U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
o REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
Commission File No.: 0-30718
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Primary Standard Industrial Classification Doe (if applicable): 3663
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number (if applicable): 94-3338019
13811 Wireless Way, Richmond
British Columbia, Canada V6V 3A4
(604) 231-1100
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
1300 SW Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor
Portland, OR 97201
(Agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares
(Title of Class)
Name of exchange on which securities are registered:
Toronto Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Market
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
x Annual Information Form x Audited Annual Financial Statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 25,708,331 Common Shares without par value as at December 31, 2006
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant, by filing the information contained in this Form, is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, If “yes”, is marked, indicate the filing number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule. o Yes 82 - x No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The Registrant’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and the Registrant’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 are attached hereto as Appendix A and Appendix B, respectively, and are incorporated by reference herein.
UNDERTAKING
The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
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SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. |
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(Registrant) |
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“David G. McLennan” |
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David G. McLennan, |
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Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
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Date: March 29, 2007 |
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Annual Information Form
March 21, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Information Form, or incorporated by reference herein, that are not based on historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees of future performance but are only predictions that relate to future events, conditions or circumstances or our future results, performance, achievements or developments and are subject to substantial known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or developments in our business or in our industry to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions, circumstances or results of operations that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions, courses of action and other future events. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. These forward-looking statements appear in a number of different places in this Annual Information Form and can be identified by words such as “may”, “estimates”, “projects”, “expects”, “intends”, “believes”, “plans”, “anticipates”, or their negatives or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the outlook for our future operations, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements concerning strategies, developments, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, end customer demand conditions, channel inventory and sell through, revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, profits, forecasts of future costs and expenditures, the outcome of legal proceedings, and other expectations, intentions and plans that are not historical fact. The risk factors and uncertainties that may affect our actual results, performance, achievements or developments are many and include, amongst others, our ability to develop, manufacture, supply and market new products that we do not produce today that meet the needs of customers and gain commercial acceptance, our reliance on the deployment of next generation networks by major wireless operators, the continuous commitment of our customers, increased competition and other risks detailed herein under the heading “Risk Factors”. Many of these factors and uncertainties are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all forward-looking statements in this Annual Information Form, or the documents incorporated by reference herein, are qualified by this cautionary statement and there can be no assurance that actual results, performance, achievements or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should the assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change.
CURRENCY
Unless otherwise indicated, all figures are stated in U.S. dollars.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “we”, “our”, “us”, “the Company”, “the Corporation” or “Sierra Wireless” in this Annual Information Form means Sierra Wireless, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Sierra Wireless was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 31, 1993. The Articles of Sierra Wireless were amended by a Certificate of Amendment issued March 29, 1999 to remove the private company provisions and restrictions on share transfer. The Articles of the Company were further amended by Certificates of Amendment issued May 13, 1999 and May 14, 1999 to: (i) re-designate and change all existing common shares in the capital of the Company to new common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”); (ii) change the rights attached to all preference
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shares in the capital of the Company (the “Preference Shares”) and to remove each existing series of Preference Shares; and (iii) consolidate the Common Shares on the basis of one post-consolidation Common Share for 1.5 pre-consolidation Common Shares.
The Company’s registered and records office is located at Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre, 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7X 1L3 and its head office and principal place of business is located at 13811 Wireless Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, V6V 3A4.
The following table lists subsidiaries of Sierra Wireless and their jurisdictions of incorporation or organization. All such entities are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by Sierra Wireless.
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Name |
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Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization |
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Sierra Wireless America, Inc. |
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Delaware, U.S.A. |
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SWMS, Inc. |
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California, U.S.A. |
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Sierra Wireless (UK) Limited |
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United Kingdom |
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Sierra Wireless (Asia-Pacific) Limited |
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Hong Kong |
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
General
We provide leading edge wireless wide-area modem solutions for mobile computing. We develop and market a broad range of products that include wireless modems for mobile computers, embedded modules for original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and rugged vehicle-mounted modems. Our products permit users to access wireless data and voice communications networks using laptop computers, handheld mobile computing devices, vehicle-based systems or fixed wireless terminals.
Wireless data communications is an expanding market positioned at the convergence of wireless communications, mobile computing and the Internet, each of which we believe represents a growing market. Our products are based on widely deployed cellular technologies and operate on the networks of major wireless operators around the world.
Our products are primarily used by business and government organizations to enable their employees to access a wide range of applications, including the Internet, e-mail, corporate intranet, remote databases and corporate applications. We sell our products worldwide, with emphasis on the North American, European and Asia-Pacific regions, through indirect channels, including wireless operators, resellers and OEMs.
Throughout 2004 we experienced stronger than expected demand primarily as a result of our strong market position in CDMA EV-DO Release 0 PC cards and our CDMA 1X embedded module sales to palmOne. Customer concentration increased our revenue base during 2004. Following our considerable revenue and earnings growth in 2004, we experienced a significant reduction in our business in 2005 relative to 2004 due to, among other things, increased competition for certain of our PC card products, a reduction in embedded module business volumes as a result of the completion of shipments to a key customer at the end of 2004 and some weakness in our product portfolio.
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In order to address this change in our business, we restructured our operations in June 2005, which included exiting our Voq professional phone initiative. Since the mid-2005 restructuring, we have re-focused our business on our core PC card and embedded module segments, including the development of new products and the expansion of markets for these products. Our launch of several new UMTS/HSDPA and CDMA EV-DO Revision A products resulted in strong revenue growth during 2006. We returned to sequential quarterly revenue growth over the last half of 2005 and the first half of 2006. During the third quarter of 2006, our revenues decreased slightly compared to the second quarter of 2006, as we transitioned our two largest customers to next generation products, which resulted in a slight reduction of sales of existing products to these customers ahead of the launch of the next generation products that occurred late in the quarter. In the fourth quarter, we reported record revenue as sales of our recently launched next generation products drove strong sequential revenue growth. In addition to improving revenue growth, we were profitable in all four quarters of 2006.
We continue to believe that the long-term growth prospects in the wireless wide area modem solutions for mobile computing industry remain strong, driven by continued deployment of high speed next generation 3G networks by carriers worldwide. We believe the deployment of these networks, combined with active promotion by carriers, will be a catalyst to increasing demand for high speed 3G wireless communications products, such as ours. See “Narrative Description of Business - Our Products” for discussion of specific product development initiatives.
Three Year History
Fiscal 2006
· We began commercial shipments of 8 new products – the AirCard 595 for EV-DO Revision A networks, the AirCard 875 for UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps networks, the MC5725/MC5725V PCI Express Mini Cards embedded modules (“Mini Card”) for EV-DO Revision A networks, the MC8755/8765 Mini Cards for UMTS/HSDPA 1.8 Mbps networks, and the MC8775/MC8775V Mini Cards for UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps networks.
· We commenced commercial shipments of our next generation EV-DO Revision A AirCard 595 to Sprint and Verizon and launched the AirCard 595 with Telecom New Zealand, the first launch of this product outside the United States.
· We commenced commercial shipments of our UMTS/HSDPA AirCard 875, the first commercially available UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps network card in the world, to Cingular during the third quarter. We also began shipping our UMTS/HSDPA AirCard 860 to Rogers Communications in Canada as well.
· In Europe, we launched our AirCard 850 and AirCard 875 with a number of operators and resellers. By the end of the year, we were supplying our UMTS/HSDPA AirCards to debitel in Germany, Bouygues Telecom and Orange in France, O2 and Orange in the UK, Swisscom Mobile and sunrise in Switzerland, Telefonica in Spain and to other operators in the region. We also commenced commercial shipments of our AirCard 875 to Telstra in Australia.
· We announced new design wins with several PC OEM customers including: Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard (“HP”) for both EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA products, with Panasonic for EV-DO products, and with Fujitsu Siemens Computers, ASUSTeK Computers and Dialogue Technology Corp. for UMTS/HSDPA products. We also secured additional design wins with other PC OEM customers.
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· We secured several design wins with manufacturers of fixed wireless terminals for both our EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA embedded module products, including TELES Communication Systems.
· We signed an agreement with Tomen Electronics Corp., a leading distributor of semiconductor, storage and communications components in Japan, which designates Tomen as the primary distributor for all Sierra Wireless products in Japan. This agreement marks our formal entry into the Japanese 3G wireless market.
· We announced that Digi International introduced the industry’s first commercial-grade EV-DO Revision A wireless wide area network router, the ConnectPort WAN VPN, that integrates the MC5725 EV-DO Revision A embedded module.
· We signed an agreement with M2M Connectivity, a specialist wireless module distributor for machine-to-machine products and applications, for the distribution of our 3G embedded modules in Australia and New Zealand.
· We announced support for Intel Corporation’s 3G-enabled Ultra Mobile PC platform. We collaborated with Intel to incorporate our WWAN modules into the UMPC platform architecture, which is designed to provide integrated wireless 3G connections for ultra-mobile devices.
· We introduced the latest additions to our rugged mobile product line for wireless wide area networks, the MP 595 GPS and the MP 875 GPS for 3G networks. The MP 595 for EV-DO Revision A networks and the MP 875 for UMTS/HSDPA networks are expected to be in carrier certification and commercially available by the end of the first quarter of 2007.
· We introduced our ExpressCard product line, with the upcoming EV-DO Revision A AirCard 597E. Built for notebook computers with ExpressCard expansion slots, the AirCard 597E is expected to be in carrier certification by the end of the first quarter of 2007. ExpressCards for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks are expected to follow later in 2007.
· We introduced our AirCard USB Wireless Modems for EV-DO Revision A and UMTS/HSDPA networks, the AC595U and AC875U, respectively. Based on our PCI Express Mini Cards, the compact AirCard USB modems can plug directly into the USB ports of both notebook and desktop computers or can be connected through a docking cradle. We expect both products to be in carrier certification late in the first quarter of 2007 and shipping commercially early in the second quarter of 2007. We have now secured purchase commitments for these products from major operators.
· At the Company’s annual general meeting, our Board of Directors appointed Charles Levine as the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Levine replaced Mr. Peter Ciceri as Chairman, who wished to step down from that position. Mr. Ciceri continues as a member of the Board of Directors.
Fiscal 2005
· We began commercial shipments of four new products – the UMTS/HSDPA AirCard 860 and AirCard 850 for North America and Europe, respectively; the MC5720 PCI Express Mini Card for CDMA 1xEV-DO networks; and the EM5625, an embedded module for CDMA 1xEV-DO networks.
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· We commenced commercial shipments of the AirCard 860 and AirCard 850 to Cingular in North America, as well as Manx Telecom and sunrise in Europe, making us the first company in the world to launch a fully functional UMTS/HSDPA PC card.
· We announced OEM design wins with Lenovo and HP for our MC5720 PCI express Mini Card embedded module for EV-DO networks and commenced commercial shipments of our EV-DO Mini Card to Lenovo in the fourth quarter of 2005. Our MC5720 is the world’s first 3G wireless minicard module for laptop OEMs. Early in the first quarter of 2006, HP announced the availability of their first laptop incorporating our MC5720 Mini Card. Our MC5720 Mini Card has been certified for operation on both the Sprint and Verizon EV-DO networks.
· We launched the EM5625, an embedded module for CDMA 1xEV-DO networks, and it was subsequently selected by Panasonic®, @Road, Itronix, MobileAria, a subsidiary of Delphi Corporation, and AirLink for integration into their products.
· During 2005, the MC8755 and MC8765 PCI Express Mini Card for UMTS/HSDPA networks in North America and Europe, respectively, became available to OEM customers for testing and integration, and commercial shipments of these products commenced late in the first quarter of 2006. In 2005, we secured designs win for our UMTS/HSDPA Mini Cards with Lenovo and Fujitsu-Siemens Computers.
