other difficulties, or experience shortages in required components, or if they are otherwise unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture our products in required volumes or at all, our supply may be disrupted, we may be required to seek alternate manufacturers and we may be required to re-design our products. It would be time-consuming and costly, and could be impracticable, to begin to use new manufacturers and designs and such changes could cause significant interruptions in supply and could have an adverse impact on our ability to meet our scheduled product deliveries and may subsequently lead to the loss of sales, delayed revenues or an increase in our costs, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
17
We rely on distributors and value-added resellers for the substantial majority of our sales, and the failure of our channel partners to promote and support sales of our products would materially reduce our expected future revenues.
We rely on channel partners for a substantial majority of our sales and our future success is highly dependent upon establishing and maintaining successful relationships with distributors and value added resellers. Recruiting and retaining qualified channel partners and training them in our technology and products require significant time and resources. Our reliance on channel partners for sales of our products results in limited visibility into demand and channel inventory levels which in turn adversely impacts our ability to accurately forecast our future revenues. By relying on our channel partners, we may have less contact with network operators, thereby making it more difficult for us to establish brand awareness, service ongoing network operator requirements and respond to evolving needs for new product functionality.
Sales through distributors have been highly concentrated in a few distributors, with over 43% and 40% of our revenues in 2016 and 2017, respectively, coming from our three largest distributors. In addition, certain of our distributors may rely disproportionately on sales to a small number of end customers. For example, purchases from Aikom by an end customer accounted for 12% of our revenues in 2016 and in 2017. Termination or degradation of a relationship with a major distributor, or of a distributor with its major customer, could result in a temporary or permanent material loss of revenues. We may not be successful in finding other distributors on satisfactory terms, or at all, and our distributors may fail to maintain or replace business with their major customer, either of which could adversely affect our ability to sell in certain geographic markets or to certain network operators, adversely impacting our revenues, cash flow and market share.
We generally do not require minimum purchase commitments from our channel partners, and our agreements do not prohibit our channel partners from offering products or services that compete with ours or from terminating our contract on short notice. Many of our channel partners also sell products from our competitors. Some of our competitors may have stronger relationships with our channel partners than we do and we have limited control, if any, over the sale by our channel partners of our products instead of our competitors products, or over the extent of the resources devoted to market and support our competitors products, rather than our products or solutions. Our competitors may be more effective in providing incentives to existing and potential channel partners to favor their products or to prevent or reduce sales of our products. Our failure to establish and maintain successful relationships with our channel partners would materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our revenue growth rate in recent periods may not be indicative of our future performance.
Our revenue growth rate in recent periods may not be indicative of our future performance. For example, our revenues grew 19.4% from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. We may not achieve similar revenue growth rates in future periods. You should not rely on our revenues for any prior quarterly or annual period as any indication of our future revenues or revenue growth. If we are unable to maintain consistent revenues or revenue growth, our operating results and the trading price of our shares could be materially affected.
Our third-party logistics and warehousing provider may fail to deliver products to our channel partners and network operators in a timely manner, which could harm our reputation and operating results.
We rely on our third-party logistics and warehousing provider, with distribution hubs in the United States, the Netherlands and China, to fulfill the majority of our worldwide sales and deliver our products on a timely basis. Any delay in delivery of our products to distributors or network operators could create dissatisfaction, harm our reputation, result in the loss of future sales and, in some cases, subject us to penalties. We rely on our third-party logistics and warehousing provider to accurately segregate and record our inventory for us and to
18
report to us the receipt and shipments of our products. Our third-party logistics and warehousing provider also manages and tracks the delivery of our products from the warehouse and safeguards our inventory, which accounts for a vast majority of our inventory balance. The failure of our third-party logistics and warehousing provider to perform these key tasks sufficiently could disrupt the shipment of our products to distributors and network operators or cause errors in our recorded inventory, either of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our ability to sell our products is highly dependent on the quality of our support and services offerings, and our failure to offer high-quality support and services could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Network operators rely on our products for critical applications and, as such, high-quality support is critical for the successful marketing and sale of our products. If we or our channel partners do not provide adequate support to network operators in deploying our products or in resolving post-deployment issues quickly, our reputation may be harmed and our ability to sell our products could be materially and adversely affected.
If we or our distributors and channel partners are unable to attract new network operators or sell additional products to network operators that currently use our products, our revenue growth would be adversely affected and our revenues could decrease.
To increase our revenues, we depend on the adoption of our solutions by network operators that purchase our products through our channel partners. Network operators typically need to make substantial investments when deploying network infrastructure, which can delay a purchasing decision. Once a network operator has deployed infrastructure for a particular portion of its network, it is often difficult and costly to switch to another vendors equipment. Although our ePMP Elevate product enables network operators to use Cambium PMP equipment to leverage an installed base of CPE provided by certain other vendors, if we or our channel partners are unable to demonstrate that our products offer significant performance, functionality or cost advantages to the competitors product, it would be difficult for us to generate sales to that network operator once a competitors equipment has been deployed.
Our future success also depends significantly on additional purchases of our products by network operators that have previously purchased our products. Network operators may choose not to purchase additional products because of several factors, including dissatisfaction with our products or pricing relative to competitive offerings, reductions in network operators spending levels or other causes outside of our control. If we are not able to generate repeat purchases from network operators, our revenues may grow more slowly than expected or may decline, and our business and operating results would be adversely affected.
The seasonality of our business creates significant variance in our quarterly revenues, which makes it difficult to compare or forecast our financial results on a quarter-by-quarter basis.
Our revenues fluctuate on a seasonal basis, which affects the comparability of our results between sequential periods. For example, our total revenues have historically been highest in the third quarter, primarily due to the impact of increased seasonal demand by network operators in the Northern hemisphere due to favorable weather for outdoor installation activity. For similar reasons, our lowest revenues of the year are typically in our first quarter. While generally consistent, the actual quantifiable effects of these seasonal variations are difficult to predict accurately, which introduces additional risk into our business as we rely upon forecasts of demand to build inventory in advance of anticipated sales. If our sales mix changes, or if the geographic mix of our sales changes, the seasonal nature of our revenues may change in unpredictable ways, which could increase the volatility of both our financial results and share price.
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We require third-party components, including components from limited or sole source suppliers, to build our products. The unavailability of these components could substantially disrupt our ability to manufacture our products and fulfill sales orders.
We rely on third-party components to build our products, and we rely on our third-party manufacturers to obtain the components necessary for the manufacture of our products. If we underestimate our requirements or our third-party suppliers are not able to timely deliver components, our third-party manufacturers may have inadequate materials and components required to produce our products. This could result in an interruption in the manufacture of our products, delays in shipments and deferral or loss of revenues.
We have in the past and may in the future experience shortages in available supply of required components. Unpredictable price increases for such components may also occur. We and our third-party manufacturers generally rely on purchase orders rather than long-term contracts with suppliers of required components. As a result, our third-party manufacturers may not be able to secure sufficient components at reasonable prices or of acceptable quality to build our products in a timely manner, adversely impacting our ability to meet demand for our products. In addition, if our component suppliers cease manufacturing needed components, we could be required to redesign our products to incorporate components from alternative sources or designs, a process which would cause significant delays in the manufacture and delivery of our products.
We currently depend on a limited number of suppliers for several critical components for our products, including chipsets from Qualcomm Atheros. In some instances, we use sole or single source suppliers for our components to simplify design and fulfillment logistics. Neither we nor our third-party manufacturers carry substantial inventory of our product components. Many of these components are also widely used in other product types. Shortages are possible, and our ability to predict the availability of such components may be limited. In the event of a shortage or supply interruption from our component suppliers, we or our third-party manufacturers may not be able to develop alternate or second sources in a timely manner, on commercially reasonable terms or at all, and the development of alternate sources may be time-consuming, difficult and costly. Any resulting failure or delay in shipping products could result in lost revenues and a material and adverse effect on our operating results.
Our gross margin varies from period to period and may decline in the future.
Our gross margin varies from period to period, may be difficult to predict and may decline in future periods. Variations in our gross margin are generally driven by shifts in the mix of products we sell, the timing and related cost of fulfilling orders and other factors. In addition, the market for wireless broadband solutions is characterized by rapid innovation and declining average sale prices as products mature in the market place. The sales prices and associated gross margin for our products may decline due to change in sales strategy, competitive pricing pressures, demand, promotional discounts and seasonal changes in demand. Larger competitors with more diverse product and service offerings may reduce the price of products or services that compete with ours or may bundle them with other products and services. If we meet such price reductions but do not similarly reduce our product manufacturing costs, our margins would decline. Any decline in our gross margins could have an adverse impact on the trading price of our shares.
Our products are technologically complex and may contain undetected hardware defects or software bugs, which could result in increased warranty claims, loss of revenues and harm to our reputation.
Our products are technologically complex and, when deployed, are critical to network operations. Our products rely on our proprietary embedded software, and have in the past contained and may in the future contain undetected errors, bugs or security vulnerabilities, or suffer reliability or quality issues. Some defects in our products may only be discovered after a product has been installed and used by network operators. Any errors, bugs, defects, security vulnerabilities or quality or reliability issues discovered in our products after commercial
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release could result in increased warranty claims, damage to our reputation and brand, loss of market shares or loss of revenues, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, our products operate in part in outdoor settings and must withstand environmental effects such as severe weather, lightning or other damage. Our products may also contain latent defects and errors from time to time related to embedded third-party components.
We have in the past and may in the future become subject to warranty claims that may require us to make significant expenditures to repair or replace defective products, or redesign our products to eliminate product vulnerabilities. We may in the future also be the subject of product liability claims. Such claims could require a significant amount of time and expense to resolve and defend against and could harm our reputation by calling into question the quality of our products. We also may incur costs and expenses relating to a recall of one or more of our products. The process of identifying recalled products that have been widely distributed may be lengthy and require significant resources and we may incur significant replacement costs, contract damage claims from network operators and harm to our reputation. Additionally, defects and errors may cause our products to be vulnerable to security attacks, cause them to fail to help secure networks or temporarily interrupt network traffic. Although we disclaim responsibility for certain warranty and product liability claims as well as product recalls or security problems, any substantial costs or payments made in connection with warranty and product liability claims, product recalls or security problems could cause our operating results to decline and harm our brand.
If our channel partners do not effectively manage inventory of our products, fail to timely resell our products or overestimate expected future demand, they may reduce purchases in future periods, causing our revenues and operating results to fluctuate or decline.
Our channel partners purchase and maintain inventories of our products to meet future demand and have only limited rights to return the products they have purchased from us. Our channel partners are not generally committed to volume purchases of our products in any period. Accordingly, if our channel partners purchase more product than is required to meet demand in a particular period, causing their inventory levels to grow, they may delay or reduce additional future purchases, causing our quarterly results to fluctuate and adversely impacting our ability to accurately predict future earnings.
If we are not able to effectively forecast demand or manage our inventory, we may be required to record write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory.
We maintain inventory of finished goods and, to a lesser extent, raw materials that we believe are sufficient to allow timely fulfillment of sales. Growth in our sales and new product launches may require us to build inventory in the future. Higher levels of inventory expose us to a greater risk of carrying excess or obsolete inventory, which may in turn lead to write-downs. We may also record write-downs in connection with the end-of-life for specific products. For example, in 2016 we recorded $1.8 million in inventory write-downs due to increased provisions on raw materials, product end-of-life and tightening of provisions. Decisions to increase or maintain higher inventory levels are typically based upon uncertain forecasts or other assumptions. Because the markets in which we compete are volatile, competitive and subject to rapid technology and price changes, if the assumptions on which we base these decisions turn out to be incorrect, our financial performance could suffer and we could be required to write-off the value of excess products or components inventory.
We are exposed to the credit risk of our channel partners, which could result in material losses.
We generate a substantial majority of our revenues through sales to our distributors. Distributors may not have the resources required to meet payment obligations, or may delay payments if their end customers are late making payments. Our exposure to credit risks of our channel partners and their end customers may increase if such entities are adversely affected by global or regional economic conditions. Given the broad geographic
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coverage of our distributor relationships, we have in the past and may in the future experience difficulties surrounding the collection of payments. Any significant delay or default in the collection of significant accounts receivable could result in the need for us to obtain working capital from other sources.
If we do not effectively expand and train our direct sales force, we may be unable to increase sales.
Although we rely on channel partners to fulfill the substantial majority of our sales, our direct sales force plays a critical role driving our sales through direct engagement with network operators. We have invested and will continue to invest substantially in our sales organization. Our sales headcount has grown from 91 as of December 31, 2016 to 133 as of March 31, 2018, as we focus on growing our business, entering new markets and increasing our market share, and we expect to incur significant additional expenses as we continue to expand our sales organization in order to achieve revenue growth. There is significant competition for sales personnel with the skills and technical knowledge that we require. Our ability to achieve significant revenue growth will depend, in large part, on our success in recruiting, training, retaining and integrating sufficient numbers of sales personnel to support our growth, particularly in international markets. New hires require significant training and may take significant time before they achieve full productivity. Our recent hires and planned hires may not become productive as quickly as we expect, and we may be unable to hire and retain sufficient numbers of qualified individuals in all locations where we expect to grow our sales organization. If we are unable to hire and train a sufficient number of effective sales personnel, or the sales personnel we hire do not achieve expected levels of productivity, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our business and prospects depend on the strength of our brand. Failure to maintain and enhance our brand would harm our ability to increase sales by expanding our network of channel partners as well as the number of network operators who purchase our products.
Maintaining and enhancing our brand is critical to expanding our base of channel partners and the number of network operators who purchase our products. Maintaining and enhancing our brand will depend largely on our ability to continue to develop products and solutions that provide the high quality at attractive economics
sought by network operators. If we fail to promote, maintain and protect our brand successfully, our ability to sustain and expand our business and enter new markets will suffer. Our brand may be impaired by a number of factors, including product failure and counterfeiting. If we fail to maintain and enhance our brand, or if we need to incur unanticipated expenses to establish the brand in new markets, our operating results would be negatively affected.
If we are unable to manage our growth and expand our operations successfully, our business and operating results will be harmed.
We have expanded our operations significantly since inception and anticipate that further significant geographic and market expansion will be required to achieve our business objectives. The growth and expansion of our geographic sales, expansion of our products and our entry into new industry verticals places a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources. Any such future growth would also add complexity to and require effective coordination throughout our organization. To manage any future growth effectively, we must continue to improve and expand our information technology and financial infrastructure, our operating and administrative systems and controls, and our ability to manage headcount, capital and processes in an efficient manner. We may not be able to successfully implement improvements to these systems and processes in a timely or efficient manner, which could result in additional operating inefficiencies and could cause our costs to increase more than planned. If we do increase our operating expenses in anticipation of the growth of our business and this growth does not meet our expectations, our operating results may be negatively impacted. If we are unable to manage future expansion, our ability to
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provide high quality products and services could be harmed, which could damage our reputation and brand and may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our sales cycles can be long and unpredictable and our sales efforts require considerable time and expense. As a result, our sales and revenues are difficult to predict and may vary substantially from period to period.
Our sales efforts involve educating channel partners and network operators about the technical capabilities, applications and benefits of our products. Network operators typically require long sales cycles to select a product supplier and place sales orders. The sale process usually begins with an evaluation, followed by one or more network trials, followed by vendor selection and finally installation, testing and deployment. Network operator purchasing activity depends upon the stage of completion of expanding network infrastructures and the availability of funding, among other factors. We spend substantial time and resources on our sales efforts without any assurance that our efforts will produce any sales. In addition, purchases of our products are frequently subject to budget constraints, multiple approvals, and unplanned administrative, processing and other delays. Moreover, the evolving nature of the market may lead prospective network operators to postpone their purchasing decisions pending resolution of network standards or adoption of technology by others. Network operators may also postpone a purchase decision pending the release of new or enhanced products by us or others. As a result, it is difficult to predict whether a sale will be completed, the particular period in which a sale will be completed or the period in which revenues from a sale will be recognized. Our operating results may therefore vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
A portion of our revenues are generated by sales to government entities, which are subject to a number of challenges and risks.
We derive a portion of our revenues from contracts with government agencies and we believe the success and growth of our business will in part depend on our continued and increasing sales to U.S. and foreign, federal, state and local governmental end customers in the future. However, demand from government agencies is often unpredictable, and we may be unable to maintain or grow our revenues from this market. Sales to government agencies are subject to substantial risks, including but not limited to the following:
| selling to government agencies can be highly competitive, expensive and time-consuming, often requiring significant upfront time and expense without any assurance that such efforts will generate a sale; |
| government entities may have statutory, contractual or other legal rights to terminate contracts with our channel partners or us for convenience or due to a default, and any such termination may adversely impact our future business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects; |
| U.S. or other government certification requirements applicable to our goods and services may be difficult to meet, require an additional administrative or compliance burden on us not found in our commercial contracts, and if we are unable to meet these certification requirements, our ability to sell into the government sector may be adversely impacted until we have attained required certifications; |
| government demand and payment for our services may be adversely impacted by public sector budgetary cycles and funding constraints; |
| selling to government entities may require us to comply with various regulations that are not applicable to sales to non-government entities, including regulations that may relate to pricing, classified material and other matters, or requirements regarding the development and maintenance of programs such as small business subcontracting, or compliance with EEOC requirements, Complying with such regulations may also require us to put in place controls and procedures to monitor compliance with the applicable regulations that may be costly or not possible; |
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| the U.S. government may require certain products that it purchases to be manufactured in the U.S. and other relatively high-cost manufacturing locations under Buy American Act or other regulations, and we may not manufacture all products in locations that meet these requirements, which may preclude our ability to sell some products or services; and |
| governments may investigate and audit government contractors administrative and financial processes and compliance with laws and regulations applicable to government contractors, and any unfavorable audit could result in fines, civil or criminal liability, damage to our reputation and suspension or debarment from further government business. |
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could cause governments and governmental agencies to delay or refrain from purchasing our products in the future which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
We generate a significant amount of revenues from sales outside of the United States, and we are therefore subject to a number of risks associated with international sales and operations.
We have extensive international operations and generate a significant amount of revenues from sales to channel partners in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and South America. For example, sales outside of the United States accounted for 58% of our total revenues in both 2016 and 2017. We rely on our third-party logistics and warehousing provider, with distribution hubs in the United States, the Netherlands and China, to fulfill the majority of our worldwide sales and to deliver our products to our customers. We have estimated the geographical distribution of our product revenues based on the ship-to destinations specified by our distributors when placing orders with us. Our ability to grow our business and our future success will depend on our ability to continue to expand our global operations and sales worldwide.
As a result of our international reach, we must hire and train experienced personnel to manage our international operations. If we experience difficulties in recruiting, training, managing and retaining an international staff, and specifically staff related to sales management and sales personnel, we may experience difficulties expanding our sales outside of the United States. If we are not able to maintain these relationships internationally or to recruit additional channel partners, our future international sales could be limited. Business practices in the international markets that we serve may differ from those in the United States and may require us in the future to include terms other than our standard terms in contracts.
Our international sales and operations are subject to a number of risks, including the following:
| fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could drive fluctuations in our operating expenses; |
| tariffs and trade barriers, export regulations and other regulatory or contractual limitations on our ability to sell or develop our products in certain foreign markets; |
| required local regulatory certifications in each jurisdiction, which may be delayed for political or other reasons other than product quality or performance; |
| requirements or preferences for domestic products, which could reduce demand for our products; |
| differing technical standards, existing or future regulatory and certification requirements and required product features and functionality; |
| management communication problems related to entering new markets with different languages, cultures and political systems; |
| difficulties in enforcing contracts and collecting accounts receivable, and longer payment cycles, especially in emerging markets; |
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| heightened risks of unfair or corrupt business practices in certain geographies and of improper or fraudulent sales arrangements that may impact financial results and result in restatements of, and irregularities in, financial statements; |
| difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations; |
| the uncertainty of protection of intellectual property rights in some countries; |
| potentially adverse tax consequences, including regulatory requirements regarding our ability to repatriate profits to the United Kingdom; |
| requirements to comply with foreign privacy, information security, and data protection laws and regulations and the risks and costs of non-compliance; |
| added legal compliance obligations and complexity; |
| the increased cost of terminating employees in some countries; and |
| political and economic instability and terrorism. |
These and other factors could harm our ability to generate future international revenues. Expanding our existing international operations and entering into additional international markets will require significant management attention and financial commitments. Our failure to successfully manage our international operations and the associated risks effectively could limit our future growth or materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Economic conditions and regulatory changes following the United Kingdoms likely exit from the European Union could adversely impact our operations, operating results and financial condition.
Following the referendum in June 2016 in which voters in the United Kingdom approved an exit from the European Union, the U.K. government initiated the formal process to leave the European Union (often referred to as Brexit) on March 29, 2017. The United Kingdom is expected to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019 unless the United Kingdom and the remaining European Union member states agree otherwise or U.K. voters vote to abandon Brexit. The future effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements the United Kingdom makes to retain access to the European Union or other markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Given the lack of comparable precedent, it is unclear what economic, financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union would have generally and how such withdrawal would affect us.
A withdrawal could, among other outcomes, disrupt the free movement of goods, services and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union, undermine bilateral cooperation in key geographic areas, disrupt the markets we serve, and significantly disrupt trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union or other nations as the United Kingdom pursues independent trade relations. Since we derive most of our revenues through our U.K. subsidiary, which owns our intellectual property, the consequences of Brexit, together with the significant uncertainty regarding the terms on which the U.K. will leave the European Union, could adversely change our tax benefits or liabilities in certain jurisdictions and adversely impact our trade operations and our management of our export compliance from our Netherlands distribution hub. Our U.K. operations may be adversely affected as we become subject to new laws and regulations implemented in the U.K. as part of Brexit, including compliance with U.K. labor and other regulations as well as compliance with EU privacy laws. Brexit could also create uncertainty with respect to the legal and regulatory requirements over the operation of our products to which we and our network operators in the U.K. are subject and lead to divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. government determines which EU laws to replace or replicate.
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While we are not experiencing any immediate adverse impact on our financial condition as a direct result of Brexit, the effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements the United Kingdom makes to retain access to the European Union or other markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Compliance with new laws or regulations regarding trade, delivery and other cross-border activities between the United Kingdom and the European Union could be costly, negatively impacting our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
The loss of key personnel or an inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel may impair our ability to expand our business.
Our success is substantially dependent upon the continued service and performance of our senior management team and key technical, marketing and production personnel. Our employees, including our senior management team, are at-will employees, and therefore may terminate employment with us at any time with no advance notice. The replacement of any members of our senior management team or other key personnel likely would involve significant time and costs and may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives.
Our future success also depends, in part, on our ability to continue to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. Competition for highly skilled personnel is frequently intense, particularly for highly skilled research and development personnel. Any failure to successfully attract or retain qualified personnel to fulfill our current or future needs may negatively impact our growth.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. We expect that the requirements of these rules and regulations will increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly and place significant strain on our personnel, systems and resources.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls, internal control over financial reporting and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers.
Our current controls and any new controls we develop may become inadequate because of growth in our business. Further, weaknesses in our internal controls have been discovered and additional ones may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal controls also could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will be required to include in our periodic reports we will file with the SEC under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act once we cease to be an emerging growth company. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the market price of our shares.
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We have expended and anticipate we will continue to expend significant resources, and we expect to provide significant management oversight, to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, or consequent inability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could increase our operating costs and could materially impair our ability to operate our business. If our internal controls are perceived as inadequate or we are unable to produce timely or accurate financial statements, investors may lose confidence in our operating results and our share price could decline. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on Nasdaq.
We are not currently required to comply with the SEC rules that implement Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and we are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for that purpose. Upon becoming a public company, we will be required to comply with certain of these rules, which will require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. To comply with the requirements of being a public company, we will need to undertake various actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until after we are no longer an emerging growth company. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results and could cause a decline in the price of our shares.
We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that could, if not properly remediated, result in material misstatements in our financial statements.
Although we have concluded that our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of our company and its subsidiaries in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, in the preparation of our financial statements for inclusion in this prospectus, we identified two material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to the controls during those periods. These material weaknesses which are identified below, resulted in errors in our accounting for certain tax and non-routine financing and equity compensation arrangements put in place by our private equity sponsor, including (i) $2 million of convertible preferred equity certificates, or CPECs, issued by one of our subsidiaries in 2014, (ii) $7 million of preferred equity issued by one of our subsidiaries in 2015 and (iii) certain equity compensation awards granted to our employees by VCH, L.P. The CPECs and preferred equity were redeemed in full by us in 2017, and the equity compensation awards will be cancelled and replaced in the Recapitalization. We and our independent registered public accounting firm determined that the identified errors in accounting were a result of the following material weaknesses (i) our failure to design, implement and document formalized processes and procedures to identify gaps in internal U.S. GAAP accounting expertise and determine when and how to engage specialists to augment our internal analysis of complex accounting technical matters and (ii) that we had not designed and implemented a documented and comprehensive management review process to ensure that our financial statements are in compliance with all required disclosures and in accordance with technical accounting analyses previously performed, including ensuring we had adequate resources to perform the review, in each case as they relate to these complex historical financial transactions and arrangements. Under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, a material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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We have initiated measures to remediate the material weaknesses including:
| the engagement of third party advisory and reporting assistance with a focus on U.S. GAAP reporting and complex financial transactions; |
| the addition of internal finance and accounting staff with significant U.S. GAAP and complex transaction experience to manage financial reporting; |
| development of formalized policies and processes for the identification of complex accounting issues requiring augmentation of internal resources by third party professionals; and |
| further development of a documented management review process for the preparation of our financial statements. |
If our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weaknesses, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements, and we could be required to restate our financial results. In addition, if we are unable to successfully remediate these material weaknesses and if we are unable to produce accurate and timely financial statements, our stock price may be adversely affected and we may be unable to maintain compliance with applicable stock exchange listing requirements.
A substantial portion of our product portfolio relies on the availability of unlicensed RF spectrum and if such spectrum were to become unavailable through overuse or licensing, the performance of our products could suffer and our revenues from their sales could decrease.
A substantial portion of our product portfolio operates in unlicensed RF spectrum, which is used by a wide range of consumer devices and is becoming increasingly crowded. If such spectrum usage continues to increase through the proliferation of consumer electronics and products competitive with ours, the resultant higher levels of noise in the bands of operation our products use could decrease the effectiveness of our products, which could adversely affect our ability to sell our products. Our business could be further harmed if currently unlicensed RF spectrum becomes licensed in the United States or elsewhere. Network operators that use our products may be unable to obtain licenses for RF spectrum. Even if the unlicensed spectrum remains unlicensed, existing and new governmental regulations may require we make changes in our products. For example, to provide products for network operators who utilize unlicensed RF spectrum, we may be required to limit their ability to use our products in licensed or otherwise restricted RF spectrum. The operation of our products by network operators in the United States or elsewhere in a manner not in compliance with local law could result in fines, operational disruption, or harm to our reputation.
Our business, operating results and growth rates may be adversely affected by current or future unfavorable economic and market conditions.
Our business depends on the overall demand for wireless network technology and on the economic health and general willingness of our current and prospective end-customers to make those capital commitments necessary to purchase our products. If the conditions in the U.S. and global economies deteriorate, become uncertain or volatile, our business, operating results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. Economic weakness, end-customer financial difficulties, limited availability of credit and constrained capital spending have resulted, and may in the future result, in challenging and delayed sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition, and could negatively impact our ability to forecast future periods, which could result in an inability to satisfy demand for our products and a loss of market share.
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In particular, we cannot be assured of the level of spending on wireless network technology, the deterioration of which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and growth rates. The purchase of our products or willingness to replace existing infrastructure is discretionary and highly dependent on a perception of continued rapid growth in consumer usage of mobile devices and in many cases involves a significant commitment of capital and other resources. Therefore, weak economic conditions or a reduction in capital spending would likely adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition. A reduction in spending on wireless network technology could occur or persist even if economic conditions improve.
In addition, if interest rates rise or foreign exchange rates weaken for our international customers, overall demand for our products and services could decline and related capital spending may be reduced. Furthermore, any increase in worldwide commodity prices may result in higher component prices for us and increased shipping costs, both of which may negatively impact our financial results.
We may acquire other businesses which could require significant management attention, disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value and adversely affect our operating results.
To execute on our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products or technologies. We have not made any acquisitions to date, and as a result, our ability as an organization to acquire and integrate other companies, products or technologies in a successful manner is unproven. We may not be able to find suitable acquisition candidates, and we may not be able to complete such acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all. If we do complete acquisitions, we may not ultimately strengthen our competitive position or achieve our goals, and any acquisitions we complete could be viewed negatively by our channel partners, investors and financial analysts. In addition, if we are unsuccessful at integrating such acquisitions, or the technologies associated with such acquisitions, into our company, the revenues and operating results of the combined company could be adversely affected. Any integration process may require significant time and resources, and we may be unable to manage the process successfully. We may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired technology or personnel, or accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including unexpected liability or accounting charges. We may have to pay cash, incur debt or issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition, each of which could adversely affect our financial condition or the value of our shares. The sale of equity or issuance of debt to finance any such acquisitions could result in dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could also include covenants or other restrictions that would impede our ability to manage our operations.
Our credit facility contains restrictive financial covenants that may limit our operating flexibility.
Our credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants that either limit our ability to, or require a mandatory prepayment in the event we, among other things, incur additional indebtedness and liens, merge with other companies or consummate certain changes of control, acquire other companies, engage in new lines of business, change business locations, make certain investments, make any payments on any subordinated debt, transfer or dispose of assets, amend certain material agreements, and enter into various specified transactions. We, therefore, may not be able to engage in any of the foregoing transactions unless we obtain the consent of our lenders or prepay certain amounts under the credit facility. The credit facility also contains certain financial covenants and financial reporting requirements. Our obligations under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of our assets. We may not be able to generate or sustain sufficient cash flow or sales to meet the financial covenants or pay the principal and interest under the credit facility. Furthermore, our future working capital, proceeds of borrowings or proceeds of equity financings could be required to be used to repay or refinance the amounts outstanding under the credit facility and, therefore, may be unavailable for other purposes. In the event of a liquidation, our lenders would be repaid all outstanding principal and interest prior to distribution of assets to unsecured creditors, and the holders of our shares would receive a portion of any liquidation proceeds only if all of our creditors, including our lenders, were first repaid in full.
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Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes, fire, floods and other catastrophic events, and to interruption by manmade problems such as network security breaches, computer viruses, terrorism and war.
We have substantial operations in Illinois, California, England and India, and our third-party manufacturers are located in Mexico and China. Operations in these areas are susceptible to disruption due to severe weather, seismic activity, political unrest and other factors. For example, a significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, a fire or a flood, occurring at the facilities of one of our third-party manufacturers could have a material adverse impact on their ability to manufacture and timely deliver our products. Despite the implementation of network security measures, we also may be vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our solutions. In addition, natural disasters, acts of terrorism or war could cause disruptions in the businesses of our suppliers, manufacturers, network operators or the economy as a whole. To the extent that any such disruptions result in delays or cancellations of orders or impede our ability to timely deliver our products, or the deployment of our products, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Risks related to our industry
New regulations or standards or changes in existing regulations or standards in the United States or internationally related to our products may result in unanticipated costs or liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and future sales.
Our products are subject to governmental regulations in a variety of jurisdictions. To achieve and maintain market acceptance, our products must comply with these regulations as well as a significant number of industry standards. In the United States, our products must comply with various regulations defined by the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, Underwriters Laboratories and others. We must also comply with similar international regulations. In addition, radio emissions, such as our products, are subject to health and safety regulation in the United States and in other countries in which we do business, including by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and various state agencies. Member countries of the European Union have enacted similar standards concerning electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility and emissions, and chemical substances and use standards. As these regulations and standards evolve, and if new regulations or standards are implemented, we could be required to modify our products or develop and support new versions of our products, and our compliance with these regulations and standards may become more burdensome. The failure of our products to comply, or delays in compliance, with the various existing and evolving industry regulations and standards could prevent or delay introduction of our products, which could harm our business. Foreign regulatory agencies may delay or fail to certify our products for political or other reasons other than product quality or performance. Network operator uncertainty regarding future policies may also affect demand for wireless broadband products, including our products. Our inability to alter our products to address these requirements and any regulatory changes may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could impair our ability to compete in international markets and subject us to liability if we are not in compliance with applicable laws.
Our technology and products are subject to export control and import laws and regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, U.S. customs regulations, the economic and trade sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Controls, and applicable U.K. export and import laws and regulations. Exports, re-exports and transfers of our products and technology must be made in compliance with these laws and regulations. U.S. and U.K. export control laws and economic sanctions include a prohibition on the shipment of certain products and technology to embargoed or sanctioned
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countries, governments and persons. We take precautions to prevent our products and technology from being shipped to, downloaded by or otherwise transferred to applicable sanctions targets, but our products could be shipped to those targets by our channel partners despite such precautions. For example, in 2014, our LinkPlanner software was downloaded by persons in sanctioned countries. We self-reported the instance to OFAC and have taken remedial measures to safeguard against re-occurrence. If our products are shipped to or downloaded by sanctioned targets in the future in violation of applicable export laws, we could be subject to government investigations, penalties and reputational harm. Certain of our products incorporate encryption technology and may be exported, re-exported or transferred only with the required applicable export license from the U.S. or the U.K. or through an export license exception.
If we fail to comply with applicable export and import regulations, customs regulations, and economic and sanctions and other laws, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines and incarceration for responsible employees and managers, and the possible loss of export or import privileges as well as harm our reputation and indirectly have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, if our channel partners fail to comply with applicable export and import regulations, customs regulations, and economic and sanctions and other laws in connection with our products and technology, then we may also be adversely affected, through reputational harm and penalties. Obtaining the necessary export license for a particular sale may be time-consuming, may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities and approval is not guaranteed.
Any change in export or import, customs or trade and economic sanctions laws, and regulations, shift in the enforcement or scope of existing laws and regulations, or change in the countries, governments, persons or technologies targeted by such laws and regulations, could also result in decreased use of our products, or in our decreased ability to export or sell our products to existing or potential network operators with international operations. Any decreased use of our products or limitation on our ability to export or sell our products could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We do business in countries with a history of corruption and transact business with foreign governments, which increases the risks associated with our international activities.