· We commenced the development of the next generation EV-DO Revision A and 3.6 Mbps UMTS/HSDPA PC cards and Mini Cards, all of which became commercially available in the second half of 2006.
· We initiated development of two new next generation versions of our MP product, one for EV-DO Revision A and one for UMTS/HSDPA, that we expect be in carrier certification and commercially available by the end of Q1 2007.
· We announced the availability of the AirCard 775 wireless wide-area network card from Bouygues Telecom in France and from Guangdong Mobile Communications Corporation in Guangdong province, China. In addition, we signed a distribution agreement with Leaf Wireless (Pty) Ltd. to distribute the AirCard 775 in South Africa and surrounding regions.
· In October 2005, Jason Cohenour, previously our COO, was named as our President and CEO. Mr. Cohenour succeeded David Sutcliffe, who had served as the Company’s CEO since 1995 and who had announced his intention to retire earlier in the year. Mr. Sutcliffe, at the request of the Board of Directors, continues to serve the company in a non-management capacity as a member of the Board.
· We restructured our operations in June of 2005, which included exiting our Voq professional phone initiative. The result of this restructuring was a reduction in our cost structure and a greater focus on our core PC card and embedded modules business.
Fiscal 2004
· We began commercial shipments of six new products – the Voq professional phone, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 for CDMA 1X EV-DO networks, the AirCard 555R for CDMA networks in Asia, the MP555 for CDMA 1X, the MP775 for EDGE networks and the AirCard 775 for EDGE networks.
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· We announced distribution agreements for our CDMA embedded modules with Premier Wireless Solutions and for our CDMA PC cards with Tirumala Seven Hills Pvt Ltd in India and Beijing Putian Taili Telecom in China. We also announced supply agreements with Audiovox Communications Corporation for additional supply of our PC5220 EV-DO PC card and with Symbol Technologies and Verifone for our EM3420 CDMA 1X embedded modules and we completed shipments of this embedded module product to palmOne at the end of the year.
· We announced the availability of the PC3300 and the MP 555 GPS rugged wireless modem on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.
· We announced the availability of the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 and the MP 775 GPS rugged wireless modem on the Cingular Wireless EDGE network. We also announced the availability of the Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 for customers in the United Kingdom and in India.
· We signed a distribution agreement with Onda Communication Spa for our EDGE/GPRS N775 PC card.
· We announced the commercial availability of the Voq professional phone in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Turkey, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain.
· In North America, we announced the commercial availability of the Voq professional phone from Brightpoint, Cellstar, members of Intel’s Product Dealer Program, Insight, MobilePlanet, RCS Computer Experience and USA.NET.
Industry Background and Future Trends
Wireless Data Growth
We provide a broad range of products including wireless modems for mobile computers and embedded modules for laptop and vertical OEM wireless applications. We believe that our growth potential is tied, in part, to the projected growth of the laptop PC market and to the evolution of wireless networks. Cellular network technologies such as CDMA EV-DO Revision A and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) are expected to support much of this growth.
Market segments for wireless data consist of corporations, public organizations and individuals seeking to improve customer service and productivity. Increased cellular network coverage and speeds, significant technological improvements to wireless data networks, devices and software, and price reductions for data communications services have also contributed to growth in the wireless data communications industry. The ability to meet the demand for anytime, anyplace communications is made possible by the convergence of trends in mobile computing, the growth of the Internet, and wireless communications.
Mobile Computing. Many business professionals and individuals utilize laptops as their primary computing device. Smaller handheld computers or PDAs continue to be popular, as are newer mobile phones that offer more advanced capabilities, such as access to personal information, Internet and email. Mobile PCs and handheld devices continue to be the leading devices that are accessing wireless data.
The Internet. The Internet has become an indispensable tool for many business professionals and individuals, and the volume of Internet traffic continues to grow rapidly. Wireline telecommunications
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carriers continue to make significant investments in Internet protocol-based networks to handle the expected growth in the volume of data traffic.
Wireless Communications. While wireline communications networks were historically dominated by voice traffic, data now comprises more than half of the traffic on these networks. A similar evolution is now occurring on wireless networks as wireless service providers address the growing demand for data communications with additional technical and commercial offerings.
Existing Digital Technologies
Data communications over cellular networks is currently supported by various digital technologies. Newer, high speed technologies include CDMA EV-DO Revision A and GSM based UMTS/HSDPA.
CDMA is a digital technology that significantly improves the capacity and quality of both voice and data communications and supports a broader range of applications, including voice, wireless Internet and multimedia. We expect the deployment of CDMA EV-DO Revision A commercial service, the next generation of EV-DO, will continue to expand the market for wireless data products and services. CDMA Revision A offers theoretical downlink speeds of 3.1 Mbps, and theoretical uplink speeds of 1.8 Mbps. In North America, Sprint and Verizon are widely deploying CDMA EV-DO Revision A.
Leading GSM carriers in North America, Europe and Asia are deploying third generation (3G) networks to offer advanced services, including high-speed data, to their customers. 3G systems have been developed and launched to replace and/or complement second generation and 2.5G digital cellular systems.
In late 2005, the first networks to upgrade to High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), were Cingular Wireless in North America and Manx Telecom in the United Kingdom (an O2 subsidiary) demonstrating speeds between 500-700 kbps with maximum speeds up to 1.8 Mbps. In North America, Cingular has broad coverage with the latest generation UMTS/HSDPA networks, and continues to offer upgrade installation to take advantage of evolving technology standards.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Our Solution
We provide leading edge wireless wide-area modem solutions for mobile computing over cellular networks. We develop and market a broad range of products that include wireless modems for mobile computers, embedded modules for OEMs and rugged vehicle-mounted modems. Our products permit users to access wireless data and voice communications networks using laptop computers, handheld mobile computing devices, or vehicle-based systems.
Our Products
Our current product line of wireless modem solutions includes wide-area wireless AirCard products, embedded modules for OEM computers and other devices, vehicle-mounted modems and enabling software. We have a number of new products under development within these product lines.
Our professional services team provides OEM customers with wireless product development support to integrate our wireless wide-area products into their products.
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Sierra Wireless AirCard Products
PCMCIA PC Cards: The successful launch of our first UMTS/HSDPA PC cards, the AirCard 850 and 860, during the fourth quarter of 2005 helped us to establish a leadership position with this technology in North America and to re-establish our market position in Europe. In North America, we believe we continue to have a strong position with Cingular with the launch of our UMTS/HSDPA AirCard 875 during 2006. The AirCard 875 was the first commercially available UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps network card in the world. During 2006, we began shipping our AirCard 860 to Rogers Communications in Canada as well. In Europe, we launched our AirCard 850 and AirCard 875 with a number of operators and resellers. By the end of the year, we were supplying UMTS/HSDPA AirCards to debitel in Germany, Bouygues Telecom and Orange in France, O2 and Orange in the UK, Swisscom Mobile and sunrise in Switzerland, Telefonica in Spain and to other operators in the region. We also commenced commercial shipments of our AirCard 875 to Telstra in Australia.
During 2006, we continued shipments of our EV-DO Revision 0 AirCard to several carriers in North America and Asia Pacific, including Sprint. Also during 2006, we commenced commercial shipments of our next generation EV-DO Revision A AirCard 595 to Sprint, Verizon and Telecom New Zealand.
Our AirCard products are now approved on 35 networks around the world.
Express Cards: During 2006, we announced the introduction of our ExpressCard product line, with the upcoming EV-DO Revision A AirCard 597E. Built for notebook computers with ExpressCard expansion slots, the AirCard 597E is expected to be in carrier certification by the end of the first quarter of 2007. ExpressCards for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks are expected to follow later in 2007.
USB Wireless Modems: During 2006, we announced the addition of wireless modems for USB ports to our product line. This product will plug into the USB ports of both notebook and desktop computers. We expect both the AirCard 595U for EV-DO Revision A networks and the AirCard 875U, for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks to be in carrier certification late in the first quarter of 2007 and shipping commercially early in the second quarter of 2007. We have now secured purchase commitments for these products from major operators.
Sierra Wireless Embedded Module Products
With the commencement by multiple leading laptop manufacturers of embedding high-speed wireless wide area capability inside laptops, we believe that the opportunity for sales of embedded modules has increased significantly. Our experience and track record has allowed us to establish an early leadership position in providing embedded 3G wireless solutions to major laptop OEMs.
We were first to market with UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps with the HP nc6400 notebook. We have embedded module design wins with eleven PC OEM customers, including Lenovo and HP for both EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA products, with Panasonic for EV-DO products, and with Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, ASUSTeK Computers and Dialogue Technology Corp. for UMTS/HSDPA products. Itronix, a specialty laptop manufacturer, also embeds a variety of our products across a number of airlinks. Six of our PC OEM customers currently have commercially available products featuring our 3G embedded module solutions, representing approximately 38 distinct platform and airlink combinations.
In addition to our success with PC OEM customers, we had strong growth and new design wins with our traditional OEM customers. We also have secured several design wins with manufacturers of fixed wireless terminals for both our EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA embedded module products.
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During 2006, we commenced shipments of our next generation embedded modules, the MC5725 for EV-DO Revision A networks and the MC8775 for UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps networks. We have secured next generation design wins for UMTS/HSUPA with three of our existing OEM customers.
The following table outlines our current product offerings for wireless wide-area network PC cards and embedded modules:
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Compatible |
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Wide-area wireless modems providing wireless broadband connectivity for computer users on HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS networks. |
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AirCard 875 |
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Type II PC Card for use on networks supporting UMTS/HSDPA networks in the 850, 1900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands.Theoretical data rates up to 3.6 Mbps downlink on UMTS/HSDPA networks. Backwards compatible with UMTS/EDGE/GPRS networks supporting the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Distributed worldwide. |
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Wireless Network Cards |
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AirCard® 800 Series |
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AirCard 860 |
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Type II PC card for use on networks supporting UMTS/HSDPA in the 850 and 1900 MHz frequency bands.Theoretical data rates up to 1.8 Mbps downlink on UMTS/HSDPA networks. Backwards compatible with EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks supporting the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Primary territory is North America. |
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AirCard 850 |
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Type II PC card for use on networks supporting UMTS/HSDPA in the 2100 MHz frequency band. Theoretical data rates up to 1.8 Mbps downlink on UMTS/HSDPA networks. Backwards compatible with EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks supporting the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Primary territories are Europe and Asia. |
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Description |
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Products |
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Compatible |
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Wide-area wireless modems providing wireless broadband connectivity for computer users on CDMA EV-DO Revision A networks. |
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AirCard 595 |
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Type II PC card for use on networks supporting CDMA EV-DO Revision A in the 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 3.1 Mbps downlink. Primary territory is North America. New Zealand is the first launch outside of North America. |
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AirCard® 500 Series |
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Wide-area wireless modems, providing LAN-like connectivity for computer users on the CDMA 1X and CDMA EV-DO networks. |
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AirCard 580 |
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Type II PC card for use on networks supporting CDMA 1X EV-DO and 1XRTT networks in the 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 2.4 Mbps downlink. Territories are North America and Asia. |
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AirCard® USB 800 Series |
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USB wireless modem providing wireless broadband connectivity for users on HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS networks. The USB wireless modem plugs directly into any USB port on a laptop to desktop PC, or via the included docking cradle. |
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Air Card 875U |
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USB modem with tri-band UMTS/HSDPA functionality in the 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 3.6 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks supporting the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Commercial availability is expected early in the second quarter of 2007. |
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USB Modems |
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AirCard® USB 500 Series |
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USB wireless modem providing wireless broadband connectivity for users on EV-DO Revision A networks. The USB wireless modem plugs directly into any USB port on a laptop to desktop PC, or via the included docking cradle. |
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Air Card 595U |
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USB modem for use on networks supporting CDMA EV-DO Revision A in the 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 3.1 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible to CDMA EV-DO Rev 0 and CDMA 1X networks. Commercial availability is expected early in the second quarter of 2007. |
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Products |
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Compatible |
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Proprietary form factor embedded modules deliver wireless broadband data and voice connectivity that OEMs integrate into products ranging from handheld computers, PDAs, laptops, Smartphones and mobile terminals, to fixed terminals including industrial meters, and monitoring equipment. |
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EM5625 |
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Dual-band CDMA 1X EV-DO in the 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 2.4 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with CDMA 1xRTT and IS-95A/B. Territories are North America, Europe and Asia. |
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Embedded Modules |
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EM Embedded Modules |
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EM3420 |
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Dual-band CDMA2000 1X in the 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 153.6 Kbps downlink. Backwards compatible with IS-95I/B. Territories are North America and Asia. |
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Products |
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Embedded 3G wireless modules based on the PCI Express Mini Card form factor and interface specification. The MC87XX series delivers HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS wireless voice and data capability to laptop OEMs and other manufacturers. |
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MC8775/MC8775V |
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Tri-band PCI Express Mini Card for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks supporting the 850, 1900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 3.6 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks supporting the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Primary territories are North America and Europe. |
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MC8700 Series PCI Express Mini Cards |
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MC8765 |
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Dual-band PCI Express Mini Card for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks supporting the 850 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 1.8 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with quadband EDGE/GSM/GPRS networks on supporting the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Primary territory is North America. |
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MC8755 |
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Dual-band PCI Express Mini Card for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks supporting the 2100 MHz frequency band. Theoretical data rates up to 1.8 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with quadband EDGE/GSM/GPRS networks supporting the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Primary territories are Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. |
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Embedded 3G wireless modules based on the PCI Express Mini Card form factor and interface specification. The MC5700 series delivers CDMA EV-DO Revision A and CDMA 1X EV-DO wireless voice and data capability to laptop OEMs and other manufacturers. |
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MC5725/MC5725V |
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Dual-band PCI Express Mini Card for use on CDMA EV-DO Revision A networks supporting the 800 and 1900 frequency bands. Theoretical data rates up to 3.1 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with CDMA 1X EV-DO Release 0, 1XRTT and IS-95 networks. Territories are primarily North America and Asia. |
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MC5700 Series PCI Express Mini Cards |
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MC5720 |
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Dual-band PCI Express Mini Card for use on CDMA 1X EV-DO networks supporting the 800 and 1900 freqency bands. Theoreticaly data rates up to 2.4 Mbps downlink. Backwards compatible with 1XRTT and IS-95 networks. Primary territories are North America and Asia. |
Sierra Wireless Rugged Mobile Modem Product Line
The Sierra Wireless rugged mobile product line consists of rugged, intelligent, vehicle-mounted modems that are sold to public safety and field service organizations. Generally, these products are mounted in a vehicle and are physically connected to a computer or data terminal. The rugged mobile product line is designed to operate in harsh conditions, including extremes of temperature, humidity, vibration and vehicle ignition noise. Our MP products come with fully integrated global positioning system, or GPS, capability as a standard feature. The MP 555 GPS operates on CDMA 1X networks in North America. We have developed two new next generation versions of our MP product, the MP 595 for EV-DO Revision A and the MP 875 for UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps networks, which we expect to be in carrier certification and commercially available by the end of Q1 2007. Once these products are launched, we expect this part of our business to grow and positively impact our financial results.
Enabling Software
Our line of software allows our modems and devices to work with laptop and handheld computers and other devices:
· Sierra Wireless Watcher™ Software is a graphical user interface designed for everyday use with our modems. While the modem is in use, the Watcher program provides ongoing information on registration status and signal strength and allows the user to switch operating modes where applicable. Sierra Wireless Watcher supports all major PC and handheld Windows-based operating systems.
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· Developer’s Central, including Sierra Wireless Software Development Kits, provide tools and information that support developers in their integration of Sierra Wireless products into applications. Using these tools, developers can include important modem status information into their own user interface. This level of integration supports easy-to-use, complete bundled solutions.
· MP Modem Manager is a feature-rich, web based diagnostic software management tool allowing network administrators access to remote monitoring and configuration of a fleet of MP modems.
Professional Services
Our professional services team offers a variety of product development and integration support services including the following:
· Software and hardware integration
· Platform RF testing and optimization
· Satimo chambers to provide fast and reliable RF measurements
· Regulatory approvals services
· Mobile operator certification services
· Project management
· Sales and technical support training
Customer Support
We provide customers, wireless operators and other channel partners with product and technical support in several languages using telephone, e-mail and our Web site. Online resources include product documentation, technical specifications, frequently asked questions, application notes, troubleshooting notes, troubleshooting tools, and software downloads.
Product Revenue
Our revenue by product for the years ended December 31 for each of 2005 and 2006 is as follows:
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2005 |
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2006 |
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PC card |
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70 |
% |
71 |
% |
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Embedded modules |
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13 |
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24 |
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Mobile |
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13 |
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3 |
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Other |
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4 |
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2 |
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100 |
% |
100 |
% |
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Future Products
We continually evaluate and develop new products and technologies that will allow us to take advantage of the ever expanding and dynamic wireless market. Emerging wireless standards that are areas of significant new product development interest for us include:
· HSUPA: HSUPA offers theoretical speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and increased up link speeds of up to 2 Mbps. Our plan is to introduce new products during 2007 that incorporate HSUPA technology. We expect to launch the AirCard 880 and AirCard 881 PC Cards, the AirCard 880E and AirCard 881E ExpressCards, and the MC8780 and MC8781 PCI Express Mini Card embedded modules during 2007. These products offer tri-band UMTS/HSDPA and quad-band GPRS/EDGE network access for roaming on high-speed networks worldwide.
· UMTS/HSDPA: Next generation 7.2 Mbps HSDPA offers theoretical down link speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. UMTS/HSDPA is an evolutionary path for GSM/GPRS, TDMA, EDGE and UMTS networks. We launched our first UMTS/HSDPA AirCard and Mini Card modules in 2005 and launched additional products in 2006. Our plan is to continue to introduce new products during 2007 that support the UMTS/HSDPA airlink. These new products include our rugged mobile MP 875 for UMTS/HSDPA networks that we expect to be in carrier certification and commercially available by the end of the first quarter of 2007. Our new wireless modem for USB ports, the AirCard 875U, is expected to be shipping commercially early in the second quarter of 2007, and our ExpressCards, for use on UMTS/HSDPA networks, are expected to follow later in 2007.
· EV-DO: As EV-DO deployments continue, newer upgrades are being developed to enhance the capabilities and experience for end-users. CDMA 1X EV-DO Release 0 is an evolutionary path for CDMA IA95 and CDMA 1X networks. EV-DO Revision A brings significant uplink and downlink speed advantages to EV-DO Release 0 networks. We launched our EV-DO Revision A PC cards and Mini Cards in 2006. In addition, we expect an EV-DO Revision A version of our MP product to be in carrier certification and commercially available by the end of the first quarter of 2007.
Product Development
We have built a reputation in the wireless data industry for creating state-of-the-art, high-quality products within aggressive timeframes. Our development team of approximately 148 full time employees, located in Richmond, BC and in Carlsbad, CA, are skilled in the areas of radio frequency, hardware, embedded software, windows software and mechanical design. Combined, this team has several hundred person years of experience in the design of small form factor wireless data and voice devices. Our product development team combines leaders with extensive experience in their fields, with younger graduates from leading universities.
We take a “core team” approach to product development. Our goal is develop a “whole” product and to ensure products are managed closely throughout their entire life cycle. As part of this approach, individuals from our product development group form product-specific teams with staff from other functional areas, including product management, operations, technical support and quality. These teams work closely to bring new products through the development phase, while balancing the market requirements of performance, time to market and product cost. Concepts and prototypes are validated by working with lead customers, channel partners and industry consultants. From time to time, projects are outsourced to third parties, which provides product development leverage for our core teams.
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Products that result from this process are designed and tested to cellular industry standards and introduced to our high-volume contract manufacturing partners for production and delivery to our customers. Included in the development effort is the certification of our products with industry and regulatory standards bodies and wireless operators.
A group of senior engineers develops and monitors our development processes. These processes are applied across all development projects to ensure uniformity. For example, we have adopted a core-wireless engine design approach to leverage development efforts across multiple different products. This is also intended to help our customers to utilize our different products with moderate additional integration effort on their part.
Our product development staff stays current in technology by participating in industry groups such as the Personal Computer Communications Association (PCCA), the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), the Mobile Advisory Council (MAC), the USB Forum, the PCI Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB), the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) and the International Wireless Packaging Consortium, and through ongoing technical education. We maintain close relationships with local universities by hiring co-op students, giving lectures, supporting visiting professorships and participating in regular informal meetings with faculty members.
Distribution
Our products are used by a variety of end-users, ranging from sales people and mobile executives, to police officers and utility workers. We have built a distribution channel that responds to the unique purchasing and usage requirements of our customer base. Historically, a substantial majority of our sales have come from North American markets. As our wireless technology platforms have diversified, we have built sales and distribution teams to focus on developing our business outside of North America. Currently, we have dedicated sales and distribution teams for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Asia-Pacific and North American regions. Our approach to distribution takes advantage of our existing relationships with wireless operators, resellers and OEMs in order to maximize the productivity of our sales team.
Wireless Operators
Wireless operators play two key roles in our distribution strategy. First, wireless operators are often resellers for us, purchasing our products and then reselling them to end-user customers. Second, the wireless operator sales team often works with our sales team to jointly sell wireless solutions and our equipment to the end-user customers. The wireless operator channel provides us with extended customer reach, while the operators are able to leverage our wireless data expertise to help sell their products and services. We have invested a great deal of time and resources in cultivating our relationships with wireless operators and view these relationships as a critical success factor.
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Resellers
Resellers purchase our products either directly from us or from a distributor and resell them to carriers and end-user customers. In order to support resellers who prefer to purchase through a distributor, we have selectively formed distribution relationships. Distributors ensure that our products are available to a large number of resellers that buy products.
Resellers generally combine our products with other elements of an overall solution, such as computer hardware, application software and bundled communication services and deliver a complete solution to the end-user customer. Resellers include computer resellers, wide-area network resellers, application developers and system integrators.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
Original equipment manufacturers represent companies that integrate our modem technology into devices they manufacture and sell to end-user customers through their own direct sales force and indirect distribution channels. Our modems have been integrated into a range of devices, such as laptops, industrial handheld computers, wireless routers, PDAs and Smartphones.
Marketing
Our marketing team is responsible for providing product management, strategic marketing and marketing communications for our products on a global basis. Members of the product management team play an active role in our core team approach to developing and managing individual products through their entire product life cycle. Emphasis is placed on understanding customer needs, developing the business case, determining competitive positioning and pricing, and ensuring product completeness, which includes documentation, promotional material and marketing programs.
Strategic Marketing/Marketing Communications
We communicate our corporate and product positioning to channels and customers in our global markets in several ways, including:
· Actively seeking editorial coverage and placing advertisements in industry, business and trade publications;
· Actively participating in industry associations;
· By meeting with opinion leaders and industry analysts; and
· Participating in targeted conferences and trade shows.
We work with our channel partners to develop programs to encourage end-user customer adoption. Through marketing strategies including market analysis, branding, design, packaging and promotions, we launch products into the marketplace that complement customer launch timelines.
Manufacturing
We outsource most of our manufacturing services, including parts procurement, kitting, assembly and repair. We believe that outsourcing allows us to:
· Focus on our core competencies, including research and development, sales and marketing;
· Participate in contract manufacturer economies of scale;
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· Access high quality, lower cost manufacturing resources;
· Achieve rapid production scalability; and
· Reduce equipment capital costs and equipment obsolescence risk.