We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, and many other laws around the world that prohibit improper payments or offers or authorization of payments to governments and their employees, officials, and agents and political parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, inducing an individual to not act in good faith, direct business to any person, or secure any advantage. We have operations, deal with and make sales to governmental entities in countries known to experience corruption, particularly certain emerging countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South America. Our activities in these countries create the risk of illegal or unauthorized payments or offers of payments or other things of value by our employees, consultants or channel partners that could be in violation of applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. In many foreign countries where we operate, particularly in countries with developing economies, it may be a local custom for businesses to engage in practices that are prohibited by the FCPA or other similar laws and regulations. Although we have taken actions to discourage and prevent illegal practices including our anti-corruption compliance policies, procedures, training and monitoring, the actions taken to safeguard against illegal practices, and any future improvements in our anti-corruption compliance practices, may not be effective, and our employees, consultants or channel partners may engage in illegal conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, including suspension or debarment from government contracting, and we may be subject to other liabilities and significant costs for investigations, litigation and fees, diversion of resources, negative press coverage, or reputational harm, all of which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the failure to create and maintain accurate
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books and records or the failure to maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls may subject us to sanctions.
If we fail to comply with environmental requirements, our business, financial condition, operating results and reputation could be adversely affected.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations including laws governing the hazardous material content of our products and laws relating to the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The laws and regulations to which we are subject include the European Unions Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, or RoHS, and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, or WEEE, as implemented by EU member states. Similar laws and regulations exist or are pending in other regions, including in the United States, and we are, or may in the future be, subject to these laws and regulations.
RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous materials, including lead, mercury and cadmium, in the manufacture of certain electrical and electronic products, including some of our products. We have incurred, and expect to incur in the future, costs to comply with these laws, including research and development costs, and costs associated with assuring the supply of compliant components. Certain of our products are eligible for an exemption for lead used in network infrastructure equipment. If this exemption is revoked, or if there are other changes to RoHS (or its interpretation) or if similar laws are passed in other jurisdictions, we may be required to reengineer our products to use components compatible with these regulations. This reengineering and component substitution could result in additional costs to us or disrupt our operations or logistics.
WEEE requires producers of electrical and electronic equipment to be responsible for the collection, reuse, recycling and treatment of their products. Currently, our distributors generally take responsibility for this requirement, as they are often the importer of record. However, changes to WEEE and existing or future laws similar to WEEE may require us to incur additional costs in the future.
Any failure to comply with current and future environmental laws could result in the incurrence of fines or penalties and could adversely affect the demand for or sales of our products.
If we were not able to satisfy data protection, security, privacy and other government- and industry-specific requirements or regulations, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.
Personal privacy, data protection, information security and telecommunications-related laws and regulations have been widely adopted in the United States, Europe and in other jurisdictions where we offer our products. The regulatory frameworks for these matters, including privacy, data protection and information security matters, is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection, information security and telecommunications services in the United States, the European Union and other jurisdictions in which we operate or may operate, and we cannot yet determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business. For example, the European Commission adopted the General Data Protection Regulation, effective in May 2018, that will supersede current EU data protection legislation, impose more stringent EU data protection requirements and impose greater penalties for noncompliance. We expect that existing laws, regulations and standards may be interpreted in new manners in the future. Future laws, regulations, standards and other obligations, and changes in the interpretation of existing laws, regulations, standards and other obligations could require us to modify our products, restrict our business operations, increase our costs and impair our ability to maintain and grow our channel partner base and increase our revenues.
Although we work to comply with applicable privacy and data security laws and regulations, industry standards, contractual obligations and other legal obligations, those laws, regulations, standards and obligations are
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evolving and may be modified, interpreted and applied in an inconsistent manner from one jurisdiction to another, and may conflict with one another. As such, we cannot assure ongoing compliance with all such laws, regulations, standards and obligations. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with applicable laws, regulations, standards or obligations, or any actual or suspected security incident, whether or not resulting in unauthorized access to, or acquisition, release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other data, may result in governmental enforcement actions and prosecutions, private litigation, fines and penalties or adverse publicity, and could cause channel partners to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business.
Risks related to our intellectual property
We rely on the availability of third-party licenses, the loss of which could materially harm our ability to sell our products.
We rely on certain software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties. It may be necessary in the future to seek new licenses or renew existing licenses. There can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to maintain these licenses, or obtain licenses to alternative third-party intellectual property, on acceptable terms, we may be precluded from selling our products, may be required to re-design our products to eliminate reliance on such third-party intellectual property or otherwise experience disruption in operating our business. Third parties owning such intellectual property may engage in litigation against us seeking protection of their intellectual property rights, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could be harmed or we may incur significant expenses to enforce our rights.
We protect our proprietary information and technology through license agreements, nondisclosure agreements, noncompetition covenants, and other contractual provisions and agreements, as well as through patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and similar laws in other countries. These protections may not be available in all jurisdictions and may be inadequate to prevent our competitors or other third-party manufacturers from copying, reverse engineering or otherwise obtaining and using our technology, proprietary rights or products. For example, the laws of certain countries in which our products are manufactured or licensed do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. In addition, third parties may seek to challenge, invalidate or circumvent our patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, or applications for any of the foregoing. We have focused patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection primarily in the United States and Europe, although we distribute our products globally. As a result, we may not have sufficient protection of our intellectual property in all countries where infringement may occur. There can be no assurance that our competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our technology or design around our proprietary rights. In each case, our ability to compete could be significantly impaired. To prevent substantial unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights, it may be necessary to prosecute actions for infringement and/or misappropriation of our proprietary rights against third parties. Any such action could result in significant costs and diversion of our resources and managements attention, and we may not be successful in such action.
Claims by others that we infringe their intellectual property rights could harm our business.
Our industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights. A number of companies hold a large number of patents that may cover technology necessary to our products. We have in the past received and expect to continue to receive claims by third parties that we infringe their intellectual
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property rights. For example, we have received correspondence from certain patent holding companies who assert that we infringe certain patents related to wireless communication technologies. We cannot assure you that a court adjudicating a claim that we infringe these patents would rule in our favor should these patent holding companies file suit against us. As our business expands, we enter into new technologies, and the number of products and competitors in our market increases, we expect that infringement claims may increase in number and significance. It is not uncommon for suppliers of certain components of our products, such as chipsets, to be involved in intellectual property-related lawsuits by or against third parties. Our key component suppliers are often targets of such assertions, and we may become a target as well. Any claims or proceedings against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time or result in the diversion of significant operational resources, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Intellectual property lawsuits are subject to inherent uncertainties due to the complexity of the technical issues involved, and we cannot be certain that we will be successful in defending ourselves against intellectual property claims. In addition, we currently have a limited portfolio of issued patents compared to our larger competitors, and therefore may not be able to effectively utilize our intellectual property portfolio to assert defenses or counterclaims in response to patent infringement claims or litigation brought against us by third parties. Patent holding companies may seek to monetize patents they previously developed, have purchased or otherwise obtained. Many companies, including our competitors, may now, and in the future, have significantly larger and more mature patent portfolios than we have, which they may use to assert claims of infringement, misappropriation and other violations of intellectual property rights against us. In addition, future litigation may involve non-practicing entities or other patent owners who have no relevant products or revenue and against whom our own patents may therefore provide little or no deterrence or protection, and many other potential litigants have the capability to dedicate substantially greater resources than we do to enforce their intellectual property rights and to defend claims that may be brought against them.
A successful claimant could secure a judgment that requires us to pay substantial damages or prevents us from distributing certain products, obtaining the services of certain employees or independent contractors, or performing certain services. In addition, we might be required to seek a license for the use of such intellectual property, which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms or at all. Alternatively, we may be required to develop non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense and may ultimately not be successful. Any claims or proceedings against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources, or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements.
Although we may be able to seek indemnification from our component suppliers and certain of our third-party manufacturers who have provided us with design and build services, these third-party manufacturers or component suppliers may contest their obligations to indemnify us, or their available assets or indemnity obligation may not be sufficient to cover our losses.
Our obligations to indemnify our channel partners and network operators against intellectual property infringement claims could cause us to incur substantial costs.
We have agreed, and expect to continue to agree, to indemnify our channel partners and network operators for certain intellectual property infringement claims. If intellectual property infringement claims are made against our channel partners or network operators concerning our products, we could be required to indemnify them for losses resulting from such claims or to refund amounts they have paid to us. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make may be substantial or unlimited and could materially harm our business. We may in the future agree to defend and indemnify our distributors, network operators and other parties, even if we do not believe that we have an obligation to indemnify them or that our services
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and products infringe the asserted intellectual property rights. Alternatively, we may reject certain of these indemnity demands, which may lead to disputes with a distributor, network operator or other party and may negatively impact our relationships with the party demanding indemnification or result in litigation against us.
If our third-party manufacturers do not respect our intellectual property and trade secrets and produce competitive products using our design, our business would be harmed.
We outsource manufacture, and in some cases hardware design, to third-party manufacturers predominantly in Mexico and China. Prosecution of intellectual property infringement and trade secret theft is more difficult in some of these jurisdictions than in the United States. Although our agreements with our third-party manufacturers generally preclude them from misusing our intellectual property and trade secrets, or using our designs to manufacture product for our competitors, we may be unsuccessful in monitoring and enforcing our intellectual property rights and may find counterfeit goods in the market being sold as our products or products similar to ours produced for our competitors using our intellectual property. Although we take steps to stop counterfeits, we may not be successful and network operators who purchase these counterfeit goods may experience product defects or failures, harming our reputation and brand and causing us to lose future sales.
We use open source software in our products that may subject our firmware to general release or require us to re-engineer our products and the firmware contained therein, which may cause harm to our business.
We incorporate open source software into our products. Use and distribution of open source software may entail greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality of the software code. Some open source licenses contain requirements that we make available source code for modifications or derivative works we create based upon the open source software and that we license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of a particular open source license or other license granting third parties certain rights of further use. If we combine our proprietary firmware or other software with open source software in a certain manner, we could, under certain of the open source licenses, be required to release our proprietary source code publicly or license such source code on unfavorable terms or at no cost. Open source license terms relating to the disclosure of source code in modifications or derivative works to the open source software are often ambiguous and few if any courts in jurisdictions applicable to us have interpreted such terms. As a result, many of the risks associated with usage of open source software cannot be eliminated, and could, if not properly addressed, negatively affect our business.
If we were found to have inappropriately used open source software, we may be required to release our proprietary source code, re-engineer our firmware or other software, discontinue the sale of our products in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis or take other remedial action that may divert resources away from our development efforts, any of which could adversely increase our expenses and delay our ability to release our products for sale. We could also be subject to similar conditions or restrictions should there be any changes in the licensing terms of the open source software incorporated into our products.
Risks related to this offering and ownership of our shares
Because Vector Capital will continue to hold a controlling interest in us, the influence of our public shareholders over significant corporate actions will be limited.
After this offering, affiliates of Vector Capital will directly or indirectly own approximately % of our outstanding shares through their ownership of VCH, L.P., or % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full. As a result, after this offering, Vector Capital will continue to have the power to:
| control all matters submitted to our shareholders; |
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| elect our directors; and |
| exercise control over our business, policies and affairs. |
Vector Capital is not prohibited from selling its interest in us to third parties. Accordingly, our ability to engage in significant transactions, such as a merger, acquisition or liquidation, is limited without the consent of Vector Capital. Conflicts of interest could arise between us and Vector Capital, and any conflict of interest may be resolved in a manner that does not favor us. Vector Capital may continue to retain control of us for the foreseeable future and may decide not to enter into a transaction in which you would receive consideration for your shares that is much higher than the cost to you or the then-current market price of those shares. In addition, Vector Capital could elect to sell a controlling interest in us and you may receive less than the then-current fair market value or the price you paid for your shares. Any decision regarding their ownership of us that Vector Capital may make at some future time will be in their absolute discretion.
In addition, pursuant to the terms of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, Vector Capital and its affiliates have the right to, and have no duty to abstain from, exercising its right to engage or invest in the same or similar business as us, and do business with any of our channel partners, distributors, network operators and any other party with which the Company does business. In the event that any of our directors or officers who is also a director, officer or employee of Vector Capital or its affiliates acquires knowledge of a corporate opportunity or is offered a corporate opportunity, then Vector Capital or its affiliates may pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity without presenting the corporate opportunity to us without liability, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, such relevant director will be deemed to have fully satisfied their fiduciary duty if the knowledge of such corporate opportunity was not acquired solely in such persons capacity as our director or officer and such person acted in good faith.
In addition, pursuant to our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, a director who is in any way interested in a contract or transaction with the Company will declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the board of directors. A director may vote in respect of any such contract or transaction notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he does so his vote will be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the board of directors at which any such contract or transaction shall come before the meeting of the board of directors for consideration. In connection with this offering, we have adopted a written audit committee charter, pursuant to which the audit committee must review all related party transactions required to be disclosed in our financial statements and approve any such related party transaction, unless the transaction is approved by another independent committee of our board.
We will be a controlled company within the meaning of Nasdaq rules and, as a result, will qualify for and will rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
After the completion of this offering, Vector Capital will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares. As a result, we will be a controlled company within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the Nasdaq. Under Nasdaq rules, a controlled company may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq, including the requirements that:
| a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors; |
| the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committees purpose and responsibilities; |
| the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committees purpose and responsibilities; and |
| there be an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. |
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Following this offering, we intend to utilize these exemptions, including the exemption for a board of directors composed of a majority of independent directors. In addition, although we have adopted charters for our audit and compensation committees and intend to conduct annual performance evaluations for these committees, none of these committees will be composed entirely of independent directors immediately following the completion of this offering. We will rely on the phase-in rules of the SEC and Nasdaq with respect to the audit committee. These rules permit us to have an audit committee that has one member that is independent upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, a majority of members that are independent within 90 days thereafter and all members that are independent within one year thereafter. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq.
No public market for our shares currently exists, and an active public trading market may not develop or be sustained following this offering.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market or active private market for our shares. Although our shares have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, an active trading market may not develop following the completion of this offering or, if developed, may not be sustained. The lack of an active market may impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. The lack of an active market may also reduce the market price of your shares. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using our shares as consideration.
The initial public offering price for our shares will be determined through our negotiations with the underwriters, and may not bear any relationship to the market price at which our shares will trade after this offering or to any other established criteria of the value of our business. The price of our shares that will prevail in the market after this offering may be higher or lower than the price you pay, depending on many factors, many of which are beyond our control and may not be related to our operating performance.
The price of our shares may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of our shares following this offering may fluctuate substantially and may be higher or lower than the initial public offering price. The trading price of our shares following this offering will depend on a number of factors, including those described in this Risk factors section, many of which are beyond our control and may not be related to our operating performance. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our shares since you might be unable to sell your shares at or above the price you paid in this offering. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our shares include the following:
| the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in those projections or our failure to meet those projections; |
| actual or anticipated developments in our business or our competitors businesses or the competitive landscape generally; |
| sales of our shares by us or our shareholders; |
| failure of financial analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any analysts who follow our company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors; |
| operating performance or stock market valuations of other technology companies generally, or those in our industry in particular; |
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| announced or completed acquisitions of businesses or technologies by us or our competitors; |
| general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets; |
| rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry; |
| litigation involving us, our industry or both or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors; |
| developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights; |
| new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business; |
| changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles; |
| any major change in our management; and |
| other events or factors, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism or responses to these events. |
In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Broad market and industry factors may seriously affect the market price of our shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market prices of particular companies securities, securities class action litigations have often been instituted against these companies. Litigation of this type, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managements attention and resources.
Our share price could decline due to the large number of our outstanding shares eligible for future sale.
Sales of substantial amounts of our shares in the public market following this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our shares to decline. These sales could also make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding shares based on the number of shares outstanding on and assuming no exercise of the underwriters option and the completion of the Recapitalization. The shares sold pursuant to this offering will be immediately tradable without restriction. The remaining shares will become eligible for sale, subject to the provisions of Rule 144 or Rule 701, upon the expiration of agreements not to sell such shares entered into between the underwriters and such shareholders beginning 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to extension in certain circumstances.
We and our directors, officers and holders of substantially all of our shares and securities convertible into or exchangeable for our shares have agreed or will agree that, without the prior written consent of J. P. Morgan Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:
| offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our shares; or |
| enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our shares; |
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whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of our shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. This agreement is subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the section entitled Underwriting.
The representatives of the underwriters may, in their sole discretion and at any time without notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreement. After the completion of this offering, we intend to register shares issued in the Recapitalization and that have been reserved for future issuance under our share incentive plans.
At any time after the expiration of the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this public offering and when we are ineligible to use a registration statement on Form S-3, Vector Capital will have two demand registration rights, which, when and if exercised, will require us to file a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC covering the resale of all or a portion of our registrable securities held by VCH, L.P. At any time that we are eligible to use a registration statement on Form S-3, Vector Capital may at any time require us to file such registration statement with the SEC for all or any portion of our registrable securities held by VCH, L.P. We shall cause any registration statement to be filed as soon as practicable and use our best efforts to cause such shelf registration statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable following the filing of the shelf registration statement and to keep such shelf registration statement in effect until all of the registrable securities held by VCH, L.P. have been resold.