In addition, we perform certain manufacturing related functions in-house, including key component sourcing, manufacturing engineering, and development of manufacturing test procedures and fixtures.
Our products are currently manufactured by Flextronics and Creation Technologies. We use Flextronics as our primary contract manufacturer and logistics partner to provide an end-to-end supply chain solution. This includes design support, procurement, low cost manufacturing and repair in China and fulfillment services from Memphis, Tennessee and Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. By using its fully integrated supply chain services, we expect to optimize product costs, improve alignment with our increasingly international customer base and achieve increased operating efficiencies and scalability. We expect that Creation Technologies in Canada will continue to assemble our lower unit volume products.
Employees
As of December 31, 2006 we had a total of 268 full time employees, 156 of whom are at our head office in Richmond, B.C., with the balance being located across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Of the 268 employees, 148 are involved in product development, 39 are involved in manufacturing, 30 are sales and support personnel, 15 are marketing personnel, and 36 are in finance and administration. Employees have access to corporate-funded ongoing training and professional development opportunities, both on-the-job and through outside educational programs. Cash compensation, our employee stock option plan, our employee stock purchase plan and our retirement plan contribution program are complemented by internal recognition programs and career advancement opportunities. We believe our relationships with our employees are positive.
We have entered into non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality agreements with key management personnel and with substantially all of our employees.
Competition
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology is making its way to the mainstream population. WWAN advertisements are appearing on television, in magazines, newspapers, train stations and airports around the world. Adoption is reaching a level that more competitors are entering the market and some of these competitors are large corporations with strong manufacturing scale and financial resources at their disposal. The technology is still quickly evolving with faster and more efficient airlink technologies being released by chipset manufacturers. This evolution creates an opportunity for us to differentiate ourselves by being first to market with quality implementations of these new airlinks.
UMTS/HSDPA: We have aggressively re-entered the UMTS/HSDPA market and have established a technology leadership position by being first to market with our UMTS/HSDPA PC cards and embedded modules in both North America and Europe. In North America our competitors are Option, Novatel Wireless and Pantech & Curitel. In Europe, our competitors include Option, Novatel Wireless, ZTE and Huawei. In the Asia-Pacific region, our main competitors are Option, ZTE and Huawei.
CDMA: We have maintained a strong position in CDMA with competition coming from Novatel Wireless, Kyocera Wireless Corp. and Pantech & Curitel. With the release of the AirCard 595 for EV-DO Revision A networks, we believe that we have been able to maintain a strong position at Sprint, Telecom New Zealand
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and Telus and have also returned to the Verizon channel. ZTE has also entered the CDMA market in the Canadian and Latin American markets.
By maintaining our first/early to market strategy of delivering high performance quality products and superior service to both operator and OEM customers, we believe that we will continue to grow our market share and take advantage of the increasing overall market size for WWAN products. In the future we expect to see new airlinks, such as WiMax, that will continue to offer more opportunity for differentiation in the market.
Intellectual Property
We protect our intellectual property through a combination of patent protection, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, licenses, non-disclosure agreements and contractual provisions. We enter into a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement with each of our employees, consultants and third parties that have access to our proprietary technology. Pursuant to assignment of inventions agreements, all of our employees and consultants assign all intellectual property rights in the inventions created during such person’s employment or contract with Sierra Wireless to Sierra Wireless.
We currently hold 51 United States patents and 77 international patents. Additional patent applications are pending. When we consider it to be advantageous, we utilize our intellectual property portfolio and access the intellectual property of third parties by entering into commercial licenses and cross-licenses.
Governmental Regulation
Our products are subject to certain mandatory regulatory approvals in the United States, Canada, the European Union (EU) and other regions in which we operate. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission regulates many aspects of communications devices, including radiation of electromagnetic energy, biological safety and rules for devices to be connected to the telephone network. In Canada, similar regulations are administered by the Ministry of Industry, through Industry Canada. European Union directives provide the comparable regulatory guidance in Europe.
Wireless modems must be approved under these regulations by the relevant government authority prior to these products being offered for sale. We have obtained all necessary Federal Communications Commission, Industry Canada, European Union and other required regulatory approvals for the products we currently sell.
Additional Information Concerning Our Business
Our operations do not have a significant impact upon the environment. We have not made, and are not required to make, any significant capital expenditures to comply with environmental regulations. Working with the contract manufacturers who build our products and relevant component suppliers, we intend to ensure that our products that are sold in the EU comply with the EU directives that restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic equipment sold in the EU after July 1, 2006. Sierra Wireless is in compliance with all EU environmental directives.
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Risk Factors
Our business is subject to significant risks and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Some of the risks we face are:
We have incurred net losses and if our efforts to restore the business to sustained profitability are not successful, we may be required to further restructure or take other actions and our share price may decline.
During 2006, our net earnings were $9.8 million. However, as a result of the reduction in our business in 2005, we incurred a loss of $36.5 million in that year. Our accumulated deficit at December 31, 2006 was $73.1 million. While we had earnings from operations for each of the two years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we incurred a loss from operations in each of the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future will depend on, among other things, the success of our restructuring, the continued sales of our current products and the successful development and commercialization of new products. While we have returned to profitability for five sequential quarters, if we cannot sustain profitability, our total losses will increase and we may be required to further restructure our operations or raise additional capital. Additional financing may not be available, and even if available, may not be on acceptable terms. We may seek to raise additional capital through an offering of common shares, preference shares or debt, which may result in dilution, and/or the issuance of securities with rights senior to the rights, of the holders of common shares. As a result, our share price may decline.
Our quarterly financial results are subject to fluctuations that could affect the market price of our common shares.
Our revenues, gross margin and earnings may vary from quarter to quarter and could be significantly impacted by a number of factors, including:
· Transition periods associated with the migration of new technologies;
· The development and timing of the introduction of our new products;
· The securing of channel slots for new products;
· The timing of sales orders and OEM and carrier customer sell through;
· Design win cycles in our embedded module business;
· The achievement of milestones related to our professional services contracts;
· The amount of inventory held by our channel partners;
· Price and product competition from our competitors, which may result in lower selling prices for some of our products;
· Possible cyclical fluctuations related to the evolution of wireless technologies;
· Product mix of our sales. Our products have different gross margins – for example the embedded module product line has lower gross margins than the higher margin rugged mobile product line;
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· Possible delays in the manufacture or shipment of current or new products;
· Possible increased inventory levels;
· Concentration in our customer base;
· Possible delays or shortages in component supplies; and
· Possible product quality or factory yield issues that may increase our cost of goods sold.
Because our operating expenses are determined based on anticipated sales, are generally fixed and are incurred throughout each fiscal quarter, any of the factors listed above could cause significant variations in our revenues, gross margin and earnings in any given quarter. Therefore, our quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of our overall business, results of operations and financial condition.
Quarterly variations in operating results or any of the other factors listed above, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, or other events or factors may result in wide fluctuations in the market price of our stock price. In addition, the financial markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies and that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies or have resulted from the failure of the operating results of such companies to meet market expectations in a particular quarter. Broad market fluctuations or any failure of the Company’s operating results in a particular quarter to meet market expectations may adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
We are subject to, and may in the future be subject to, certain class action lawsuits, which if decided against us, could require us to pay substantial judgments, settlements or other penalties.
In addition to being subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business, we are currently, and may in the future be, subject to class actions and other securities litigation and investigations. We expect that this type of litigation will be time consuming, expensive and distracting from the conduct of our daily business. It is possible that we will be required to pay substantial judgments, settlements or other penalties and incur expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position. Expenses incurred in connection with these lawsuits, which include substantial fees of lawyers and other professional advisors and our obligations to indemnify officers and directors who may be parties to such actions, could materially adversely affect our cash position. We do not know if any of this type of litigation and resulting expenses will be covered by insurance. In addition, these lawsuits may cause our insurance premiums to increase in future periods.
Competition from new or established wireless communication companies or from those with greater resources may prevent us from increasing or maintaining our market share and could result in price reductions and reduced revenues and gross margins.
The wireless communications industry is subject to rapid technological change, meaning that the wireless technology standards continually evolve, and there are frequent product introductions and short product life cycles. The wireless communications industry is highly competitive and we expect competition to increase and intensify. More established and larger companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources sell products that compete with ours and we expect this competition to intensify. We also may introduce new products that will put us in direct competition with major new competitors. Existing or future competitors may be able to respond more quickly to technological developments and changes and introduce new products before we do, or may independently develop and patent technologies and products that are superior to ours or achieve greater acceptance due to factors such as more favorable pricing or more efficient sales channels. If
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we are unable to compete effectively with our competitors’ pricing strategies, technological advances and other initiatives, we may lose customer orders and market share and we may need to reduce the price of our products, resulting in reduced revenue and reduced gross margins.
The loss of any of our material customers could adversely affect our revenues and profitability, and therefore shareholder value.
We depend on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues as the Company sells most of its products through network carriers, resellers and OEMs rather than directly to end user customers. Many of these carriers and resellers also sell products of our competitors. Accordingly, our business and future success depends on our ability to build on existing relationships and establish and develop new relationships with network carriers and resellers.
In the three months ended December 31, 2006, two customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented 37% of our revenue. In the last three fiscal years, there have been four different customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenues. In the year ended December 31, 2006, two customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented 40% of our revenue. If any of these customers, for any reason, discontinues their relationship with us or reduces or postpones current or expected purchase orders for products or suffers from business failure, our revenues and profitability could decline, perhaps materially.
In addition, our current customers purchase our products under stand-alone purchase orders. Our customers have no contractual obligation to continue to purchase our products following our fulfillment of current purchase orders and if they do not continue to make purchases, our revenue and our profitability could decline, perhaps materially.
If demand for our current products declines and we are unable to launch successful new products, our revenues will decrease.
If the markets in which we compete fail to grow, or grow more slowly than we currently anticipate, or if we are unable to establish markets for our new products, it would significantly harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, demand for one or all of our current products could decline as a result of competition, technological change or other factors.
We may have difficulty responding to changing technology, industry standards and customer requirements, which could cause us to be unable to recover our research and development expenses and our revenues could decline.
The wireless communications industry is subject to rapid technological change. Our business and future success will depend, in part, on our ability to accurately predict and anticipate evolving wireless technology standards and develop products that keep pace with the continuing changes in technology, evolving industry standards and changing customer and end-user preferences and requirements. Our products embody complex technology that may not meet those standards, preference and requirements. Our ability to design, develop and commercially launch new products depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to the following:
· Our ability to attract and retain skilled technical employees;
· The availability of critical components from third parties;
· Our ability to successfully complete the development of products in a timely manner;
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· The ability of third parties to complete and deliver on outsourced product development engagements; and
· Our ability to manufacture products at an acceptable price and quality.
A failure by us, or our suppliers, in any of these areas, or a failure of new products to obtain commercial acceptance, could mean we receive less revenue than we anticipate and we are unable to recover our research and development expenses, and may result in a decrease in the market price for our shares.
In addition, wireless communications service providers require that wireless data systems deployed on their networks comply with their own standards, which may differ from the standards of other providers. We may be unable to successfully address these developments in a timely basis or at all. Our failure to respond quickly and cost-effectively to new developments through the development of new products or enhancements to existing products could cause us to be unable to recover significant research and development expenses and reduce our revenues.
We may not be able to continue to design products that meet our customer needs and, as a result, our revenue and profitability may decrease.
We develop products to meet our customers’ requirements but, particularly with original equipment manufacturers, current design wins do not guarantee future design wins. If we are unable or choose not to meet our customers’ future needs, we may not win their future business and our revenue and profitability may decrease.