The filing of this shelf registration statement and the existence or exercise of these registration rights may result in the perception of or actual sales of substantial amounts of our shares in the public market following this offering, which may make it difficult for us to raise additional capital.
We may issue our shares or securities convertible into our shares from time to time in connection with a financing, acquisition, investments or otherwise. Any such issuance could result in substantial dilution to our existing shareholders and cause the trading price of our shares to decline.
We may invest or spend the proceeds of this offering in ways with which you may not agree or which may not yield a return.
Our management will have broad discretion to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering, and you will be relying on its judgment regarding the application of these proceeds. We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering as described under the heading Use of proceeds. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, technologies or other assets. Our management will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. The net proceeds to us from this offering may be invested with a view towards long-term benefits for our shareholders, and this may not increase our operating results or the market value of our shares. Until the net proceeds are used, they may be placed in investments that do not produce significant income or that may lose value.
If you purchase our shares in this offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution.
If you purchase our shares in this offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution of $ per share based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the range shown on the cover of this prospectus, because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the pro forma net tangible book value per share that you acquire giving effect to our intended use of proceeds. This dilution is due to the fact that, after giving effect to the return of capital and accumulated yield in connection with this offering, the amount of distributions to existing shareholders will exceed the aggregate consideration they paid for their shares. You will experience additional dilution upon the exercise of options to purchase shares under our equity incentive plans, if we issue restricted shares to our employees under these plans or if we otherwise issue additional shares. See Dilution.
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Since we do not expect to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future, you may be forced to sell your shares in order to realize a return on your investment.
We do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends to holders of our shares for the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, capital requirements, legal requirements, earnings, compliance with our credit facility and other factors. Our ability to pay dividends is restricted by the terms of our senior secured credit facilities and might be restricted by the terms of any indebtedness that we incur in the future. Consequently, you should not rely on dividends in order to receive a return on your investment. See Dividend policy.
Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our shares.
Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company through non-negotiated transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. For example, our board of directors has the authority to issue undesignated, or blank-check, preferred shares without shareholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize and issue a series of preferred shares with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult, which may not be in your interest as a holder of our ordinary shares. In addition, our board is staggered and divided into three classes, with each class subject to re-election once every three years on a rotating basis, special meeting of shareholders may only be called by a specified group of directors, executives or shareholders and shareholders must comply with advance notice provisions in order to bring business before or nominate directors for election at shareholder meetings. As a result, shareholders would be prevented from electing an entirely new board of directors at any annual meeting and the ability of shareholders to change the membership of a majority of our board of directors may be delayed.
Because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited.
We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands and we have adopted an exclusive forum by law that requires certain shareholder litigations regarding such matters to be brought in Cayman Courts. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our existing articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our
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shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
In addition, the Cayman Islands courts are also unlikely (1) to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws, or (2) to impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are penal in nature. There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will in certain circumstances recognize and enforce a foreign judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without any re-examination of the merits at common law.
As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or large shareholders than they would as shareholders of a public company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see Description of share capitalDifferences in corporate law.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert managements attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of U.S. federal securities laws, the listing requirements of Nasdaq and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources. We expect the on-going expense of being a public company to increase our operating expenses significantly following the completion of this offering.
We also expect that being a public company will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee and compensation committee, and qualified executive officers.
Our future capital needs are uncertain, and we may need to raise additional funds in the future. If we require additional funds in the future, those funds may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
In the future we may need to raise substantial additional capital based on a variety of factors in order to fund our operations or acquire companies or technology. Our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including:
| market acceptance of our products and services; |
| the cost of our research and development activities; |
| the cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, claims that we infringe third-party patents or violate other intellectual property rights; |
| the cost and timing of establishing additional sales, marketing and distribution capabilities; |
| the cost and timing of establishing additional technical support capabilities; and |
| the effect of competing technological and market developments. |
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We may require additional funds in the future, and we may not be able to obtain those funds on acceptable terms, or at all. Any debt or additional equity financing that we raise may contain terms that are not favorable to us or our shareholders. Debt financing, if available, may involve covenants restricting our operations or our ability to incur additional debt. Any debt or additional equity financing that we raise may contain terms that are not favorable to us or our shareholders. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our shareholders may experience dilution. Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association allows our board of directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred shares that would grant to such holders conversion rights, preferred rights to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividends before dividends are declared to holders of our ordinary shares, and the right to the redemption of such preferred shares. To the extent that we do issue such preferred shares, your rights as holders of ordinary shares could be impaired thereby, including without limitation, dilution of your ownership interests in us.
We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our shares less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act enacted in April 2012, and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years after the completion of this offering, although if the market value of our shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time or if we have total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the end of that fiscal year, or if we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period, we would cease to be an emerging growth company immediately. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our shares less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our shares and our share price may be more volatile.
Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
Our directors may have conflicts of interest because of their ownership of equity interests of, and their employment with, our parent company and our affiliates.
Two of our directors hold ownership interests in Vector Capital as well as ownership in and employment positions with its affiliates. Ownership interests in Vector Capital by our directors could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when our directors are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and for Vector Capital or its affiliates. We cannot assure you that any conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. For a further description of our relationship with Vector Capital, see Certain relationships and related party transactionsTransactions with VCH, L.P. and its affiliates.
We may face exposure to unknown tax liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We are subject to income and non-income based taxes in the United States and in various non-U.S. jurisdictions. We file U.S. federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in various U.S. state and local jurisdictions
42
and many non-U.S. jurisdictions. The United States, United Kingdom, India, Mexico, and Brazil are the main taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgement is required in dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations when calculating our worldwide income tax liabilities and other tax liabilities. We are not aware of any uncertain tax positions as specified by FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. We expect to continue to benefit from our implemented tax positions. We believe that our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and intend to vigorously defend our positions. However, as described below, tax authorities could take differing positions on certain issues.
We may be subject to income tax audits in all the jurisdictions in which we operate. The years open for audit vary depending on the tax jurisdiction. In the United States, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014. In the non-U.S. jurisdictions, the tax returns that are open vary by jurisdiction and are generally for tax years between 2012 through 2017. We routinely assess exposures to any potential issues arising from current or future audits of current and prior years tax returns. When assessing such potential exposures and where necessary, we provide a reserve to cover any expected loss. To the extent that we establish a reserve, we increase our provision for income taxes. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that tax liability is greater than the original estimate. If the governing tax authorities have a differing interpretation of the applicable law, a successful challenge of any of our tax positions could adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and/or results of operations.
43
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as may, should, expects, plans, anticipates, could, intends, target, projects, contemplates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this prospectus are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in the Risk factors section and elsewhere in this prospectus. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations include:
| the unpredictability of our operating results; |
| our inability to predict and respond to emerging technological trends and network operators changing needs; |
| our reliance on third-party manufacturers, which subjects us to risks of product delivery delays and reduced control over product costs and quality; |
| our reliance on distributors and value-added resellers for the substantial majority of our sales; |
| the inability of our third-party logistics and warehousing providers to deliver products to our channel partners and network operators in a timely manner; |
| the quality of our support and services offerings; |
| our or our distributors and channel partners inability to attract new network operators or sell additional products to network operators that currently use our products; |
| the difficulty of comparing or forecasting our financial results on a quarter-by-quarter basis due to the seasonality of our business; |
| our limited or sole source suppliers inability to produce third-party components to build our products; |
| the technological complexity of our products, which may contain undetected hardware defects or software bugs; |
| our channel partners inability to effectively manage inventory of our products, timely resell our products or estimate expected future demand; |
44
| credit risk of our channel partners, which could adversely affect their ability to purchase or pay for our products; |
| our inability to manage our growth and expand our operations; |
| unpredictability of sales and revenues due to lengthy sales cycles; |
| our inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls, remediate our material weakness, produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations; |
| our reliance on the availability of third-party licenses; |
| risks associated with international sales and operations; |
| current or future unfavorable economic conditions, both domestically and in foreign markets; |
| our inability to obtain intellectual property protections for our products; and |
| our use of proceeds from this offering. |
Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein until after we distribute this prospectus, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.
45
Market, industry and other data
This prospectus contains estimates, projections and information concerning our industry, including market size and growth rates of the markets in which we participate, and discussion of our general expectations, market position, and market opportunity. This information is based on various sources, including industry publications, surveys and forecasts, on assumptions that we have made that are based on such data and other similar sources and on our knowledge of the markets for our services. Certain statistical data, estimates and forecasts contained in this prospectus are sourced from the following independent industry publications or reports, in some cases, as modified based on communications with representatives of such industry research companies:
| Cisco Visual Networking Index: Forecast and Methodology, 20162021, June 6, 2017; |
| International Data Corporation, Inc., Market Forecast: Worldwide Enterprise WLAN Forecast, 20182022, January 2018; |
| QYResearch, 2018 Market Research Report on Global Point-to-Multipoint Microwave Backhaul Systems Industry; and |
| Sky Light Research, LLC, Microwave Point-to-Point Radio Equipment Worldwide Five Year Forecast Report, Calendar Year 20172021. |
Each of these reports is based on a number of assumptions and limitations. Industry data and other third-party information have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we have not independently verified any third-party information. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industry in which we operate is necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled Risk factors and elsewhere in this prospectus. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by third parties and by us.
46
We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the shares that we are selling in this offering will be approximately $ million, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the range on the front cover of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares in this offering, we estimate that our net proceeds will be approximately $ million.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds from this offering by $ million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each 1,000,000 share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) the net proceeds from this offering by $ million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The principal purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares, facilitate access to the public equity markets, increase our visibility in the marketplace and obtain additional capital.
We intend to use approximately $44.9 million of the net proceeds from this offering to return capital and accumulated yield and $5.1 million of the net proceeds from this offering to pay management fees, in each case, to VCH, L.P. and its affiliates. For further information on how these amounts were determined, please refer to Prospectus SummaryRecapitalization and return of capital and Certain relationships and related party transactionsTransactions with VCH, L.P. and its affiliates. Aside from these payments, we will have no future obligations to return capital or pay management fees to VCH, L.P., Vector Capital or any of its affiliated entities after this offering.
We expect to use the remainder of the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness under our credit facility. In addition, we believe that opportunities may exist from time to time to expand our current business through acquisitions of or investments in complementary products, technologies or businesses. While we have no agreements, commitments or understandings for any specific acquisitions at this time, we may use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering for these purposes.
Aside from the return of capital and accumulated yield and payment of management fees to VCH, L.P. and its affiliates, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the net proceeds. The timing and amount of our actual expenditures will be based on many factors, including cash flows from operations, the anticipated growth of our business, and the availability and terms of alternative financing sources to fund our growth. Pending use of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to invest the proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing obligations, investment-grade securities, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government. The goal with respect to the investment of these net proceeds will be capital preservation and liquidity so that these funds are readily available to fund our operations.
47
In December 2017, we distributed an aggregate of $75.0 million to VCH, L.P.to redeem outstanding preference shares of Cambium Networks Ltd., our subsidiary, held by VCH, L.P., pay interest and return capital. As noted above, as part of the Recapitalization, we expect to declare a dividend to VCH, L.P. as the sole holder of our shares immediately prior to this offering, and to pay the dividend using a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. The dividend will be equal to the VCH Return of Capital, which was $44.9 million as of March 31, 2018. See Offering summary for more information. Other than the VCH Return of Capital, we do not have any present plan to pay any other cash dividends on our shares in the foreseeable future after the completion of this offering. We currently intend to retain our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands exempted company may pay a dividend out of either profit, share premium account or distributable reserves, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. Our credit facility contains covenants that limit our ability to pay dividends on our shares.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. For our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders, we rely on dividends or other distributions by our subsidiary in England, and its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere.
48
The following table sets forth our cash balances and capitalization as of March 31, 2018:
| on an actual basis; |
| on a pro forma basis reflecting (i) the Recapitalization, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ , the midpoint of the range on the cover of this prospectus, and (ii) the filing of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and |
| on a pro forma as adjusted basis reflecting (i) the pro forma adjustments indicated above, (ii) the receipt by us of the net proceeds from the sale of shares in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the range on the front cover of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and (iii) the application of the net proceeds of the offering as described in Use of proceeds. |
The pro forma as adjusted information set forth in the table below is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. This information should be read in conjunction with Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of March 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited) |
Actual |
Pro forma | Pro forma as adjusted |
|||||||||
Cash |
$ | 4,492 | $ | $ | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total debt |
95,875 | |||||||||||
Shares, $ par value per share; shares authorized pro forma; shares authorized pro forma as adjusted; shares issued and outstanding pro forma; and shares issued and outstanding pro forma as adjusted |
772 | |||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
24,651 | |||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
120 | |||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(44,487 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total shareholders (deficit) equity |
(18,944 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total capitalization |
$ | 76,931 | $ | $ | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total shareholders equity and total capitalization by $ million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each 1,000,000 share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total shareholders equity and total capitalization by $ million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
49
The preceding table:
| assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option in this offering to purchase additional shares; |
| excludes shares subject to unvested restricted share awards; |
| excludes shares underlying restricted share units; and |
| excludes shares reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Share Incentive Plan. |
50
If you invest in our shares, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and our net tangible book value per share immediately after the completion of this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per share is substantially in excess of the book value per share attributable to the existing shareholders for our presently outstanding shares.
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of March 31, 2018 was $ , or per share. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents the amount of total consolidated assets, minus the amounts of intangible assets, goodwill and total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding after giving effect to the Recapitalization on a pro forma basis. Dilution is determined by subtracting pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share, after giving effect to the additional proceeds we will receive from this offering, from the assumed initial public offering price per share.
Without taking into account any other changes in such net tangible book value after March 31, 2018, other than to give effect to the issuance and sale of shares in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is not exercised, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2018 would have been $ per outstanding share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per share, to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $ per share, to investors purchasing shares in this offering. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only.
The following table illustrates such dilution:
Assumed initial public offering price per share |
$ | |||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2018 |
$ | |||||||
Increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares in this offering |
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|
|
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Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering |
||||||||
|
|
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Dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering |
$ | |||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by $ million, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $ and the dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering by $ , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us would increase our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $ and decrease the dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering by $ , assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us would decrease our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $ and increase the dilution per share to new investors by $ , assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
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If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares in this offering, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $ per share, and the dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering would be $ per share, in each case assuming an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of March 31, 2018, the differences between the existing shareholders as of March 31, 2018 and the new investors with respect to the number of shares purchased from us in this offering, the total consideration paid and the average price per share paid at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The total number of ordinary shares does not include shares underlying the shares issuable upon exercise of the option to purchase additional shares which we have granted to the underwriters.
Shares purchased | Total consideration | Average price per share |
||||||||||||||
|
Number | Percent |
|
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Existing Investors |
% | $ | * | $ | * | |||||||||||
New Investors |
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|
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Total |
% | |||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
* | After giving effect to the return of capital and accumulated yield in connection with this offering, the amount of distributions to existing shareholders, in the aggregate, will exceed the total consideration paid for such shares. |
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, the percentage of shares held by existing shareholders will decrease to approximately % of the total number of our shares outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares held by new investors will be increased to , or approximately % of the total number of our shares outstanding after this offering.
The preceding table excludes, as of March 31, 2018:
| shares subject to unvested restricted share awards; |
| shares underlying restricted share units; and |
| shares reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Share Incentive Plan. |
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Selected consolidated financial data
The selected consolidated financial data for 2016 and 2017 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2018 have been derived from our unaudited interim financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future period, and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in any full year. You should read the following selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with the section of this prospectus titled Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
Three months ended March 31, |
||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
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(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 181,444 | $ | 216,671 | $48,808 | $ | 58,453 | |||||||||
Costs of revenues |
91,715 | 105,960 | 23,099 | 30,250 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Gross profit |
89,729 | 110,711 | 25,709 | 28,203 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
26,267 | 32,227 | 6,950 | 9,385 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
29,621 | 37,209 | 8,209 | 10,419 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
13,218 | 17,578 | 3,321 | 4,321 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,433 | 8,824 | 2,088 | 2,370 | ||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total operating expenses |
77,539 | 95,838 | 20,568 | 26,495 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating income |
12,190 | 14,783 | 5,141 | 1,708 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
7,565 | 5,018 | 1,493 | 1,758 | ||||||||||||
Other expense, net |
165 | 474 | 35 | 231 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
4,460 | 9,381 | 3,613 | (281 | ) | |||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
1,547 | (418 | ) | 771 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) |
2,913 | 9,799 | 2,842 | (227 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest |
638 | 671 | 170 | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders |
$ | 2,275 | $ | 9,128 | $ 2,672 | $ | (227 | ) | ||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share:(1) |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
$ | 2,947.69 | $ | 11,827.05 | $3,462.08 | $ | (294.12 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Shares outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
771.79 | 771.79 | 771.79 | 771.79 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Pro forma net income (loss) per share, |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted (unaudited) |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Pro forma weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (unaudited)(2) |
||||||||||||||||
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|
53
(1) | Share numbers reflect historical outstanding share numbers as reflected in the consolidated financial statements and do not reflect the effect of the Recapitalization. For further information please see Prospectus summaryRecapitalization and return of capital and Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements. |
(2) | The unaudited calculation of the denominator of basic and diluted EPS gives effect to the adjustments to reflect the weighted average effect of the return of capital and accumulated yield in the Recapitalization as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, as if the transaction occurred at January 1, 2017. |
As of December 31, | As of March 31, |
|||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||
Cash |
$ | 14,627 | $ | 7,377 | $ | 4,492 | ||||||
Working capital |
42,549 | 30,986 | 35,059 | |||||||||
Total assets |
118,762 | 121,613 | 125,641 | |||||||||
Total debt(1) |
122,182 | 87,377 | 93,392 | |||||||||
Total shareholders deficit(2) |
(41,055 | ) | (17,826 | ) | (18,944 | ) |
(1) | Total debt includes external debt and loan from VCH, L.P. Total debt is net of deferred issuance costs of $0.0 million, $2.6 million and $2.5 million at December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, respectively. |
(2) | Total shareholders deficit includes non-controlling interest. |
Non-GAAP financial measure
In addition to providing financial measurements based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we provide an additional financial metric that is not prepared in accordance with GAAP (non-GAAP). Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure, in addition to GAAP financial measures, to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for financial and operational decision making, for planning and forecasting purposes, to measure executive compensation and to evaluate our financial performance. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure helps us to identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be masked by the effect of the expenses that we exclude in the calculations of the non-GAAP financial measure.