We depend on a limited number of third parties to manufacture our products and supply key components. If they do not manufacture our products properly or cannot meet our needs in a timely manner, we may be unable to fulfill our product delivery obligations and our costs may increase, and our revenue and margins could decrease.
We outsource the manufacture of our products to a limited number of third parties and depend heavily on the ability of these manufacturers to meet our needs in a timely and satisfactory manner. Some components used by us may only be available from a small number of suppliers, in some cases from only one supplier. We currently rely on two manufacturers, either of which may terminate the manufacturing contract with us at the end of any contract year. Our reliance on third party manufacturers and suppliers subjects us to a number of risks, including the following:
· The absence of guaranteed manufacturing capacity;
· Reduced control over delivery schedules, production yields and costs; and
· Inability to control the amount of time and resources devoted to the manufacture of our products.
If we are unable to successfully manage any of these risks or to locate alternative or additional manufacturers or suppliers in a timely and cost-effective manner, we may not be able to deliver products in a timely manner. In addition, our results of operations could be harmed by increased costs, reduced revenues and reduced margins.
We do not have fixed-term employment agreements with our key personnel and the loss of any key personnel may harm our ability to compete effectively.
None of our executive officers or other key employees has entered into a fixed-term employment agreement. Our success depends in large part on the abilities and experience of our executive
23
officers and other key employees. Competition for highly skilled management, technical, research and development and other key employees is intense in the wireless communications industry. We may not be able to retain our current executive officers or key employees and may not be able to hire and transition in a timely manner experienced and highly qualified additional executive officers and key employees as needed to achieve our business objectives. The loss of executive officers and key employees could disrupt our operations and our ability to compete effectively could be adversely affected.
We depend on wireless network carriers to offer acceptable wireless data and voice communications services for our products to operate.
Our products can only be used over wireless data and voice networks operated by third parties. Our business and future growth depends, in part, on the successful deployment by network carriers of next generation wireless data and voice networks and the network carriers’ ability to grow their subscriber base. If these network carriers delay the deployment of next generation networks or fail to offer effective and reliable service, or fail to price and market their services effectively, sales of our products will decline and our revenues will decrease.
Acquisitions of companies or technologies may result in disruptions to our business or may not achieve the anticipated benefits.
As part of our business strategy, we have acquired and may continue to acquire additional assets and businesses principally relating to or complementary to our current operations. Any acquisitions and/or mergers by us will be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in acquisitions of companies. These risks include, among other things:
· Exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies, including unknown litigation related to acts or omissions of our acquired company and/or its directors and officers prior to the acquisition;
· Higher than anticipated acquisition and integration costs and expenses;
· Effects of costs and expenses of acquiring and integrating new businesses on our operating results and financial condition;
· The difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the companies;
· Disruption of our ongoing business;
· Diversion of management’s time and attention away from our remaining business during the integration process;
· Failure to maximize our financial and strategic position by the successful incorporation of acquired technology;
· The inability to implement uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;
· The loss of key employees and customers as a result of changes in management;
· The incurrence of amortization expenses; and
· Possible dilution to our shareholders if the purchase price is paid in common shares or securities convertible into common shares.
In addition, geographic distances may make integration of businesses more difficult. We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with any acquisitions. If realized, these risks could reduce shareholder value.
24
We may infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
The industry in which we operate has many participants that own, or claim to own, proprietary intellectual property. In the past we have received, and in the future may receive, claims from third parties alleging that we, and possibly our customers, violate their intellectual property rights. Activity in this area by third parties, particularly those with tenuous claims, is increasing, resulting in the Company taking a more aggressive approach, which may result in increased litigation. Rights to intellectual property can be difficult to verify and litigation may be necessary to establish whether or not we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others. In many cases, these third parties are companies with substantially greater resources than us, and they may be able to, and may choose to, pursue complex litigation to a greater degree than we could. Regardless of whether these infringement claims have merit or not, we may be subject to the following:
· We may be liable for potentially substantial damages, liabilities and litigation costs, including attorneys’ fees;
· We may be prohibited from further use of the intellectual property and may be required to cease selling our products that are subject to the claim;
· We may have to license the third party intellectual property, incurring royalty fees that may or may not be on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully negotiate and obtain such a license from the third party;
· We may have to develop a non-infringing alternative, which could be costly and delay or result in the loss of sales. In addition, there is no assurance that we will be able to develop such a non-infringing alternative;
· The diversion of management’s attention and resources;
· Our relationships with customers may be adversely affected; and
· We may be required to indemnify our customers for certain costs and damages they incur in such a claim.
In the event of an unfavourable outcome in such a claim and our inability to either obtain a license from the third party or develop a non-infringing alternative, then our business, operating results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected and we may have to restructure our business.
Absent a specific claim for infringement of intellectual property, from time to time we have and expect to continue to license technology, intellectual property and software from third parties. There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain our third party licenses or obtain new licenses when required and this inability could materially adversely affect our business and operating results and the quality and functionality of our products. In addition, there is no assurance that third party licenses we execute will be on commercially reasonable terms.
Under purchase orders and contracts for the sale of our products we may provide indemnification to our customers for potential intellectual property infringement claims for which we may have no corresponding recourse against our third party licensors. This potential liability, if realized, could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Misappropriation of our intellectual property could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
Our intellectual property is important to our success. We rely on a combination of patent protection, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, licenses, non-disclosure agreements and other contractual agreements to protect our intellectual property. Third parties may attempt to copy aspects of our
25
products and technology or obtain information we regard as proprietary without our authorization. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property against unauthorized use by others it could have an adverse effect on our competitive position.
Our strategies to deter misappropriation could be inadequate due to the following risks:
· Non-recognition of the proprietary nature or inadequate protection of our methodologies in the United States, Canada or foreign countries;
· Undetected misappropriation of our intellectual property;
· The substantial legal and other costs of protecting and enforcing our rights in our intellectual property; and
· Development of similar technologies by our competitors.
In addition, we could be required to spend significant funds and our managerial resources could be diverted in order to defend our rights, which could disrupt our operations.
As our business expands internationally, we will be exposed to additional risks relating to international operations.
Our expansion into international operations exposes us to additional risks unique to such international markets, including the following:
· Increased credit management risks and greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;
· Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, wireless communications standards, exchange rates, trading policies, tariffs and other barriers;
· Uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the protection of intellectual property;
· Language barriers; and
· Potential adverse tax consequences.
Furthermore, if we are unable to further develop distribution channels in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region we may not be able to grow our international operations and our ability to increase our revenue will be negatively impacted.
Government regulation could result in increased costs and inability to sell our products.
Our products are subject to certain mandatory regulatory approvals in the United States, Canada, the European Union and other regions in which we operate. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission regulates many aspects of communications devices. In Canada, similar regulations are administered by the Ministry of Industry, through Industry Canada. European Union directives provide comparable regulatory guidance in Europe. Although we have obtained all the necessary Federal Communications Commission, Industry Canada and other required approvals for the products we currently sell, we may not obtain approvals for future products on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, regulatory requirements may change or we may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals from countries other than the United States and Canada in which we may desire to sell products in the future.
26
Fluctuations in exchange rates between the United States dollar and other currencies, including the Canadian dollar may affect our operating results.
We are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar through our operations in Canada. To reduce our risk because of currency fluctuations, we purchase inventory, other cost of sales items and many of our services in United States dollars. If the Canadian dollar rises relative to the United States dollar, our operating results may be negatively impacted. To date, we have not entered into any foreign currency futures contracts as part of a hedging policy. We expect that as our business expands in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we will also be exposed to additional foreign currency transactions and to the associated currency risk. To date, we have not entered into any futures contracts.
DIVIDENDS
Since incorporation, we have not paid any dividends on our common shares. Our current intention is to reinvest earnings to finance the growth of our business. We do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends on our common shares in the immediate or foreseeable future.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares, of which, at March 21, 2007, 25,731,616 are issued and outstanding, and an unlimited number of preference shares, issuable in series, of which none are issued and outstanding. Our board of directors is authorized to determine the designation, rights and restrictions to be attached to the preference shares upon issuance.
Holders of common shares are entitled to receive notice of any meeting of shareholders and to attend and vote at those meetings, except those meetings at which only the holders of shares of another class or of a particular series are entitled to vote. Each common share entitles its holder to one vote. Subject to the rights of the holders of preference shares, the holders of common shares are entitled to receive on a proportionate basis such dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of the dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other distribution of our assets, the holders of the common shares are entitled to receive on a proportionate basis all of our assets remaining after payment of all of our liabilities, subject to the rights of holders of preference shares.
The common shares carry no pre-emptive or conversion rights other than rights granted to holders of common shares under the Shareholders Rights Plan implemented and ratified by our shareholders on April 27, 2000 and re-adopted by our shareholders on April 28, 2003 and April 25, 2006. The Shareholder Rights Plan is designed to encourage the fair treatment of our shareholders in connection with any take-over offer for our outstanding common shares. The Shareholder Rights Plan provides our board of directors and shareholders with 45 days, which is longer than provided by applicable laws, to fully consider any unsolicited take-over bid without undue pressure, to allow our board of directors, if appropriate, to consider other alternatives to maximize shareholder value and to allow additional time for competing bids to emerge. If a bid is made to all shareholders, is held open for at least 45 days and is accepted by shareholders holding more than 50% of the outstanding common shares, or is otherwise approved by our board of directors, then the Shareholder Rights Plan will not affect the rights of shareholders. Otherwise, all shareholders, except the parties making a take-over bid, will be able to acquire a number of additional common shares equal to 100% of their existing outstanding holdings at half the market price. Thus, any party making a take-over bid not permitted by the Shareholder Rights Plan could suffer significant dilution.
27
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
Our common shares have been listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange since May 17, 1999, and currently trade under the symbol “SW”. Our common shares are co-listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SWIR”.
Set out below are the price ranges and volume of common shares of Sierra Wireless, Inc. that traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the year ended December 31, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Monthly |
|
|
2006 |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Volume |
|
|
|
|
Cdn $ |
|
Cdn $ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January |
|
12.32 |
|
16.30 |
|
7,272,300 |
|
|
February |
|
13.50 |
|
15.47 |
|
3,248,400 |
|
|
March |
|
12.60 |
|
14.43 |
|
3,550,400 |
|
|
April |
|
13.53 |
|
21.70 |
|
7,673,900 |
|
|
May |
|
18.42 |
|
23.71 |
|
6,021,700 |
|
|
June |
|
15.39 |
|
20.30 |
|
3,573,900 |
|
|
July |
|
13.01 |
|
20.09 |
|
5,411,000 |
|
|
August |
|
12.31 |
|
14.34 |
|
5,016,200 |
|
|
September |
|
11.73 |
|
14.25 |
|
6,029,700 |
|
|
October |
|
12.50 |
|
15.56 |
|
5,588,700 |
|
|
November |
|
13.29 |
|
15.16 |
|
2,488,800 |
|
|
December |
|
13.67 |
|
16.65 |
|
2,933,500 |
|
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The tables set forth below list the directors and executive officers of the Company as at March 21, 2007, indicating their name, municipalities of residence, their respective positions and offices held with the Company, the length of service and their principal occupations within the five preceding years.
Each director is elected at our annual meeting of shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting or until a successor is elected or appointed, unless such director resigns or is removed earlier. To the knowledge of Sierra Wireless, the directors and executive officers as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or discretion over, 251,981 common shares, (not including common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options), representing as of March 21,2007 approximately 1.0% of the issued and outstanding common shares.