Accordingly, we believe that this financial measure reflects our ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful comparisons and analysis of trends in the business and provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects. Although the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures may vary from company to company, our detailed presentation may facilitate analysis and comparison of our operating results by management and investors with other peer companies, many of which use a similar non-GAAP financial measure to supplement their GAAP results in their public disclosures. This non-GAAP financial measure is Adjusted EBITDA, as discussed below.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income as reported in our consolidated statements of income excluding the impact of (i) interest expense (income), net; (ii) income tax provision (benefit); (iii) depreciation and amortization expense and (iv) Sponsor fees associated with advisory services. EBITDA is widely used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate the profitability of companies. EBITDA eliminates potential differences in performance caused by variations in capital structures (affecting net finance costs), tax positions (such as the availability of net operating losses against which to relieve taxable profits), the cost and age of tangible assets (affecting relative depreciation expense) and the extent to which intangible assets are identifiable (affecting relative amortization expense). We adjust EBITDA to also exclude Sponsor fees, in order to eliminate the impact on reported performance caused by these fees, which are related to our ownership structure.
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This non-GAAP financial measure does not replace the presentation of our GAAP financial results and should only be used as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, our financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations in the use of non-GAAP measures, because they do not include all the expenses that must be included under GAAP and because they involve the exercise of judgment concerning exclusions of items from the comparable non-GAAP financial measure. In addition, other companies may use other measures to evaluate their performance, or may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure, calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP (unaudited and in thousands):
Three months ended March 31, |
||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
GAAP net income (loss) |
$ | 2,913 | $ | 9,799 | $ | 2,842 | $ | (227 | ) | |||||||
Adjustments |
||||||||||||||||
Net interest expense |
7,565 | 5,018 | 1,493 | 1,758 | ||||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
1,547 | (418 | ) | 771 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
8,433 | 8,871 | 2,088 | 2,370 | ||||||||||||
Sponsor fees |
500 | 2,500 | 125 | 125 | ||||||||||||
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Total Adjustments |
18,045 | 15,971 | 4,477 | 4,199 | ||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 20,958 | $ | 25,770 | $ | 7,319 | $ | 3,972 | ||||||||
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Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information included in this prospectus. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in the section titled Risk factors. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future, and our interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results we expect for the full calendar year or any other period.
Overview
We provide wireless broadband networking infrastructure solutions for network operators, including medium-sized wireless Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Our scalable, reliable and high-performance solutions create a purpose-built wireless fabric that connects people, places and things across distances ranging from two meters to more than 100 kilometers, indoors and outdoors, at attractive economics. Our embedded proprietary RF technology and software enables automated optimization of data flow at the outermost points in the network, which we refer to as the intelligent edge.
We were formed in 2011, when Cambium Networks acquired the PTP and PMP businesses from Motorola Solutions. Prior to the acquisition by Cambium Networks, Motorola had invested over a decade in developing the technology and intellectual property assets that formed the foundation of our business, having launched the Canopy PMP business in 1999 and having acquired the Orthogon Systems PTP business in 2006. Following the acquisition, we renamed the business Cambium Networks and leveraged the technology to continue to develop and offer an extensive portfolio of reliable, scalable and secure enterprise-grade fixed wireless broadband PTP and PMP platforms, Wi-Fi and IIoT solutions.
Key Milestones in Our Development
We offer our wireless broadband solutions in four categories:
| Our PTP backhaul portfolio is comprised of products operating in unlicensed spectrum below 6 GHz, and those operating in licensed spectrum between 6 and 38 GHz. The mainstay of our backhaul offering is the PTP 650/670 for commercial applications and PTP 700 for national security and defense applications, each of which operate in unlicensed spectrum. In addition, our PTP 820 series offers carrier-grade microwave backhaul in licensed spectrum, and our recently introduced PTP 550 offers price-performance leadership in spectral efficiency in unlicensed spectrum. |
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| Our PMP portfolio ranges from our top-of-the line PMP 450 series products to our ePMP solutions for network operators that need to optimize for both price and performance. The PMP 450 series is optimized for performance in high-density and demanding physical environments, and includes the PMP 450m with integrated cnMedusa massive multi-user multiple input/multiple output, or MU-MIMO, technology. For less demanding environments, ePMP provides a high quality platform at a more affordable price, and includes ePMP Elevate software, which enables network operators to scale networks efficiently by leveraging pre-existing CPE from certain other vendors within a Cambium deployment. |
| Our cnPilot cloud-managed Wi-Fi solutions for indoor and outdoor enterprise, small business and home applications are based on the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard and offer a range of access points and RF technology that enable network optimization based on desired geographic coverage and user density. |
| Our cnReach family of narrow-bandwidth connectivity products enables IIoT applications, such as supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, processes in the oil and gas, electric utility, water, railroad and other industrial settings. |
We generate a substantial majority of our sales through our global channel distribution network, including, as of February 1, 2018, over 150 distributors that we sell to directly, together with value added resellers supplied by these distributors. Our channel partners provide lead generation, pre-sales support and product fulfillment. Although we fulfill sales almost exclusively through our channel partners, we engage directly with network operators in our key vertical markets, including wireless Internet service providers, enterprises, industrial communications, federal defense and national security agencies, and state and local governments, through our global sales personnel and regional technical managers. Our sales personnel and technical managers respond to bids or requests for quotes, typically in collaboration with a channel partner. Our distributors carry inventory of our products for resale, and generally have stock rotation rights only if they simultaneously place an off-setting order for product. As such, we generally recognize revenue from sales to distributors on a sell-in basis, and manage our finished goods inventory efficiently to plan for distributor demand.
We outsource production to third-party manufacturers, which are responsible for purchasing and maintaining inventory of components and raw materials and, in certain cases, we resell third-party products on a white-label basis. We believe that this approach gives us the advantages of relatively low capital investment and significant flexibility in scheduling production, managing inventory levels and providing a comprehensive solution to meet network operator demand. The majority of our products are delivered to us at one of three distribution hubs, where we have outsourced the warehousing and delivery of our products to a third-party logistics provider and from which we manage worldwide fulfillment.
To capitalize on our market opportunity, we invest heavily in growing our business. Our research and development expense in 2016, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 was $26.3 million, $32.2 million, $7.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively, as we continue to design and develop new products and enhance and refresh existing products. Similarly, our sales and marketing expense in 2016, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 was $29.6 million, $37.2 million, $8.2 million and $10.4 million, respectively, which was driven both by expansion of our sales force and by increased variable sales expense resulting from our revenue growth. In 2016, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, our revenues were $181.4 million, $216.7 million, $48.8 million and $58.5 million, respectively. Our net income was $2.9 million, $9.8 million and $2.7 million, and our net loss was $0.2 million, in 2016, 2017 and the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
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Trends and other factors affecting our business
The future growth of our business will be substantially dependent on our ability to capitalize on growing global demand for fixed wireless broadband solutions serving low-density urban and rural environments, enterprise Wi-Fi and IIoT applications. To drive adoption of our solutions, we engage both directly and in conjunction with our channel partners to educate network operators about the value proposition of our product offering. We also work continually with network operators that have already deployed our solutions to identify opportunities for scaling existing networks and addressing new use cases with our technology, and we estimate that additional purchases by network operators that have previously purchased our products typically account for a majority of our revenues in any given period. Because we recognize most of our revenues for product sales in the period in which the sale occurs and product revenues comprise over 95% of our total revenues, our future reported operating results will be dependent upon both landing new network operators and expanding our sales to our installed base in the period reported.
Our ability to grow our business will also be substantially affected by the extent to which we are successful in making new product introductions. We invest heavily in research and development to ensure that we are regularly introducing new products to take advantage of evolving technological developments, such as changes in industry standards and Wi-Fi protocols. In addition, new product innovation is driven by regulatory developments in the global markets we serve, such as the availability of new licensed and unlicensed spectrum for fixed wireless broadband communications, as well as evolving technical compliance regimes in local jurisdictions. Our product strategy may also be affected by competitive factors, such as pricing pressure. To address such competitive conditions, we introduced our lower cost ePMP and PTP 550 products that allow us to target certain market segments without compromising our gross margins on our more sophisticated and functionally versatile products. If we experience delays in product development or launch or experience post-launch problems with our products that disrupt market acceptance, our reputation for quality and our operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
Our operating results have historically been affected by seasonal factors. Specifically, because our PTP, PMP and certain cnPilot Wi-Fi products are typically deployed in outdoor settings and a majority of our sales are in the Northern hemisphere, our third quarter generally reflects our highest revenues of the year and our first quarter generally reflects our lowest revenues of the year. The seasonality is largely attributable to weather conditions affecting network operators installation activities. We expect to continue to experience this seasonality for the foreseeable future. In addition, certain distributors are in jurisdictions that impose taxes on inventory held at year end, and as such, purchases from these distributors could be lower in the fourth quarter as they seek to manage their inventory.
In December 2017, we entered into our amended and restated secured credit facility and incurred $90.0 million of indebtedness to repay outstanding secured indebtedness, redeem preferred equity issued by one of our subsidiaries and held by VCH, L.P. and return capital to VCH, L.P. As of March 31, 2018, we had $88.9 million of outstanding term debt and $7.0 million outstanding of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our current indebtedness may impair our ability to raise additional credit if needed, will result in increased cash-paid debt service obligations and requires us to comply with customary operational and financial covenants. Any of these factors may impair our operational flexibility and ability to execute on our strategy. See Certain relationships and related party transactionsTransactions with VCH, L.P. and its affiliates for more information regarding payments to VCH, L.P. and its affiliates.
Share-based compensation expense in connection with this offering
Prior to this offering, all of the share-based compensation awards held by our employees were granted in respect of Class B Units of VCH, L.P., and, regardless of whether or not vested, the holders were not entitled to
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participate in any distributions by VCH, L.P. until all original invested capital and yield on VCH, L.P.s Class A Units had been returned. As such, we have not recorded any compensation expense associated with these share-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 or for the three months ended March 31, 2018. We have deferred recognition of compensation expense associated with these awards, which we refer to as the Deferred Share-based Compensation Expense, and will recognize such amounts as compensation expense in the period in which we complete this offering. As of March 31, 2018, we had $14.7 million of Deferred Share-based Compensation Expense.
Contingent and effective upon this offering certain share-based compensation awards will be modified to provide that the performance-based vesting criteria associated with such awards will be met. This modification will cause us to re-measure the value of the share-based compensation awards as of the date they become vested. Any increase in value of these awards resulting from re-measurement will be charged to operations in the period that we complete this offering.
As a result of the recognition of the Deferred Share-based Compensation Expense as well as the re-measurement of expense expected upon completion of this offering, we expect to incur an aggregate compensation expense of $ million in the quarterly period in which we complete this offering, of which $ million will be non-cash and $ million will be in cash. Of these amounts, $ million, $ million, $ million and $ million will be recognized as cost of revenues, research and development expense, sales and marketing expense, and general and administrative expense, respectively.
Key components of our results of operations and financial conditions
Revenues
Our revenues are generated primarily from the sale of our products, which consist of hardware with essential embedded software. Our revenues also include limited amounts for software products and extended warranty on hardware products. We generally recognize product revenues at the time of shipment, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenues are recognized net of estimated stock returns, volume-based rebates and cooperative marketing allowances that we provide to distributors. We provide a standard one-year warranty on our hardware products, that includes access to telephone and internet support. In addition, we offer several types of extended warranty on certain hardware products. We recognize revenues on extended warranties on a straight-line basis over the contractual period. We provide our cnMaestro, LINKPlanner and cnArcher applications as supplemental tools to help network operators design, install, and manage their networks, and as a means of driving sales of our hardware products. We presently offer these applications without additional charge to the customer and these applications are not essential to the operation of our products.
Cost of revenues and gross profit
Our cost of revenues is comprised primarily of the costs of procuring finished goods from our third-party manufacturers, third-party logistics and warehousing provider costs, freight costs and warranty costs. We outsource our manufacturing to third-party manufacturers located primarily in Mexico, China and Israel. Cost of revenues also includes costs associated with supply operations, including personnel related costs, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, third-party license costs and third-party costs related to services we provide.
Gross profit has been and will continue to be affected by various factors, including changes in product mix. The margin profile of products within each of our core product categories can vary significantly depending on the operating performance, features and manufacturer of the product. Generally, our gross margins on backhaul and access point products are greater than those on our CPE products. Because the ratio of CPE to PTP and PMP access points typically increases as network operators build out the density of their networks, increases in
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follow-on sales to network operators as a percentage of our total sales typically have a downward effect on our overall gross margins. Finally, gross margin will also vary as a function of changes in pricing due to competitive pressure, our third-party manufacturing and other production costs, cost of shipping and logistics, provision for excess and obsolete inventory and other factors. We expect our gross margins will fluctuate from period to period depending on the interplay of these various factors.
Operating expenses
We classify our operating expense as research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expense. Personnel costs are the primary component of each of these operating expense categories, which consist of cash-based personnel costs, such as salaries, sales commissions, benefits and bonuses. From and after this offering, operating expenses will also include share-based compensation expense. In addition, we separate depreciation and amortization in their own category.
Research and development
In addition to personnel-related costs, research and development expense consists of costs associated with design and development of our products, product certification, travel and recruiting. We generally recognize research and development expense as incurred. For certain of our software projects currently under development, we capitalize the development cost during the period between determining technological feasibility of the product and commercial release. We expect to begin amortizing the capitalized development expense upon commercial release, generally over 3 years. We typically do not capitalize costs related to the development of first generation product offerings as technological feasibility generally coincides with general availability of the software. We expect research and development expense to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to invest in our future products and services.
Sales and marketing
In addition to personnel costs for sales, marketing, service and product line management personnel, sales and marketing expense consists of our training programs, trade shows, marketing programs, promotional materials, demonstration equipment, national and local regulatory approval on our products, travel and entertainment, and recruiting. Commission expense is accrued quarterly based upon quota achievement in the period that the related sales occur. We expect sales and marketing expense to continue to increase in absolute dollars as we increase the size of our sales, marketing, service, and product line management organization in support of our investment in our growth opportunities, and, in particular, as we continue to expand our global distribution network.
General and administrative
In addition to personnel costs, general and administrative expense consists of professional fees, such as legal, auditing, accounting, information technology and consulting costs, facilities and other supporting overhead costs, as well as loan transaction fees and management fees paid to Vector Capital. We expect general and administrative expense to increase in absolute dollars following the completion of our initial public offering due to additional legal fees and accounting, insurance, investor relations and other costs associated with being a public company, partially offset by the absence of financing and management fees to Vector Capital following this offering.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense consists of depreciation related to fixed assets such as computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, and testing equipment, as well as amortization related to acquired and internal use software and definite lived intangibles.
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Provision for income taxes
Our provision for income taxes consists primarily of income taxes in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. As we have expanded our international operations, we have incurred increased foreign tax expense, and we expect this to continue. We expect to fully utilize our deferred tax assets, and therefore have not recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018.