Directors
|
Name,
Position and |
|
Principal Occupation or Employment(1) |
|
Director |
|
Jason
W. Cohenour |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from October 2005 to present; Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 2004 to October 2005; Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales of the Company from 2000 to August 2004 |
|
October 2005 |
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|
Gregory
D. Aasen (3) |
|
Chief Strategy Officer of PMC-Sierra, Inc. (a broadband communications company) from September 2005 to present; Vice-President and General Manager, Communication Products Division of PMC-Sierra, Inc. from 2004 to September 2005; Chief Operating Officer of PMC-Sierra, Inc. from 1997 to 2004 and Chief Technology Officer of PMC-Sierra, Inc. from 2003 to 2004 |
|
December 1997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul G.
Cataford (2) (4) |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer of University Technologies International Inc. (a technology transfer and commercialization company) from 2004 to present; Managing Partner of HorizonOne Asset Management from December 2002 to 2004; Consultant from March 2002 to December 2002; Executive Managing Director of BMO Nesbitt Burns Equity Partners Inc. from 2001 to 2002 |
|
July 1998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Ciceri (2) (3) |
|
President of Custom House Global Foreign Exchange from January 2007 to present; Corporate Director and principal of Peter Ciceri & Associates Executive Coaching and Business Counselling Services from 2001 to present |
|
February 2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles
E. Levine (3) (4) |
|
Independent Outside Director; President and Chief Operating Officer of Sprint PCS from 2000 to 2002 |
|
May 2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Jane
Rowe (2) |
|
Executive Vice-President, Domestic Personal Lending and Insurance of Scotiabank and President and CEO of Scotia Mortgage Corporation and Vice Chairman of Maple Trust Company from May 2006 to present; Vice Chairman of Travelers Leasing Corporation from February 2007 to present; President and Chief Executive Officer of Roynat Capital from 2004 to 2006; Senior Vice President, Global Risk Management Division of Scotiabank from 2002 to 2004; Managing Director and Co-Head of Scotia Merchant Capital Corporation from 1997 to 2002 |
|
March 1998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David
B. Sutcliffe (4) |
|
Corporate Director from October 2005 to present; Chief Executive Officer of the Company from May 1995 through October 2005 |
|
June 1995 |
29
|
Kent
Thexton (3) |
|
Executive Chairman of SEVEN Networks, Inc. (a software company) from November 2006 to present; President and Chief Executive Officer of SEVEN Networks, Inc. from April 2004 to October 2006; Chief Data and Marketing Officer of O2 and President of O2 Online from 2001 to 2004 |
|
March 2005 |
Notes:
(1) The information as to “principal occupation” has been furnished by the respective directors
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
(3) Member of the Human Resources Committee
(4) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee
Executive Officers
|
Name,
Position and |
|
Principal Occupation in the Preceding |
|
Length of Service |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jason
W. Cohenour |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since October 2005; Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 2004 to October 2005; Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales of the Company from 2000 to August 2004 |
|
11 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David
G. McLennan |
|
Chief Financial Officer of the Company from March 2004 to present; Consultant to BCE Emergis from September 2002 to January 2003; Chief Financial Officer of Bell Canada from June 2002 to September 2002; President and Chief Operating Officer of Bell ExpressVu from November 1999 to June 2002 |
|
3 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
B. Kirkpatrick |
|
Chief Technical Officer of the Company from September 2004 to present; Senior Vice-President, Engineering of the Company from August 2003 to August 2004; President and Chief Executive Officer of AirPrime, Inc. from July 2002 to August 2003; Senior Vice-President, Engineering of AirPrime, Inc. from September 2000 to March 2003 |
|
4 years |
|
30
|
Name,
Position and |
|
Principal Occupation in the Preceding |
|
Length of Service |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Trent
H. Punnett |
|
Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Corporate Development from February 2006 to present; Vice-President, Marketing of the Company from January 2005 to January 2006; Vice-President, Marketing and Product Line Management of Motorola from July 2003 to December 2004; Senior Director, Marketing and Product Line Management of Motorola from 2000 to June 2003 |
|
|
|||
Notes:
(1) The information as to “principal occupation” has been furnished by the respective executive officers.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
In 2003, the Board of Directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applying to all directors, officers and employees of the Company to ensure that the Company conducts its business in accordance with the highest standards of business conduct and ethics. The Board of Directors approved an updated version of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in December 2005. There have been no waivers granted from the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics since its adoption. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.sierrawireless.com.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Mandate of the Audit Committee
The full text of the Mandate of the Audit Committee is set out below.
“1. Purpose and Scope
The audit committee (the “AC”) was established by the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Sierra Wireless Inc. (“Company”) to assist the Board in all issues relating to the oversight of the following:
· the Company’s systems of internal and disclosure controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance;
· the Company’s auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes, including adherence to US generally accepted accounting principles;
· the Company’s financial statements and other financial information provided by the Company to its shareholders, the public and others;
· the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
· the appointment, compensation, independence, oversight, communication with, performance and change of the Company’s external and independent auditors (the “Auditors”);
· the Company’s whistleblower process; and
· the fulfillment of the other responsibilities set forth in this Mandate.
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2. Organization, Membership and Meetings
· Committee members shall meet the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the securities commissions of each of the Provinces of Canada in which the Company is a reporting issuer and any other regulatory agency that may have jurisdiction over the operations of the Company from time to time.
· The Committee shall consist of three or more directors who are “independent” as defined by applicable law, regulations, guidelines and policies, and as determined by the Governance and Nominating Committee (“GNC”) of the Board.
· All members of the Committee shall be “financially literate”, and at least one member of the Committee shall be a “financial expert”. “Financially literate” and “financial expert” will have the respective meanings set out in applicable law, regulations, guidelines and policies.
· Members of the Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board on the recommendation of the GNC. Members may be replaced by the Board at any time, but shall otherwise serve until a successor has been named.
· No director shall serve on the compensation committee of another company that employs such directors.
· No member shall be affiliated with the Company or any subsidiary.
· The Committee shall meet from time to time, as it deems necessary, but at least four times per year.
· The Committee may include management at its meetings, but shall also hold an executive session at each meeting at which only independent directors are present.
· The Committee shall maintain written minutes of its meetings, which minutes will be filed in the corporate minute book.
3. Authority and Responsibilities
3.1. With respect to the Auditors:
· Be directly responsible for recommending to the Board the appointment and compensation of the Auditor. Oversee the work of the Auditors (including resolution of disagreements between Management and the Auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company.
· Have the sole authority to review in advance and pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to the Company or its subsidiaries by the Auditors, as permitted by applicable governance rules and in particular Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, in connection therewith, to approve all fees and other terms of engagement. The Committee shall also review and pre-approve all disclosures required to be included in any public filings with respect to non-audit services. The Committee may delegate to one or more members the authority to pre-approve non-audit services, provided a report is made to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee may consult with Management but shall not delegate these responsibilities to Management.
· Have the authority to communicate directly with the Auditors.
32
· Review the performance of the Auditors on at least an annual basis.
· On an annual basis, review and discuss with the Auditors all relationships the Auditors have with the Company in order to evaluate the Auditors’ continued independence. The Committee: (i) shall ensure that the Auditors submit to the Committee on an annual basis a written statement delineating all relationships and services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Auditors; (ii) shall discuss with the Auditors any disclosed relationship or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Auditors; and (iii) shall satisfy itself as to the Auditors’ independence.
· At least annually, obtain and review an annual report from the Auditors describing (i) the Auditors’ internal quality control procedures and (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the Auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the Auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues.
· Confirm that the rotation of the lead audit partner, or the lead audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit, for the Company’s Auditors complies with the requirements of the Canadian and US regulatory authorities.
· Review all reports required to be submitted by the Auditors to the Committee particularly including those required by Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
· Review, based upon the recommendation of the Auditors and Management, the scope and plan of the work to be done by the Auditors for each fiscal year.
3.2. With respect to financial statements:
· Review and discuss with Management and the Auditors the Company’s quarterly financial statements (including disclosures made in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, as defined in Multilateral Instrument 51-102, and interim earnings press releases) prior to submission to shareholders, any governmental body, any stock exchange or disclosure to the public. Subject to delegation from the Board, approve the interim financial statements and footnotes, MD&A and interim earnings press release.
· Review and discuss with Management and the Auditors the Company’s annual audited financial statements (including disclosures made in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and annual earnings press releases) prior to submission to shareholders, any governmental body, any stock exchange or disclosure to the public. Recommend to the Board approval of the annual audited financial statements and footnotes, MD&A and annual earnings press release.
· Recommend to the Board, if appropriate, that the Company’s annual audited financial statements be included in the Company’s annual report for filing with appropriate securities regulatory agencies.
· Prepare any reports required to be included in the Company’s annual meeting materials and any other Committee reports required by applicable securities laws or stock exchange listing requirements or rules.
3.3. With respect to periodic and annual reviews:
· Periodically review separately with each of Management and the Auditors (i) any significant disagreement between Management and the Auditors in connection with the preparation of the
33
financial statements, (ii) any difficulties encountered during the course of the audit or review (including any restrictions on the scope of work or access to required information), and (iii) Management’s response to each.
· Periodically discuss with the Auditors, without Management being present (i) their judgments about the quality, appropriateness, and acceptability of the Company’s accounting principles and financial disclosure practices, as applied in its financial reporting, and (ii) the completeness and accuracy of the Company’s financial statements.
· Consider and approve, if appropriate, significant changes to the Company’s accounting principles and financial disclosure practices as suggested by the Auditors or Management. Review with the Auditors and Management, at appropriate intervals, the extent to which any changes or improvements in accounting or financial practices, as approved by the Committee, have been implemented.
· Review with Management, the Auditors and the Company’s counsel, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters that could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements, including significant changes in accounting standards or rules as promulgated by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the securities regulators having jurisdiction over the Company or other regulatory authorities with relevant jurisdiction.
· Obtain and review an annual report from Management relating to the accounting principles used in preparation of the Company’s financial statements (including those policies for which Management is required to exercise discretion or judgments regarding the implementation thereof).
3.4. Discussions with Management:
· Review and discuss with Management the Company’s annual and interim earnings press releases (including the use of “pro forma” or “adjusted” non-GAAP information), financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies as well as all other material public disclosure documents such as the Company’s AIF, management information circular and any prospectuses.
· Review and discuss with Management all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) and other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons, that may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, capital reserves or significant components of revenues or expenses.
· Inquire about the application of the Company’s accounting policies and its consistency from period to period, and the compatibility of these accounting policies with generally accepted accounting principles, and (where appropriate) the Company’s provisions for future occurrences that may have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.
· Review and discuss with Management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps Management has taken to monitor and control such exposures (including Management’s risk assessment and risk management policies).
· Review and discuss with Management all disclosures made by the Company concerning any material changes in the financial condition or operations of the Company.
34
· The Committee will meet periodically and separately with the Company’s counsel to review material legal affairs of the Company and the Company’s compliance with applicable law and listing standards.
· Obtain explanations from Management for unusual variances in the Company’s annual financial statements from year to year, and review annually the Auditors’ letter of the recommendations to Management and Management’s response.
3.5. With respect to internal controls and disclosure:
· In consultation with the Auditors and Management: (a) review the adequacy of the Company’s internal control structure and system, and the procedures designed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, (b) discuss the responsibilities, budget and staffing needs of the Company’s internal accounting department, and (c) review and consider whether there is any need for the Company to establish an internal audit department.
· Establish whistleblowing procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters, and (iii) referring any whistleblower matters that fall outside of the scope of the Committee to the Chair of the appropriate Committee or to the Chair of the Board.
· Be satisfied that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Company’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Company’s financial statements and periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures.
3.6. With respect to reporting obligations:
· Ensure that all reporting obligations related to the AIF (Form 40-F for US purposes) and management information circular under Part 5 of Multilateral Instrument 52-110 are fully complied with.
3.7. Other:
· Review and approve all related-party transactions.
· Review and approve the Company’s hiring policies regarding partners, employees, and former partners and employees of the present and former external auditor of the Company.
· Review any Management decision to seek a second opinion from Auditors other than the Company’s regular Auditors with respect to any significant accounting issue.
· Review with Management and the Auditors the sufficiency and quality of the financial and accounting personnel of the Company.
· Monitor and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate policy relating to audit, internal controls, financial matters and any other matters within the scope of this mandate.
· Review and reassess the adequacy of this Mandate not less than annually, and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval. The Committee will also review its own
35
performance, at least annually, for purposes of self-evaluation and to encourage the continuing improvement of the Committee in the execution of its responsibilities.
· The Committee may delegate its authority where permitted and appropriate.
· As necessary to carry out its duties, to retain and release independent legal, accounting or other advisors to advise the Committee and set and cause the Company to pay the compensation for any such advisors employed by the Committee.
· Perform any other activities consistent with this Mandate, the Company’s By-laws and governing law as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate.
· The Committee will have full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the Company.
· To honour the spirit and intent of applicable law as it evolves, authority to make minor technical amendments to this Mandate, on request of the Chair of the Committee , is delegated to the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, who will report any amendments to the Board at its next meeting.
4. External and Internal Linkages
· The Board
· The CEO and Senior Management
· Outside Consultants and Advisors
· The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee”
Composition of the Audit Committee
S. Jane Rowe (Chair), Paul G. Cataford and Peter Ciceri are the current members of the Audit Committee. Each of them is an Independent Director and is financially literate. The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. S. Jane Rowe is the Audit Committee’s financial expert.
Relevant Education and Experience
S. Jane Rowe is the Executive Vice-President, Domestic Personal Lending and Insurance, and President and CEO of Scotia Mortgage Corporation, the mortgage subsidiary of Scotiabank. Ms. Rowe is also Vice Chairman of Maple Trust Company and Travelers Leasing Corporation, both of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Scotiabank. Prior to her most recent appointment in May 2006, Ms. Rowe was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Roynat Capital. Ms. Rowe has an extensive background in the financial services and banking industry with over 19 years of experience with the Scotiabank Group. Ms. Rowe holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with honours from Memorial University of Newfoundland and an MBA from York University.
Paul G. Cataford is the President and Chief Executive Officer of University Technologies Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Calgary that is responsible for the university’s technology commercialization. Mr. Cataford’s other experience includes consulting, Managing Director of BMO Nesbitt Burns Equity Partners Inc. from 2001 to 2002 and Managing Director and President of BCE Capital Inc. from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Cataford has extensive knowledge of venture capital investing and
36
technology. Mr. Cataford completed a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Queen’s University and an MBA at York University.
Peter Ciceri is the President of Custom House Global Foreign Exchange, the largest non-bank foreign exchange company in North America. He is also the principal of Peter Ciceri & Associates Executive Coaching and Business Counselling Service offering mentoring and counselling services to senior executives. Mr. Ciceri’s other experience includes CEO of Compaq Canada Inc., and he has held other senior positions with Tandem Asia Pacific Ltd., Hewlett Packard Asia Pacific Ltd., and Japan Unisys. Mr. Ciceri is an authority in international business (emphasis on Asia Pacific) and in 1999 he was named one of Canada’s top 10 “IT Influencers” and one of the country’s top 100 business executives. Mr. Ciceri holds an Economics Degree at University of Victoria, and a MA in counselling psychology from the University of British Columbia.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
At no time since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year has the Company relied upon any exemption from MI 52-110 provided therein.
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year was a recommendation of the Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the board of directors of the Company.
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
The Committee has the sole authority to review in advance and pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to the Company or its subsidiaries by the Auditor, as well as all fees and other terms of engagement. The Committee may delegate to one or more members the authority to pre-approve non-audit services, provided a report is made to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. All of the audit-related, tax and all other fees below were pre-approved by the Committee.
Auditor Independence
Sierra Wireless’s Audit Committee has concluded that the Auditors are independent under applicable rules and guidelines and, in particular, that the Auditors are free from conflicts of interest that could impair their objectivity in conducting the audit of the Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee is required to approve all non-audit related services performed by our Auditors, and our Auditors are not permitted to perform services for us prohibited for an independent auditor under applicable Canadian and United States regulations, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
37
Auditors’ Fees
In the 2006 and 2005 fiscal years, the fees paid to the Auditors were as follows:
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|||
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
357,000 |
|
$ |
297,000 |
|
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
51,000 |
|
23,000 |
|
||
|
Tax Fees |
|
203,000 |
|
212,000 |
|
||
|
All Other Fees |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
||
Audit Fees
Audit fees for 2006 and 2005 include fees related to the audit of our year-end financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial statements.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees for 2006 and 2005 are for fees related to our Sarbanes-Oxley 404 documentation.
Tax Fees
Tax fees for 2006 and 2005 are primarily for the preparation of our Canadian and U.S. tax returns, assistance with tax planning and completion of transfer pricing studies.
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures for the Company. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with securities regulatory authorities is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within prescribed time periods and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2006. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under applicable securities laws and regulations is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified thereby.
The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud, if any. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of
38
the control. The Company considered these limitations during the development of it disclosure controls and procedures and will continually re-evaluate them to ensure they provide reasonable assurance that such controls and procedures are effective.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2006, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its evaluation under this framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of that date.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
As 2006 is the first year that management is reporting on our internal controls over financial reporting, as set out above, we have no changes to report. On a going forward basis, under this heading, we will describe significant changes to our internal controls.
The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of certain events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
39
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Sierra Wireless America, Inc., as successor to AirPrime, Inc., is named as a defendant in a class action complaint for alleged violations of federal and state securities laws allegedly occurring prior to the time AirPrime, Inc. was acquired by the Company. The settlement of this litigation was approved by the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Diego in February 2007. The settlement, which will be recorded once the appeal period has ended, will have no net effect on our income statement. If the judgment of the Court does not become final due to a successful appeal, the litigation will continue and although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome of the dispute would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend them.
The Company and certain of our current and former officers are named as defendants in several class action complaints for alleged violations of federal securities laws, which are consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs filed their consolidated amended complaint on February 21, 2006 and the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss on April 7, 2006. To date, the Court has not considered the motion to dismiss. We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, which has agreed to pay our costs of defence that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event that it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation. Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the lawsuits. The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any.
We are engaged in certain legal actions in the ordinary course of business and believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
During 2006, we obtained a letter of credit to ensure the performance of a third party in accordance with specified terms and conditions. At December 31, 2006, we had $3.2 million outstanding under the letter of credit, which approximates its fair value.
As of December 31, 2006, we did not have any off-balance sheet finance or special purpose entities.
40
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table specifies our known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
|
|
|
|
than 5 |
|
|||||
|
Contractual Obligations |
|
Total |
|
1 year |
|
1-3 years |
|
3-5 years |
|
years |
|
|||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Capital lease obligations |
|
$ |
6 |
|
$ |
6 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
Operating lease obligations |
|
11,675 |
|
3,006 |
|
5,120 |
|
3,453 |
|
96 |
|
|||||
|
Purchase commitments(1) |
|
77,479 |
|
77,479 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||||
|
Long-term liabilities(2) |
|
1,986 |
|
841 |
|
664 |
|
481 |
|
— |
|
|||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
91,146 |
|
$ |
81,332 |
|
$ |
5,784 |
|
$ |
3,934 |
|
$ |
96 |
|
Notes
(1) Purchase commitments represent obligations with certain contract manufacturers to buy a minimum amount of designated products between January 2007 and March 2007. In certain of these arrangements, we may be required to acquire and pay for such products up to the prescribed minimum or forecasted purchases.
(2) Long-term liabilities relate to restructurings from prior years.
QUORUM EXEMPTION
The rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Global Market applicable to the Company require each listed issuer to provide that a quorum for its shareholders’ meetings be at least 33 1/3 percent of the issuer’s outstanding shares. The Company has been granted an exemption from this requirement because it is contrary to generally accepted business practices in Canada, the Company’s country of domicile. The Company has had the benefit of this exemption in the current and prior year.
In determining whether a requirement is contrary to generally accepted business practices, the Nasdaq rules generally look to the requirements of the primary market in the issuer’s country of domicile. The rules and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the primary market in Canada, do not contain quorum requirements, and the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Corporation’s governing statute, defers to the quorum requirements contained in an issuer’s By-laws. Under the Company’s By-laws, a quorum for a meeting of the Company’s shareholders is two persons present in person, each being a shareholder entitled to vote thereat or a duly appointed proxyholder or representative for a shareholder so entitled.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
The Registrar and Transfer Agent for the common shares in Canada is Computershare Investor Services Inc., 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and in the United States is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 350 Indiana Street, Suite 800, Golden, Colorado. These offices and the principal offices of Computershare Investor Services Inc. in the City of Toronto maintain the register of common shares and can effect transfers and make deliveries of certificates for common shares.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
On March 6, 2007, we announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding securities of AirLink Communications, Inc. (“AirLink”), a privately held supplier of high value fixed, portable and mobile wireless data solutions for industrial and public safety applications located in Hayward, California. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Sierra Wireless will pay $10.0 million of cash consideration, subject to customary closing adjustments, and will issue approximately 1.3 million
41
shares of Sierra Wireless to the shareholders of AirLink. The completion of the combination is expected by the end of June 2007.
There are no other material contracts entered into outside of the Company’s ordinary course of business.
EXPERTS
KPMG LLP, independent chartered accountants, have audited our consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2006 as set forth in their reports. KPMG LLP has advised the Company that they are independent with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company:
(a) may be found on SEDAR on www.sedar.com;
(b) including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Company’s securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, is contained in the Company’s Information Circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders; and
(c) is provided in the Company’s financial statements and MD&A for the financial year ended December 31, 2006.
42
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
43
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, as of March 21, 2007, has been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and, except where otherwise specifically indicated, all amounts are expressed in United States dollars.
Additional information related to Sierra Wireless, Inc., including our Annual Information Form, may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Overview
We provide leading edge wireless wide area modem solutions for mobile computing. We develop and market a range of products that include wireless modems for mobile computers, embedded modules for original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and rugged vehicle-mounted modems. Our products permit users to access wireless data and voice communications networks using laptop computers, handheld mobile computing devices, vehicle-based systems or fixed wireless terminals.
Wireless data communications is an expanding market positioned at the convergence of wireless communications, mobile computing and the Internet, each of which we believe represents a growing market. Our products are based on widely deployed cellular technologies and operate on the networks of major wireless operators around the world.
Our products are primarily used by business and government organizations to enable their employees to access a wide range of applications, including the Internet, e-mail, corporate intranet, remote databases and corporate applications. We sell our products through indirect channels, including wireless operators, resellers and OEMs.
Throughout 2004 we experienced stronger than expected demand primarily as a result of our strong market position in CDMA EV-DO Release 0 PC cards and our CDMA 1X embedded module sales to palmOne. Customer concentration increased in our revenue base during 2004. Following our considerable revenue and earnings growth in 2004, we experienced a significant reduction in our business in 2005 relative to 2004 due to, among other things, increased competition for certain of our PC card products, a reduction in embedded module business volumes as a result of the completion of shipments to a key customer at the end of 2004 and some weakness in our product portfolio.
In order to address this change in our business, we restructured our operations in June 2005, which included exiting our Voq professional phone initiative. Since the mid-2005 restructuring, we have re-focused our business on our core PC card and embedded module segments, including the development of new products and the expansion of markets for these products. Our launch of several new UMTS/HSDPA and CDMA EV-DO Rev A products resulted in strong revenue growth during 2006. We returned to sequential quarterly revenue growth over the last half of 2005 and the first half of 2006. During the third quarter of 2006, our revenues decreased slightly compared to the second quarter of 2006, as we transitioned our two largest customers to next generation products, which resulted in a slight reduction in sales of existing products to these customers ahead of the launch of the next generation products that occurred late in the quarter. In the fourth quarter, we reported record revenue as sales of our recently launched next generation products drove strong sequential revenue growth. In addition to improving revenue growth, we were profitable in all four quarters of 2006.