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Results of operations
The following tables present our historical operating results in dollars and as a percentage of revenues for the periods presented:
Three months
ended March 31, |
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(in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
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(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Statements of Income Data: |
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Revenues |
$ | 181,444 | $ | 216,671 | $ | 48,808 | $ | 58,453 | ||||||||
Costs of revenues |
91,715 | 105,960 | 23,099 | 30,250 | ||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
89,729 | 110,711 | 25,709 | 28,203 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
26,267 | 32,227 | 6,950 | 9,385 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
29,621 | 37,209 | 8,209 | 10,419 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
13,218 | 17,578 | 3,321 | 4,321 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,433 | 8,824 | 2,088 | 2,370 | ||||||||||||
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|
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Total operating expenses |
77,539 | 95,838 | 20,568 | 26,495 | ||||||||||||
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|
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Operating income |
12,190 | 14,873 | 5,141 | 1,708 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
7,565 | 5,018 | 1,493 | 1,758 | ||||||||||||
Other expense |
165 | 474 | 35 | 231 | ||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
4,460 | 9,381 | 3,613 | (281 | ) | |||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
1,547 | (418 | ) | 771 | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | 2,913 | $ | 9,799 | $ | 2,842 | $ | (227 | ) | |||||||
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Three months
ended March 31, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
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Percentage of Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Costs of revenues |
50.5 | 48.9 | 47.3 | 51.8 | ||||||||||||
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Gross margin |
49.5 | 51.1 | 52.7 | 48.2 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
14.5 | 14.9 | 14.2 | 16.1 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
16.3 | 17.2 | 16.8 | 17.8 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
7.3 | 8.1 | 6.8 | 7.4 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4.6 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
42.7 | 44.2 | 42.1 | 45.3 | ||||||||||||
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Operating income |
6.7 | 6.9 | 10.6 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
4.2 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||
Other expense |
0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
2.5 | 4.3 | 7.4 | (0.5 | ) | |||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
0.9 | (0.2 | ) | 1.6 | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
1.6 | % | 4.5 | % | 5.8 | % | (0.4 | )% | ||||||||
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Comparison of three months ended March 31, 2017 to three months ended March 31, 2018 (unaudited)
Revenues
Three months ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 48,808 | $ | 58,453 | 19.8 | % | ||||||
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Revenues increased $9.7 million, or 19.8%, from $48.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 to $58.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in revenues in 2018 was primarily attributable to revenue growth in all of our core product lines as we continued to expand and leverage our distribution channels.
Revenues by product category
Three months ended March 31, |
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(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
Point-to-MultiPoint |
$ | 34,529 | $ | 37,240 | 7.9 | % | ||||||
Point-to-Point |
10,981 | 15,959 | 45.3 | |||||||||
Wi-Fi (cnPilot) |
2,236 | 4,357 | 94.9 | |||||||||
Other |
1,062 | 897 | (15.5 | ) | ||||||||
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Total revenues by product category |
$ | 48,808 | $ | 58,453 | 19.8 | % | ||||||
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Point-to-MultiPoint
Our PMP product line comprised 71% and 64% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Growth in PMP revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily due to increased market acceptance of our PMP solutions with wireless Internet service providers.
Point-to-Point
The $5.0 million increase in our PTP revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 spread across all PTP products and was driven primarily by the release of our PTP 550 product during late 2017 and strong continued sales of our core PTP product lines.
Wi-Fi
Growth in cnPilot revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2018 was driven primarily by increased demand from new enterprise network operators, especially those deploying either hybrid indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi or integrated wireless backhaul/Wi-Fi solutions.
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Revenues by geography
Three months ended March 31, |
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(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
North America |
$ | 23,441 | $ | 24,239 | 3.4 | % | ||||||
Europe, Middle East, Africa |
15,955 | 19,611 | 22.9 | |||||||||
Central and Latin America |
5,851 | 8,939 | 52.8 | |||||||||
Asia Pacific |
3,561 | 5,664 | 59.1 | |||||||||
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Total revenues by geography |
$ | 48,808 | $ | 58,453 | 19.8 | % | ||||||
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For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues increased in all regions, with North America and EMEA contributing 75% of total revenues for the period. The increase in revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily due to our continued investment in increasing the size and geographic coverage of our sales force, the number of channel partners in each region and our introduction of new products. Revenue growth in Asia-Pacific benefited from substantial sales growth in India, which was driven by a government sponsored initiative to increase rural internet connectivity and general growth in the wireless Internet service provider industry. Revenue growth in Central and Latin America benefited from infrastructure projects driven by hurricane recovery efforts in the Caribbean.
Cost of revenues and gross profit
Three months ended March 31, |
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(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
Cost of revenues |
$ | 23,099 | $ | 30,250 | 31.0 | % | ||||||
Gross margin |
52.7 | % | 48.2 | % | (450) bps | |||||||
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Cost of revenues increased $7.2 million, or 31%, from $23.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to $30.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to increased product sales, higher excess and obsolescence reserve due to our increased inventory and our assessment of the recoverability of certain promotional inventory from the field, and higher manufacturing costs related to design modifications in the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Gross margin decreased from 52.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2017 to 48.2% during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in gross margin in the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflected a product mix shift to relatively lower margin offerings in our PTP and PMP sales and promotional programs for distributors, in addition to the inventory reserves and manufacturing costs discussed above.
Operating expenses
Three months ended March 31, |
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(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 6,950 | $ | 9,385 | 35.0 | % | ||||||
Sales and marketing |
8,209 | 10,419 | 26.9 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
3,321 | 4,321 | 30.1 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,088 | 2,370 | 13.5 | |||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 20,568 | $ | 26,495 | 28.8 | % | ||||||
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Research and development
Research and development expense increased $2.4 million, or 35.0%, from $7.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to $9.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As a percentage of revenues, research and development expense increased from 14.2% during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to 16.1% during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in research and development expense was due to our continued investment in product development to grow our business, including a $2.2 million increase in headcount and personnel costs and a $0.2 million increase in materials used in our design and development activities.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expense increased $2.2 million, or 26.9%, from $8.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to $10.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As a percentage of revenues, sales and marketing expense increased from 16.8% during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to 17.8% during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in sales and marketing expense was primarily due to our continuing investment in growing our sales, marketing and product line management infrastructures, driven primarily by a $2.1 million increase in sales and marketing headcount and personnel costs.
General and administrative
General and administrative expense increased $1.0 million from $3.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to $4.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expense increased from 6.9% during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to 7.4% during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in headcount and personnel costs in finance and legal and a $0.3 million increase in facilities cost and information technology related expenses.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.3 million, from $2.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was due to higher capital expenditures for equipment and tooling and a $0.1 million increase in amortization expense due to an increase in capitalized software.
Interest expense
Three months ended March 31, |
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(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
Interest expense |
$ | 1,493 | $ | 1,758 | 17.7 | % | ||||||
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Interest expense consists primarily of interest due on indebtedness and amortization of deferred financing costs on our secured credit facilities and, in periods prior to July 2017, interest incurred on loans from Vector Capital. Interest expense increased $0.3 million, from $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher balances under our credit facilities in the current quarter, partially offset by the absence of interest owed to Vector Capital in 2018. As of March 31, 2018, we had outstanding balances due of $88.9 million under our term loan facility and $7.0 million due under our revolving credit facility. See Note 17 Related party transactions and Note 7 Loan from Sponsor and capital contribution in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our prior indebtedness to Vector Capital.
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Other expense
Three months ended March 31, |
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(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||
Other expense |
$ | 35 | $ | 231 | 560.0 | % | ||||||
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Other expense increased to $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, which was primarily associated with foreign currency fluctuations.
Provision for income taxes
Three months ended March 31, |
||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
$ | 771 | $ | (54 | ) | |||
Effective income tax rate |
21.3 | % | 19.2 | % | ||||
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Provision for income taxes decreased from a tax expense of $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to a tax benefit of $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in income tax expenses was primarily attributable to a pre-tax loss of $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to a pre-tax income of $3.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Comparison of year ended December 31, 2016 to year ended December 31, 2017
Revenues
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 181,444 | $ | 216,671 | 19.4 | % | ||||||
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Revenues increased $35.2 million, or 19.4%, from $181.4 million in 2016 to $216.7 million in 2017, which was attributable to growth in all of our core product lines. Complementing increased product demand, as described below, revenue growth in 2017 benefited from expansion of our distribution channel, bringing the total registered channel partners to over 3,700 as of December 31, 2017.
Revenues by product category
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
Point-to-MultiPoint |
$ | 119,049 | $ | 142,000 | 19.3 | % | ||||||
Point-to-Point |
52,441 | 56,130 | 7.0 | |||||||||
Wi-Fi (cnPilot) |
6,057 | 14,620 | 141.4 | |||||||||
Other |
3,897 | 3,921 | 0.6 | |||||||||
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Total revenues by product category |
$ | 181,444 | $ | 216,671 | 19.4 | % | ||||||
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Point-to-MultiPoint
Our PMP product line comprised 66% of total revenues for both 2016 and 2017. PMP revenue growth was driven predominately by an increase in ePMP sales, which continue to gain market acceptance with wireless Internet service providers and to a lesser extent, increases in sales of PMP 450 driven by adoption of cnMedusa technology. Sales of cnReach, which we presently include in PMP revenue, were not material in either period due to the very recent introduction of this product.
66
Point-to-Point
The increase in our PTP revenue was driven principally by strong sales of our sub-6 GHz systems, due principally to increased demand for backhaul in both enterprise and wireless Internet service provider networks.
Wi-Fi
cnPilot revenue increased primarily as a result of increased demand from new enterprise customers, especially those deploying either hybrid indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi or integrated wireless backhaul/Wi-Fi solutions.
A substantial majority of our sales are to distributors who in turn sell to value added resellers and network operators. We rely on our third-party logistics and warehousing providers, with distribution hubs in the United States, the Netherlands and China, to fulfill the majority of our worldwide sales and to deliver our products to our customers. We have estimated the geographical distribution of our product revenues based on the ship-to destinations specified by our distributors when placing orders with us.
Revenues by geography
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
North America |
$ | 89,264 | $ | 100,676 | 12.8 | % | ||||||
Europe, Middle East, Africa |
55,787 | 68,208 | 22.3 | |||||||||
Central and Latin America |
22,344 | 26,962 | 20.7 | |||||||||
Asia-Pacific |
14,049 | 20,825 | 48.2 | |||||||||
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Total revenues by geography |
$ | 181,444 | $ | 216,671 | 19.4 | % | ||||||
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Revenues increased in all regions over the period, with North America and EMEA contributing 68% of the total increase, primarily due to our investment in increasing the size and geographic coverage of our sales force, the number of channel partners in each region, and our introduction of new products. Revenue growth in Asia-Pacific benefited from substantial sales growth in India, which was driven by a government sponsored initiative to increase rural internet connectivity and general growth in the wireless Internet service provider industry.
Cost of revenues and gross profit
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
Cost of revenues |
$ | 91,715 | $ | 105,960 | 15.5 | % | ||||||
Gross margin |
49.5 | % | 51.1 | % | 160 bps | |||||||
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Cost of revenues increased $14.2 million, or 15.5%, from $91.7 million in 2016 to $106.0 million in 2017. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to increased product sales and changes in product mix, partially offset by reduced provisions for warranty costs and excess and obsolescence.
Gross margin increased from 49.5% in 2016 to 51.1% in 2017. The increase in gross margin reflected changes in product mix with substantially greater absolute dollar increases in higher margin PTP and PMP products, partially offset by reduced provisions for warranty costs and excess and obsolescence.
67
Operating expenses
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 26,267 | $ | 32,227 | 22.7 | % | ||||||
Sales and marketing |
29,621 | 37,209 | 25.6 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
13,218 | 17,578 | 33.0 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,433 | 8,824 | 4.6 | |||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 77,539 | $ | 95,838 | 23.6 | % | ||||||
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Research and development
Research and development expense increased $6.0 million, or 22.7%, from $26.3 million in 2016 to $32.2 million in 2017. As a percentage of revenues, research and development expense increased from 14.5% in 2016 to 14.9% in 2017. The increase in research and development expense, both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenues was due to our continued investment in product development to grow our business, including a $4.1 million increase in headcount and personnel costs and a $0.9 million increase in materials used in our design and development activities.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expense increased $7.6 million, or 25.6%, from $29.6 million in 2016 to $37.2 million in 2017. As a percentage of revenues, sales and marketing expense increased from 16.3% in 2016 to 17.2% in 2017. Sales and marketing expense increased, both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenues largely due to our continuing investment in growing our sales, marketing and product line management infrastructures, including a $6.1 million increase in sales and marketing headcount and personnel costs, a $1.2 million increase in other costs, primarily travel and entertainment, and trade shows and conferences.
General and administrative
General and administrative expense increased $4.4 million, or 33.0%, from $13.2 million in 2016 to $17.6 million in 2017. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expense increased from 7.3% in 2016 to 8.1% in 2017. General and administrative expense increased both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenues largely due to a $1.3 million increase in headcount and personnel costs in finance and legal, a $0.3 million increase in facilities cost, and a $0.3 million increase in our license fees supporting our enterprise applications. General and administrative expense in 2017 also included $2.0 million in loan transaction fees to an affiliate of Vector Capital related to our refinancing of our secured credit facilities. Absent the loan transaction fees, general and administrative expense decreased as a percentage of revenues from 7.3% in 2016 to 7.2% in 2017.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.4 million, or 4.6%, from $8.4 million in 2016 to $8.8 million in 2017. Depreciation expense increased $0.3 million due to higher capital expenditures in 2017 and amortization expense increased $0.1 million due to an increase in amortization related to capitalized software.
Interest expense
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
Interest expense |
$ | 7,565 | $ | 5,018 | (33.7 | )% | ||||||
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68
Interest expense decreased $2.5 million, or 33.7%, from $7.6 million in 2016, to $5.0 million for 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the repayment of a portion of our secured credit facilities and the redemption of CPECs held by VCH, L.P. July 2017. See Note 17 Related party transactions and Note 7 Loan from Sponsor and capital contribution in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Other expense
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||
Other expense |
$ | 165 | $ | 474 | 187.3 | % | ||||||
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Other expense increased by $0.3 million from $0.2 million for 2016 to $0.5 million for 2017. The change was primarily related to foreign currency fluctuations.
Provision for income taxes
(dollars in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | ||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
$ | 1,547 | $ | (418 | ) | |||
Effective income tax rate |
34.7 | % | (4.5 | )% | ||||
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Our provision for income taxes decreased from a tax expense of $1.5 million for 2016 to a tax benefit of $0.4 million for 2017. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 were 34.7% and (4.5)%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our income tax expense was reduced by a $6.4 million decrease in our valuation allowance primarily related to net operating loss carryforward and research and development credits partially offset by a $3.1 million decrease in deferred tax asset related to interest expense. Excluding these two items, we had an income tax expense of $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing an effective tax rate of 30.9%. See Note 14 Income taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to income taxes.
Quarterly financial data
Three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Mar 31, 2016 |
Jun 30, 2016 |
Sep 30, 2016 |
Dec 31, 2016 |
Mar 31, 2017 |
Jun 30, 2017 |
Sep 30, 2017 |
Dec 31, 2017 |
Mar 31, 2018 |
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Revenues |
$ | 38,862 | $ | 44,394 | $ | 50,243 | $ | 47,945 | $ | 48,808 | $ | 51,640 | $ | 58,520 | $ | 57,703 | $ | 58,453 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
20,838 | 22,881 | 24,413 | 23,583 | 23,099 | 25,828 | 28,374 | 28,659 | 30,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
18,024 | 21,513 | 25,830 | 24,362 | 25,709 | 25,812 | 30,146 | 29,044 | 28,203 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
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Research and development |
5,681 | 6,530 | 7,571 | 6,485 | 6,950 | 7,121 | 7,943 | 10,213 | 9,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
6,515 | 7,764 | 7,737 | 7,605 | 8,209 | 9,447 | 9,604 | 9,949 | 10,419 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
3,383 | 3,163 | 2,935 | 3,737 | 3,321 | 3,822 | 3,916 | 6,519 | 4,321 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,141 | 2,108 | 2,109 | 2,075 | 2,088 | 2,154 | 2,239 | 2,343 | 2,370 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
17,720 | 19,565 | 20,352 | 19,902 | 20,568 | 22,544 | 23,702 | 29,024 | 26,495 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Operating income |
304 | 1,948 | 5,478 | 4,460 | 5,141 | 3,268 | 6,444 | 20 | 1,708 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
1,947 | 1,882 | 1,903 | 1,833 | 1,493 | 1,901 | 1,060 | 564 | 1,758 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense |
(42 | ) | (14 | ) | 360 | (139 | ) | 35 | 201 | 248 | (10 | ) | 231 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income before income taxes |
(1,601 | ) | 80 | 3,215 | 2,766 | 3,613 | 1,166 | 5,136 | (534 | ) | (281 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Benefit) provision for income taxes |
(241 | ) | 39 | 963 | 786 | 771 | 252 | 1,309 | (2,750 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income |
(1,360 | ) | 41 | 2,252 | 1,980 | 2,842 | 914 | 3,827 | 2,216 | (227 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
157 | 159 | 161 | 161 | 170 | 172 | 169 | 160 | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders |
$ | (1,517 | ) | $ | (118 | ) | $ | 2,091 | $ | 1,819 | $ | 2,672 | $ | 742 | $ | 3,658 | $ | 2,056 | $ | (227 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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Three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mar 31, 2016 |
Jun 30, 2016 |
Sep 30, 2016 |
Dec 31, 2016 |
Mar 31, 2017 |
Jun 30, 2017 |
Sep 30, 2017 |
Dec 31, 2017 |
Mar 31, 2018 |
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Revenues |
100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
53.6% | 51.5% | 48.6% | 49.2% | 47.3% | 50.0% | 48.5% | 49.7% | 51.8% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Gross profit |
46.4% | 48.5% | 51.4% | 50.8% | 52.7% | 50.0% | 51.5% | 50.3% | 48.2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
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Research and development |
14.6% | 14.7% | 15.1% | 13.5% | 14.2% | 13.8% | 13.6% | 17.7% | 16.1% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
16.8% | 17.5% | 15.4% | 15.9% | 16.8% | 18.3% | 16.4% | 17.2% | 17.8% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
8.7% | 7.1% | 5.8% | 7.8% | 6.8% | 7.4% | 6.7% | 11.3% | 7.4% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
5.5% | 4.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% | 4.3% | 4.2% | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
45.6% | 44.1% | 40.5% | 41.5% | 42.1% | 43.7% | 40.5% | 50.3% | 45.3% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Operating income |
0.8% | 4.4% | 10.9% | 9.3% | 10.6% | 6.3% | 11.0% | 0.0% | 2.9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
5.0% | 4.2% | 3.8% | 3.8% | 3.1% | 3.7% | 1.8% | 1.0% | 3.0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense |
(0.1 | )% | 0.0% | 0.7% | (0.3 | )% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0% | 0.4% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income before income taxes |
(4.1 | )% | 0.2% | 6.4% | 5.8% | 7.4% | 2.2% | 8.8% | (1.0 | )% | (0.5 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Benefit) provision for income taxes |
(0.6 | )% | 0.1% | 1.9% | 1.7% | 1.6% | 0.5% | 2.2% | (4.8 | )% | (0.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income |
(3.5 | )% | 0.1% | 4.5% | 4.1% | 5.8% | 1.7% | 6.6% | 3.8% | (0.4 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(3.9 | )% | (0.3 | )% | 4.2% | 3.8% | 5.5% | 1.4% | 6.3% | 3.6% | (0.4 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Our operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of a variety of factors, including seasonality in our business. For example, our total revenues have historically been highest in the third quarter, primarily due to the impact of increased seasonal demand by network operators in the Northern hemisphere due to favorable weather for outdoor installation activity. For similar reasons, our lowest revenues of the year are typically in our first quarter. Gross margin fluctuates on a quarterly basis as a result of various factors, including changes in product mix. For example, our gross margin was 52.7% in the first quarter of 2017 as a result of a higher concentration of core PMP product revenues that yield higher gross margins. By contrast, gross margin in the first quarter of 2018 was 48.2%, which was driven by a higher concentration of certain of our PTP revenues, which yield lower gross margins.
While largely consisting of fixed and determinable employee related costs, our operating expenses are also subject to quarterly fluctuations. For example, while we have steadily increased our investment in research and development to drive product development and next generation product innovation, research and development expenses in the third quarter of 2016 was significantly higher than quarters immediately before and after as a result of timing of higher spending on our Wi-Fi solutions. In addition, research and development expenses increased significantly in the fourth quarter of 2017 due to our increased investment in our next generation technology, higher homologation and regulatory testing and higher bonus performance expense. We expect research and development expense to continue to fluctuate on a quarterly basis in both absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue, but to remain roughly consistent on an annual basis with 2017 levels as a percentage of revenue.
Sales and marketing expense also varies on a quarterly basis driven primarily by variable incentive compensation associated with revenues, and to a lesser extent, growth in our sales force.
General and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2017 included $2.0 million in loan transaction fees to an affiliate of Vector Capital related to our refinancing of our secured credit facilities. Absent the loan transaction fees, general and administrative expense was $4.5 million, or 7.8% of revenue. We have increased our general and administrative expenses since June 2017 in anticipation of becoming a public company and expect these expenses to continue to increase going forward.
70
Liquidity and capital resources
As of March 31, 2018, we had cash balances of $4.5 million. In 2016 and 2017, we generated sufficient cash from operating activities to fund our operations. We believe that our cash balances and our ability to convert our trade accounts receivable to cash along with revenue growth will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements may vary materially from those currently planned and will depend on many factors, including our rate of revenue growth, the timing and extent of spending to support development efforts, the timing of new product introductions, market acceptance of our products and overall economic conditions. We expect to regularly assess market conditions and may raise additional equity or incur additional debt if and when our board of directors determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Company. We cannot assure you that any additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If we raise funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt or other equity-linked securities, our existing shareholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our shares, including shares sold in this offering.
As of March 31, 2018, under our secured credit facility, we had a $88.9 million term loan outstanding and $7.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In December 2017, we utilized $90.0 million of the term loan to repay outstanding secured indebtedness, redeem preferred equity issued by one of our subsidiaries and held by VCH, L.P. and return capital to VCH, L.P. For further information on the redemption of preferred equity and return of capital, see Certain relationships and related party transactions and Note 17 Related party transactions in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Sources and uses of cash
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
Three months ended March 31, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
$ | 16,532 | $ | 23,001 | $ | 3,735 | $ | (7,437 | ) | |||||||
Cash used in investing activities |
$ | (2,031 | ) | $ | (5,931 | ) | $ | (1,024 | ) | $ | (1,336 | ) | ||||
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
$ | (5,427 | ) | $ | (24,347 | ) | $ | (7,780 | ) | $ | 5,875 | |||||
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Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $7.4 million consisted primarily of a net loss of $0.2 million, adjustments for depreciation and amortization of $2.4 million and changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in net cash outflows of $9.8 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of a $4.7 million decrease in accrued employee compensation driven principally by payments of accrued incentive compensation and a $4.4 million increase in inventories purchased in contemplation of sales growth, partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2017 of $3.7 million consisted primarily of net income of $2.8 million, adjustments for depreciation and amortization of $2.1 million and changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in net cash outflows of $1.1 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of a $4.5 million decrease in accounts payable driven by lower inventory purchases and a $2.2 million decrease in accrued employee compensation driven principally by payments of accrued incentive compensation, partially offset by a $4.1 million decrease in inventories to fulfill increased demand and a $1.2 million increase in accrued interest and payables.
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Net cash provided by operating activities in 2017 of $23.0 million consisted primarily of net income of $9.8 million, adjustments for depreciation and amortization of $8.9 million and changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in net cash inflows of $5.8 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of a $4.7 million increase in accounts payable mostly due to increased payment terms and increased volumes with suppliers, a $5.1 million increase in accrued interest and payables to Vector Capital, a $3.0 million increase in accrued employee compensation expense due to increased headcount and accrued bonuses and commissions, partially offset by a $10.7 million increase in net accounts receivable due to increased sales.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2016 of $16.5 million consisted primarily of net income of $2.9 million, adjustments for depreciation and amortization of $8.4 million and changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in net cash inflows of $5.5 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of $5.2 million in accrued interest and payables to Vector Capital, a $3.2 million increase in accrued employee compensation expense due to increased headcount and accrued bonuses and commissions, a $1.7 million increase in accrued liabilities and a $1.3 million increase in other assets and liabilities partially offset by a $3.4 million decrease in accounts payable, a $1.3 million increase in inventory and a $1.2 million increase in accounts receivable.
Cash flows from investing activities
Our investing activities for all periods presented consisted of capital expenditures for property, equipment and software in support of the growth of our business.
Cash flows from financing activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, net cash provided by financing activities was $5.9 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $7.8 million during the prior year period. The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to $7.0 million in proceeds received from borrowing under our revolving credit facility, partially offset by $1.1 million in repayment of principal due under our term loan facility. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we borrowed $30.0 million under our prior loan facility and made debt repayments of $36.5 million under this prior term loan and revolver facility.
We used $24.3 million of cash for financing activities during 2017. During 2017, we received $120.0 million in cash from our lenders under the two debt refinancing transactions described below in Secured credit agreement, paid $66.5 million in debt repayments to our lender, returned capital to and redeemed preference shares from Vector Capital for an aggregate of $75.0 million and incurred $2.8 million in debt financing costs.
We used $5.4 million of cash for financing activities during 2016. During 2016, we received $7.3 million in cash from our lenders and paid $12.7 million in debt repayments to our lenders.
Contractual obligations and commercial commitments
Contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Less than 1 year |
1 to 3 years |
3 to 5 years |
More than 5 years |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases |
$ | 1,756 | $ | 3,504 | $ | 2,658 | $ | 853 | $ | 8,771 | ||||||||||
Term credit facility(1) |
4,500 | 27,000 | 58,500 | | 90,000 | |||||||||||||||
Term credit facility interest(1) |
5,607 | 13,803 | 3,470 | | 22,880 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations(2) |
39,465 | | | | 39,465 | |||||||||||||||
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Total contractual obligations(3) |
$ | 51,328 | $ | 44,307 | $ | 64,628 | $ | 853 | $ | 161,116 | ||||||||||
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(1) | Based on the credit facility debt outstanding, the required principal payments, and the interest rate in effect of 6.4% at December 31, 2017 |
(2) | Consists primarily of inventory commitments |
(3) | Comprises liabilities recorded on the balance sheet of $90.0 million, and obligations not recorded on the balance sheet of $71.1 million |
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Leases
Our contractual obligations are pursuant to non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2026. Our total operating lease expense for 2016 and 2017 was $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Purchase obligations
Our purchase obligations include commitments with third parties to manufacture our products and in certain cases to design and manufacture select products. Our third-party manufacturers procure components based upon orders placed by us. If we cancel all or part of the orders, we may still be liable to the third-party manufacturers for the cost of the components purchased by the subcontractors to manufacture our products. The above table reflects non-cancellable purchase obligations with our third-party manufacturers.
Secured credit agreement
In March 2017, we entered into a credit agreement to refinance the obligations under our existing credit facility and for working capital financing, letter of credit facilities and other general corporate purposes. Subsequently, in December 2017 we entered into an amendment and restatement of this credit agreement, as amended and restated, the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings up to an aggregate amount of $100.0 million, consisting of a term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $90.0 million and a revolving loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million, including a letter of credit sub-facility in the aggregate availability amount of $5.0 million. As of March 31, 2018, we had borrowings outstanding of $88.9 million under the term loan and $7.0 million under the revolving credit facility. The term loan matures and comes due on December 21, 2022.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. We are also required to maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, and a minimum adjusted quick ratio. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.
The term loan is repayable quarterly as follows: (i) 1.25% of the initial aggregate term loan is payable in each of the first four quarterly payment dates following the closing date, commencing with March 31, 2018, and (ii) 2.50% of the initial aggregate term loan is payable in each quarter of each year thereafter, with the remaining principal due on maturity on December 21, 2022. All outstanding revolving loans are due on the revolving termination date, which is December 21, 2022.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be in the form of (1) alternate base rate loans that bear interest at the higher of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) 3.50%, plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio or (2) Eurodollar rate loans that bear interest based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio. In addition to paying interest on loans under the Credit Agreement, we pay a fee of 0.50% per annum to the lenders under the revolving facility for any unutilized commitment. We can terminate or reduce the revolving loan commitment at any time without a termination fee. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries.
We are permitted to voluntarily prepay the term loans at any time provided that a prepayment fee equal to 1.00% of the aggregate amount of the term loans prepaid is payable in connection with prepayments in full in connection with a Change of Control or third party refinancing (other than as part of a refinancing with the administrative agent or its affiliates) occurring prior to the first anniversary of the closing date.
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Off-balance sheet arrangements
We do not engage in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as variable interest entities, structured finance, or special purpose entities, as part of our ongoing business. Accordingly, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows are not subject to off-balance sheet risks.
Contingencies
Indemnification
We generally indemnify our distributors, value added resellers and network operators against claims brought by a third party to the extent any such claim alleges that our product infringes a patent, copyright or trademark or violates any other proprietary rights of that third party. Although we generally try to limit the maximum amount of potential future liability under our indemnification obligations, in certain agreements this liability may be unlimited. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is not estimable.
We indemnify our directors and officers or select key employees for certain events or occurrences, while the director or officer is or was serving at the Companys request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the directors or officers term of service. We may terminate the indemnification agreements with our directors or officers upon the termination of their services as directors or officers of the Company, but termination will not affect claims for indemnification related to events occurring prior to the effective date of termination. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited, however, we have a director and officer insurance policy that limits our exposure. We believe the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal.
Distributor agreements
Our agreements with distributors are made in the ordinary course of business and generally may be terminated with or without cause by either party with advance notice. Although we believe we would experience some short-term disruption in the sale and distribution of our products if any of these agreements were terminated, we believe such terminations would not have a material adverse effect on our financial results and that alternative distributors, resellers and other distribution channels exist to deliver our products to network operators.
Recent accounting pronouncements
We have reviewed all recently issued accounting standards and have disclosed in Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements appearing at the end of this prospectus, the results of our review and assessment of the impact of the standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Significant accounting estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expense and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these judgments and estimates under different assumptions or conditions and any such differences may be material. We believe that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving managements judgments and estimates. For a
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summary of all of our accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements appearing at the end of this prospectus.
Recognition of revenues
Our revenues are generated primarily from the sale of hardware products, with essential embedded software. Our revenues also include limited amounts for software products and extended warranty on hardware products. We account for revenues under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), which we adopted on January 1, 2018. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products. We determine the appropriate revenue recognition for our contracts with customers by analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement. Certain of our contracts have multiple performance obligations for which we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the standalone selling price of each distinct product or service in the contract. The standalone selling price is the price at which we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring the promised good or service to the customer. The best evidence of standalone selling price is the observable price of a product or service when the company sells that product or service separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. In certain cases, the standalone sales price is not directly observable and we estimate the transaction price allocated to each performance obligation using the expected cost plus margin approach. When, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied, we recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to that performance obligation. The transaction price recognized excludes an estimate for the consideration related to products we expect to be returned or amounts we expect to refund.
Inventory and inventory valuation
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. In determining the cost of raw materials, consumables and goods purchased for resale, the weighted average purchase price is used. For finished goods, cost is computed as production cost including capitalized inbound freight costs.
The valuation of inventory also requires us to estimate excess or obsolete inventory. The determination of excess or obsolete inventory is estimated based on a comparison of the quantity and cost of inventory on hand to our forecast of customer demand. The actual amount of inventory written off in future periods will likely differ from the inventory excess and obsolete provisions reflected in our consolidated balance sheets due to difference between estimated and actual future demand, which could have a material effect on our net inventory as reported in our consolidated financial statements. Any adjustments to the valuation of inventory are included in cost of revenues.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
We record an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated probable losses on uncollectible accounts receivable. In estimating the allowance, management considers the aging of the accounts receivable, our historical write offs, the credit worthiness of each distributor based on payment history, and general economic conditions, among other factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific distributors ability to meet its obligations to us, we record a specific allowance against amounts due from the distributor, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amounts we reasonably believe will be collected.
Product warranties
We provide a one-year warranty on most hardware products and record a liability within current liabilities for the estimated future costs associated with potential warranty claims. We also offer an extended warranty that extends the standard warranty on most of our products for up to four additional years, a limited lifetime
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warranty on select hardware products that extends warranty coverage to seven years, and an all risks advance replacement warranty covering additional types of equipment damage not covered by our standard warranty. Provisions for warranty claims are recorded at the time products are sold based on historical experience factors including product failure rates, material usage, and service delivery cost incurred in correcting product failures. These provisions are reviewed and adjusted by management periodically to reflect actual and anticipated experience. The warranty costs are reflected in our consolidated statements of income within cost of revenues. In certain circumstances, we may have recourse from our contract manufacturers for replacement cost of defective products, which we also factor into our warranty liability assessment.
Income taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in income tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax asset in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
We may be subject to income tax audits in all the jurisdictions in which we operate and, as a result, we must also assess exposures to any potential issues arising from current or future audits of current and prior years tax returns. Accordingly, we must assess such potential exposures and, where necessary, provide a reserve to cover any expected loss. We recognize the benefit of a tax position if it is more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized tax positions are measured at the largest amount more likely than not of being realized upon settlement. To the extent that we establish a reserve, our income tax expense would be increased. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize an income tax benefit during the period in which new information becomes available indicating the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional income tax expense in the period in which new information becomes available indicating the tax liability is greater than our original estimate.
JOBS Act accounting election
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, are subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Interest rate risk
As of March 31, 2018, we had outstanding borrowings of $95.9 million under our Credit Agreement. We are exposed to interest rate risk from fluctuations in the three-month US LIBOR rate that is a component of the interest rate used to calculate interest expense on our debt.
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Interest accrues on the outstanding principal amount of the term loan on a quarterly basis and is equal to the three-month US LIBOR rate plus a base rate of 4.75%, 4.25% or 4.00%. The base rate is affected by our financial performance as measured by the consolidated leverage ratio. A 100-basis point increase in interest rates, and assuming a constant base rate, would result in an additional $1.0 million in interest expense related to our external debt per year.
Foreign currency exchange risk
The majority of our sales as well as our assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, our revenues and financial position are not currently subject to significant foreign currency risk. Our operating expenses are denominated in the currencies of the countries in which our operations are located, and may be subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly changes in the Indian Rupee, the British Pound and the Mexican Pesos. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, we incurred foreign exchange losses of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, foreign exchange losses were $0.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. At this time, we have not entered into a derivative or other financial instrument to hedge our foreign currency exchange risk.
Inflation risk
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018.
Credit risk
We consider the credit risk of all customers and regularly monitors credit risk exposures in our trade receivables. Our standard credit terms with our customers are generally net 30 to 60 days. We had two customers representing more than 10% of trade receivables at December 31, 2016 and 2017. In addition, we had three customers representing more than 10% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
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Letter from our Chief Executive Officer
Dear prospective investors,
The Cambium story began almost twenty years ago when Motorola Solutions launched its Wireless Internet Service Platform, which became the Canopy PMP business, in 1999, and later expanded the portfolio with the acquisition of the Orthogon Systems PTP business in 2006. In 2011, we were formed when Cambium Networks acquired the PMP and PTP businesses from Motorola Solutions. Our products and technologies are grounded in this deep Motorola heritage, with its focus on high-quality wireless communications technology, and that has inspired our employees, across the globe, to innovate and excel. Cambium Networks continues the commitment to developing products that provide reliable, secure and scalable fixed wireless broadband connectivity. Our focus on quality and our honest work ethic comes from our roots, and we have infused this work ethic with the high-velocity, innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. This combination of mid-western work ethic, dedication to product quality and relentless innovation is the foundation for our mission connecting the unconnected and the under-connected. Today connectivity is a critical societal need akin to essential utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Cambium shares this view with governments, the United Nations, and countless others which are all striving to improve connectivity for everyone, everywhere, all the time.
Software applications have greatly improved our ability to communicate and collaborate, but without fast and reliable connectivity, these software tools alone are ineffective. Our wireless solutions address the evolving needs brought by the next generation communications network and end users. We enable high performance connectivity across varied terrain or inclement weather and can connect to the outermost edge of the network. Our platforms are deployed in the most demanding terrains, temperatures and radio frequency conditions reliably connecting people, places and things. For example, our products are deployed at the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal, at 17,600 feet above sea level, providing reliable internet access for the first time to climbers, hikers and the local population. Our products also improve safety and efficacy around the world, by connecting and monitoring myriad sensors in industrial operations such as railroads, offshore oil rigs, and more remote water treatment centers and mining sites.
Solving connectivity for the unconnected and the under-connected requires high performance technology at affordable prices. Bridging geographic, socioeconomic and technological barriers is not being done solely by the largest Tier 1 service providers and their suppliers, which deploy solutions that cost considerably more than a Cambium Networks solution. Tier 1 solutions, however, are not always economically viable for, nor easily deployed in, medium or low density networks or developing communities. When connecting medium-sized metropolitan areas or remote, developing communities, Cambiums solutions deliver reliable, high performance wireless broadband connectivity at attractive economics. Additionally, large industrial enterprises around the world operate in some of the most far-reaching geographies searching for natural resources, producing raw materials or managing energy grids or other utilities. Providing these enterprises with secure and reliable connectivity in harder-to-reach environments enables them to gather and share business intelligence more easily, to monitor and optimize their operations, improve efficiency and enhance safety conditions, all giving rise to the Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT.
We are serving a $9 billion market that is expected to continue to grow as data demands evolve and increase and as new use cases develop. I believe that we have the right technology, the right products, the right strategy, the right culture, and, most importantly, the right people to serve this growing market and to create solutions to enable the increasing demand for data. Our international team of highly experienced engineers continues to design exceptional products for our customers. Our channel partners enable us to deploy products to thousands of network operators and their end users in over 145 countries and growing. My focus at Cambium Networks has always been to build a business for pragmatic and consistent growth and profitability. Cambium Networks will continue to invest in research and development aimed to keep pace with technological breakthroughs and
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to provide disruptive solutions, while keeping to our roots through our commitment to our customers to offer increasing value with our innovative products and services.
I sincerely believe that Cambium Networks is a very special company. We look forward to continue making connectivity possible for even more people, places and things. We are proud of our commitment to the communities in which we live and work, and of giving back to our communities whenever we can, through programs that provide connectivity following natural disasters, programs that enable children in unstable locations to safely obtain an education through remote connectivity, and through our awards honoring others who are working to connect the unconnected or underconnected. I am thankful for everybody who has helped bring us to where we are today, and for their continued efforts to take us to where we hope to be tomorrow. We are grateful for those who have believed in us, supported us and trusted us. We are thrilled that you are considering joining us on this remarkable journey, and I believe we have the right inspiration to build a lasting company bringing connectivity and goodness to the world together.
Atul Bhatnagar
President & Chief Executive Officer
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Overview
We provide wireless broadband networking infrastructure solutions for network operators, including medium-sized wireless Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Our scalable, reliable and high performance solutions create a purpose built wireless fabric which connects people, places and things across distances ranging from two meters to more than 100 kilometers, indoors and outdoors, at attractive economics.
Our wireless fabric includes intelligent radios, smart antennas, RF algorithms and network management software. Our embedded proprietary RF technology and software enables automated optimization of data flow at the outermost points in the network, which we refer to as the intelligent edge. This intelligent edge offers network operators increased performance, visibility, control and management, as well as the ability to efficiently transfer large amounts of data back to enterprise data centers for fast and efficient analysis and decision-making, even in conditions characterized by a high degree of interfering signals generated both within the network or from outside sources, which we refer to as noise.
Our solutions are deployed by medium-sized wireless Internet service providers and enterprises, including utility, petrochemical, military, state and local government, industrial and other network operators that use our technology to connect a wide range of network assets from traditional offices to complex sensor networks. Network operators deploy our enterprise-grade solutions to take advantage of their scalability, intelligence, reliability, attractive economics and ease of deployment. Our solutions feature the following benefits for network operators:
| Superior outdoor scalability. Our solutions scale to greater density for outdoor applications because of their leading spectral efficiency. |
| Embedded network intelligence. Our solutions have embedded intelligence, utilizing software and RF algorithms that work together to optimize network performance. This intelligence allows networks to adapt and evolve as network requirements vary, environments change and network footprints grow over time. |
| Reliable wireless connectivity in congested environments. Our solutions deliver superior reliability enabled by our technologys frequency reuse capabilities, embedded dynamic spectrum optimization and dynamic filtering abilities. |
| High quality at attractive economics. Our solutions improve economics for network operators by supporting a large number of CPE per access point while providing enterprise-grade performance and quality. We reduce ongoing management costs through device reliability and embedded software that independently manages and resolves network performance issues. |
| Ease of deployment and simplicity to scale the network. Network operators can utilize our cloud-based network management software to help design, install and manage their networks from cloud-to-tower-to-edge. Our cloud-based software offers full lifecycle management of a network through a single pane of glass, reducing the complexity of network operations and the onboarding of large numbers of devices. |
Our products are typically deployed by medium-sized service providers, such as wireless Internet service provider networks serving from 5,000 to over 200,000 subscribers, enterprise networks and sensor heavy industrial networks. We estimate that medium-sized Internet service providers contributed approximately half of our revenues in 2016 and 2017.
We market and sell our solutions through our global channel partner network, which drives the substantial majority of our revenues. We sell our solutions as one-time sales, although a majority of our revenues in a given
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period typically is generated by purchases from network operators that have previously purchased our products. Growth from these network operators is driven by expansion within existing networks and in new territories, replacement of competitor products with our solutions, deployment of new and incremental use cases and, in the case of local governments, mandates to offer fixed broadband wireless to their citizens.
We have experienced rapid revenue growth over the last several years and we have shipped more than three million devices since 2012, including over one million in 2017, to more than 10,000 network operators in over 145 countries. For 2016 and 2017, our revenues were $181.4 million and $216.7 million, respectively. During the same periods, our net income was $2.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively. In the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, our revenues were $48.8 million and $58.5 million, respectively, and our net income was $2.8 million and net loss was $0.2 million, respectively.
Industry
According to Cisco Visual Networking Index, wireless mobile data traffic is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44% from 2017 to 2021. We believe that growth in data traffic will be predominantly driven in large part by the proliferation of connected devices, applications and sensors for both service provider and enterprise use cases. For example:
| Consumers are using connected devices to access cloud applications, stream media-rich content and connect to friends and family utilizing wireless connectivity. Much of the consumer demand in lower-density urban and rural areas is being addressed with medium-sized networks run by wireless Internet service providers. |
| Enterprises are deploying their own wireless broadband infrastructure to provide individuals access to corporate networks, data centers and cloud applications. |
| Industrial enterprises are using wireless broadband to help replace periodic, manual system monitoring with hundreds of wireless sensors and cameras that can monitor key production activities in real-time for safety, productivity and security. For example, wireless connectivity is allowing industrial enterprises real-time comprehensive monitoring of operations across a field of onshore facilities or offshore platforms to increase both the efficiency and safety of industrial operations. |
The growing adoption of wireless networks is driving massive amounts of data that is analyzed locally at the edge or at enterprise or cloud data centers. This requires greater wireless connectivity to capture and evaluate the data locally or to backhaul large amounts of data to a data center. Local operations centers or distant corporate data centers must also communicate with the edge devices to optimize operations. For example, when data is sent back to an operations center that identifies potential equipment overheating, that command center can quickly transmit a data request directly to the machine to analyze and resolve the issue or to a technician to rapidly address the developing situation.
Wireline broadband through cable, DSL and optical networks provides efficient bulk bandwidth transport to densely-populated metropolitan areas, but can be cost prohibitive in lower-density environments and rural areas. Wireline broadband also lacks real-time adaptability required for industrial networks and faces practical limitations in delivering connectivity to constantly evolving sensor and device networks. Similarly, many existing, more affordable wireless network solutions lack the performance, scalability, reliability and support to provide enterprise-grade IT infrastructure required for critical business applications.
Both wireless Internet service providers and enterprises in lower-density, non-metropolitan areas require infrastructure that delivers always-on, high-speed wireless bandwidth for the transmission of large amounts of data in a wide variety of challenging conditions such as noisy spectrum or terrain that can impede wireless broadband communications, such as bodies of water or forests. Carrier-grade wireless infrastructure, primarily
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used in metropolitan networks, is generally ill-suited to these deployments because the size of the deployment does not justify the high equipment expense and management costs. Many existing wireless solutions are limited by their ability to deliver real-time adaptability, scalability, efficient use of spectrum, network reliability and economical use cases:
| Limited real-time adaptability. Wireless network footprints are continually changing due to individuals moving within a network, rapidly changing environments in an industrial footprint and expanding use cases or functionality. Many wireless solutions lack the software and RF technology to continually optimize performance of rapidly evolving network infrastructure and noisy conditions. |
| Lack of network scalability. Current wireless solutions often struggle to scale primarily because they lack end-to-end management capabilities and appropriate RF algorithms in the software. Software is required to efficiently plan, synchronize and optimize large-scale deployments of wireless broadband, while mitigating self-interference. Existing solutions are typically provisioned manually and managed by spreadsheets or management tools developed by customers internally. Real-time, efficient management requires embedded software and technology capable of optimizing network performance at the edge in varying environmental conditions. |
| Inefficient use of spectrum. Many existing solutions do not contain data path optimization technologies that allow for efficient use of frequency channels and available spectrum. This leads to performance degradation and limits the number of users and devices to which the network can deliver quality access. |
| Lack of network reliability in areas with congested signals. Many existing solutions struggle with interference in high noise environments because they cannot reuse frequencies to expand available channels for traffic. These solutions also do not include software that identifies congested channels and automatically switches traffic to channels with less congestion. Inability to reuse frequencies or to recognize congested channel can degrade performance and limit available bandwidth of infrastructure. |
| Uneconomical for certain use cases. Existing fixed wireless broadband solutions can be cost-prohibitive because of their inability to serve a high concentration of CPE without the deployment of high number access points. Additionally, many existing solutions fail because of a lack of software intelligence to foresee upcoming issues and an inefficient path to resolution for issues given limited services and support capabilities. |
Our solutions
We offer fixed wireless broadband networking infrastructure solutions differentiated by scalability, embedded intelligence, reliability, high quality at attractive economics and ease of deployment. Our enterprise-grade solutions provide outdoor and indoor capabilities and leading spectral efficiency that reduces self-interference and optimizes spectral efficiency and frequency reuse across the network.
Our PTP solutions are typically connected to high-speed, high-bandwidth wireline networks, and provides wireless broadband backhaul to facilities or PMP access points deployed throughout a network, over distances of more than 100 kilometers and at more than 2 Gbps. Our PMP solutions extend wireless broadband access from tower mounted access points to CPE providing broadband access to residences and enterprises covering wide areas with a range of 10 to 30 kilometers. Our cnPilot Wi-Fi solution provides distributed access to individual users in indoor settings, such as office complexes, and outdoor settings, such as athletic stadiums, over distances as short as two meters with high capacity. Our cnReach solutions offer narrow-band connectivity for sensors and devices at the network edge, typically over the last few meters. Our embedded proprietary RF technology and software enables automated optimization of data flow at the outermost points in the network.
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Our platform provides the following key benefits to network operators:
| Superior outdoor scalability. Our wireless fabric scales to greater density for outdoor applications because of its spectral efficiency. Almost all of our outdoor products have a spectral efficiency advantage over the primary competition and that efficiency advantage can be more than double in many circumstances. Additionally, our intelligent edge solutions permit denser deployments and higher throughput, translating into more CPE per access point while delivering high quality connectivity. |
| Embedded network intelligence. Our wireless fabric consists of intelligent radios, smart antennas, RF algorithms and embedded software that enable the intelligent edge by optimizing connectivity, reliability and performance. As network requirements evolve, this intelligence enables seamless device RF optimization and provisioning. |
| Reliable wireless connectivity in congested environments. We deliver reliable connections that tolerate high levels of RF interference. Our reliability is a function of GPS synchronization that enables frequency reuse and thereby limits self-interference, embedded dynamic spectrum optimization that identifies congested channels and switches the connection to the optimal channel, and dynamic filtering software that protects used channels to neutralize unwanted interference from neighboring channels. These embedded technologies respond in real-time to congestion that would otherwise impact user experience. |
| High quality at attractive economics. We believe that our solutions allow higher density of CPE per access point compared to our competition, while providing enterprise-grade performance and quality. We reduce ongoing management costs through device reliability and embedded software that independently manages and resolves network performance issues. Our 24/7 customer support combined with our embedded software intelligence increases network uptime and reduces network IT management overhead. |
| Ease of deployment and simplicity to scale the network. Network operators can utilize our cloud-based network management software to manage and grow their networks from cloud-to-tower-to-edge in real-time. Our cloud-based software offers network lifecycle management through a single pane of glass, reducing complexity and costs of network operations and facilitating the onboarding of large numbers of users and devices. |
Our competitive strengths
Our competitive strengths include the following:
| Wireless fabric that enables fast and efficient scalability. Our solution allows network operators to densify their networks with incremental access points that scale subscriber support in a linear manner without compromise to quality of service. We accomplish this through our superior spectral efficiency, which minimizes interference and optimizes channel efficiency. |
| Advanced RF signal algorithms. Our RF algorithms drive network performance by employing technologies such as frequency reuse, congestion-based channel switching and noise filtering. These algorithms require deep RF signal processing expertise and have been developed by our seasoned team of RF engineers. |
| Broad applicability of our wireless fabric. Our technology has broad application across a wide range of connectivity use cases, from wireless Internet service providers to industrial enterprises, including in oil and gas, mining, utilities, military, retail, hospitality, transportation, surveillance and other industrial and enterprise end markets. Our core technologies underlying the wireless fabric offer broad extensibility to new markets such as Wi-Fi and IIoT solutions. This broad applicability has allowed us to reach over 10,000 network operators thus far in over 145 countries. |
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| Network management software platform built for scale. Our cloud-based network management software increases ease of deployment and usage through easy provisioning, configuration, monitoring and complete network visualization, with the ability to support over 100,000 devices. In particular, our software applications support and facilitate improved network planning, embedding our solutions within network operators planning cycles and encouraging recurring purchases for our technology as network operators scale and upgrade their networks. To date, approximately 4,000 network operators have downloaded our software. |
| Culture of constant innovation combined with high velocity product development and service. We pride ourselves in our strong work ethic and focus on providing innovative products and first-class service to network operators. We have over 200 hardware and software engineers working on product design and innovation, and as of December 31, 2017 had 59 issued patents and 65 patent applications pending worldwide. We deliver a localized innovation model by investing in local research and development presence in the United States, United Kingdom, and India to ensure that we remain in tune with unique requirements of network operators globally. Our employees are united by our mission to eliminate the digital divide by building cutting-edge technology to connect underserved and developing communities. |
Market opportunity
The majority of our revenues today come from PTP and PMP solutions. According to Sky Light Research, the PTP Microwave market is expected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2017 to $4.2 billion through 2021. According to QYResearch, the PMP market is expected to grow from $0.5 billion in 2017 to $0.9 billion in 2025. We entered the Wi-Fi market in 2016 and it has become a meaningful portion of our revenues. According to IDC, the enterprise WLAN market is expected to grow from $5.8 billion in 2017 to $7.6 billion through 2022. Combining these served markets, our addressable market in 2017 exceeded $9 billion. In 2017, we introduced our cnReach IIoT products, and while the market remains at an early stage of development, we believe this market presents a significant commercial opportunity.
Our growth strategy
The key elements of our growth strategy include:
| Continue investment in wireless fabric while expanding into new markets. We are investing in our wireless fabric technology to expand the breadth of our solutions and take advantage of new frequencies and communications standards. We believe that building upon our spectral efficiency and interference reduction capabilities will allow us to expand our technology leadership into new markets as network operators continue to demand more throughput and capacity. We may engage in selective acquisitions where we see an opportunity to accelerate our development strategy or address complementary market opportunities. |
| Expand our software capabilities. We will continue to invest in our embedded software capabilities which include GPS synchronization, dynamic optimization and filtering technologies that facilitate the intelligent edge. We also plan to invest cnMaestro, our cloud-based network management software platform, to improve functionality, ease of deployment and operations. In combination, improving the capabilities of our software will expand our market opportunities with network operators. |
| Drive greater penetration in our existing base. As networks grow and become more congested, |