In 2006, our revenue increased 107% to $221.3 million, compared to $107.1 million in 2005. Gross margin in 2006 was 31.3%, compared to 23.6% in the same period of 2005. Net earnings were $9.8 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.38 in 2006, compared to a net loss of $36.5 million, or loss per share of $1.44, in 2005. Our net earnings for 2006 include $3.8 million of stock-based compensation expense, compared to nil in 2005.
Our balance sheet remains strong, with $87.0 million of cash, cash equivalents and short and long-term investments, compared to $104.4 million at December 31, 2005. During 2006, cash of $8.1 million was used in operations, compared to cash used in operations of $17.3 million in 2005.
44
We continue to believe that the long-term growth prospects in the wireless wide area modem solutions for mobile computing industry remain strong, driven by continued deployment of high speed next generation 3G networks by carriers worldwide. We believe the deployment of these networks, combined with active promotion by carriers, will be a catalyst to increasing demand for high speed 3G wireless communications products, such as ours.
Key factors that we expect will affect our revenue in the near term are the timing of deployment of 3G high speed wireless data networks by carriers, technology transitions in both CDMA EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA, the rate of adoption by end-users, the timely launch and ramp up of sales of our new products currently under development, the level of success PC OEMs achieve with sales of embedded solutions and our ability to compete effectively. We expect that competition from other wireless communications device manufacturers will continue to intensify. As more companies focus on opportunities in this market, we expect continued pressure on selling prices.
During the year, we launched eight new products, including our UMTS/HSDPA AirCardÒ 875, UMTS/HSDPA MC8775 embedded module, EV-DO Revision A AirCard 595 and EV-DO Revision A MC5725 embedded module, and anticipate an acceleration in new product launches in 2007. We expanded our global channels, adding important operator channels like Verizon, Orange, O2 and Telefonica, while solidifying our position with key existing customers such as Cingular, Sprint and Telstra. We also expanded our OEM channels and now have design wins with eleven PC OEM customers across multiple airlinks. Our rejuvenated product line, expanded roster of channels and strong market growth underpin our expectation of strong revenue growth and continued profitability in 2007.
Specific product development and business development initiatives include:
AirCard Products:
PCMCIA PC Cards: The successful launch of our first UMTS/HSDPA PC cards, the AirCard 850 and 860, during the fourth quarter of 2005 helped us to establish a leadership position with this technology in North America and to re-establish our market position in Europe. In North America, we believe we continue to have a strong position with Cingular (now AT&T) with the launch of our UMTS/HSDPA AirCard 875 during 2006. The AirCard 875 was the first commercially available HSDPA 3.6 Mbps network card in the world. During 2006, we began shipping our AirCard 860 to Rogers Communications in Canada as well. In Europe, we launched our AirCard 850 and AirCard 875 with a number of operators and resellers. By the end of the year, we were supplying UMTS/HSDPA AirCards to debitel in Germany, Bouygues Telecom and Orange in France, O2 and Orange in the UK, Swisscom Mobile and sunrise in Switzerland, Telefonica in Spain and to other operators in the region. We also commenced commercial shipments of our AirCard 875 to Telstra in Australia.
During 2006, we continued shipments of our EV-DO Revision 0 AirCard to several carriers in North America and Asia Pacific, including Sprint. We commenced commercial shipments of our next generation EV-DO Revision A AirCard 595 to Sprint and Verizon and launched the AirCard 595 with Telecom New Zealand, the first launch of this product outside the United States.
Our AirCard products are now approved on 35 networks around the world.
Express Cards: During 2006, we announced the introduction of our ExpressCard product line, with the upcoming EV-DO Revision A AirCard 597E. Built for notebook computers with ExpressCard expansion slots, the AirCard 597E is expected to be in carrier certification by the end of the first quarter of 2007. ExpressCards for use on HSDPA networks are expected to follow later in 2007.
USB Wireless Modems: During 2006, we announced the addition of wireless modems for USB ports to our product line. This product will plug into the USB ports of both notebook and desktop computers. We expect the AirCard 595U, for EV-DO Revision A networks and the AirCard 875U, for HSDPA networks, to be in carrier certification late in the first quarter of 2007 and shipping commercially early in the second quarter of 2007. We have now secured purchase commitments for these products from major operators.
45
Embedded Modules:
With the commencement by multiple leading laptop manufacturers of embedding high-speed wireless wide area capability inside laptops, we believe that the opportunity for sales of embedded modules has increased significantly. Our experience and track record in embedded wireless for mobile computing has allowed us to establish an early leadership position in providing embedded 3G wireless solutions to major PC OEMs.
We were first to market with HSDPA 3.6 Mbps capability with the HP nc6400 notebook. We have embedded module design wins with eleven PC OEM customers, including Lenovo and HP for both EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA products, with Panasonic for EV-DO products, and with Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, ASUSTeK Computers and Dialogue Technology Corp. for UMTS/HSDPA products. Itronix, a specialty laptop manufacturer, also embeds a variety of our products across a number of airlinks. Six of our PC OEM customers currently have commercially available products featuring our 3G embedded module solutions, representing approximately 38 distinct platform and airlink combinations.
In addition to our success with PC OEM customers, we had strong growth and new design wins with our traditional OEM customers in 2006. We have also secured several design wins with manufacturers of fixed wireless terminals, including Ericsson, for our EV-DO and/or UMTS/HSDPA embedded module products.
During 2006, we commenced shipments of our next generation embedded modules, the MC5725 for EV-DO Revision A networks and the MC8775 for UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps networks. We have secured next generation design wins for UMTS/HSUPA with three of our existing OEM customers.
Rugged Mobile Products:
Our rugged mobile products are sold to public safety and field service organizations and are our highest gross margin products. We experienced a decline in sales of products in this segment in 2006 as a result of not having 3G products to offer to our customers. Development of 3G rugged mobile products is underway and we expect that both EV-DO Revision A and UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps versions of these products will enter carrier certification and be commercially available by the end of Q1 2007. Once these products are launched, we expect this part of our business to grow and positively impact our financial results.
We believe our new product developments will provide us with a solid, leading edge 3G product portfolio in both principal wireless technologies and across the AirCard, embedded module and rugged mobile markets. With this stronger product portfolio, we expect to continue to be able to expand our channels in these markets.
46
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our operating results for the three years ended December 31, 2006, expressed as a percentage of revenue:
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
100.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
60.4 |
|
76.4 |
|
68.7 |
|
|
Gross margin |
|
39.6 |
|
23.6 |
|
31.3 |
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing |
|
9.5 |
|
14.5 |
|
6.2 |
|
|
Research and development, net |
|
11.6 |
|
28.3 |
|
15.4 |
|
|
Administration |
|
4.3 |
|
10.1 |
|
5.8 |
|
|
Restructuring and other charges |
|
— |
|
4.9 |
|
— |
|
|
Amortization |
|
1.2 |
|
2.8 |
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
26.6 |
|
60.6 |
|
28.8 |
|
|
Earnings (loss) from operations |
|
13.0 |
|
(37.0 |
) |
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income |
|
0.9 |
|
2.1 |
|
2.4 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss) before income taxes |
|
13.9 |
|
(34.9 |
) |
4.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (recovery) |
|
2.1 |
|
(0.9 |
) |
0.5 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
11.8 |
% |
(34.0 |
)% |
4.4 |
% |
Our revenue by product, by distribution channel and by geographical region is as follows:
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue by product |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PC card |
|
59 |
% |
70 |
% |
71 |
% |
|
Embedded modules |
|
33 |
|
13 |
|
24 |
|
|
Mobile |
|
5 |
|
13 |
|
3 |
|
|
Other |
|
3 |
|
4 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
100 |
% |
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue by distribution channel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wireless carriers |
|
24 |
% |
47 |
% |
49 |
% |
|
PC OEM |
|
1 |
|
6 |
|
13 |
|
|
Other OEM |
|
33 |
|
8 |
|
12 |
|
|
Resellers |
|
41 |
|
38 |
|
25 |
|
|
Direct and other |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
100 |
% |
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue by geographical region |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Americas |
|
89 |
% |
69 |
% |
64 |
% |
|
Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) |
|
6 |
|
12 |
|
17 |
|
|
Asia-Pacific |
|
5 |
|
19 |
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
100 |
% |
100 |
% |
47
Results of Operations – Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
Revenue
Revenue was $221.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $107.1 million in 2005, an increase of 107%. The increase in revenue was due primarily to increased sales of our UMTS/HSDPA and EV-DO PC Cards through expanded channels, as well as an increase in sales of our CDMA EV-DO and recently launched UMTS/HSDPA embedded modules to both our PC OEM and traditional OEM customers.
Our revenue from customers in the Americas, EMEA and the Asia-Pacific region comprised 64%, 17% and 19%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2006 and 69%, 12% and 19%, respectively, in 2005. Our North American business has increased by 91% compared to the prior year as a result of sales of our UMTS/HSDPA PC cards, the AirCard 860 and the AirCard 875, and sales of our CDMA EV-DO Rev A AirCard 595. In Europe, revenue increased by 209%, compared to 2005, as a result of sales of our UMTS/HSDPA PC cards and embedded modules. In Europe, we launched our AirCard 850 and AirCard 875 with a number of operators and resellers. By the end of the year, we were supplying UMTS/HSDPA AirCards to debitel in Germany, Bouygues Telecom and Orange in France, O2 and Orange in the UK, Swisscom Mobile and sunrise in Switzerland, Telefonica in Spain and to other operators in the region. Our business in the Asia-Pacific region has increased 100% in 2006, compared to 2005, due primarily to an increase in sales to PC OEM customers, as well as AirCard sales to Telstra in Australia.
In 2006, Cingular and Sprint each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented approximately 40% of our revenue. In 2005, these same two customers each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented approximately 36% of our revenue.
A growing market, combined with rapid channel expansion, recent new product launches of our UMTS/HSDPA AirCard 875, UMTS/HSDPA MC8775 embedded module, EV-DO Revision A AirCard 595 and EV-DO Revision A MC5725 embedded module and an anticipated acceleration in new product launches, underpin our expectation of strong revenue growth in 2007.
Gross margin
Gross margin amounted to $69.2 million, or 31.3% of revenue in 2006, compared to $25.3 million, or 23.6% of revenue in 2005. Included in gross margin for 2005 was $12.7 million in restructuring charges. Excluding this amount, gross margin for 2005 amounted to $38.0 million, or 35.4% of revenue. The decline in gross margin percentage resulted primarily from increased product costs of our newer, lower gross margin AirCard products, increased sales of lower margin embedded module products and a reduction in sales of higher margin rugged mobile and legacy AirCard products. Included in gross margin for 2006 is $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense, compared to nil in 2005. During 2006, the gross margin on the sale of previously written down Voq product was nil, compared to $0.5 million in 2005.
In 2007, we expect that continued pressure on selling prices in our AirCard and embedded module products, due to intensified competition, combined with decreased sales of higher margin legacy AirCard products, will put pressure on our gross margins. We expect this will be partially offset by increased sales of higher margin rugged mobile products and lower cost of goods sold as a result of expected increased unit volume.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expenses were $13.7 million in 2006, compared to $15.6 million in 2005, a decrease of 11.8%. Sales and marketing expenses declined despite the inclusion of $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2006 as compared to nil in 2005. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 6.2% in 2006, compared to 14.5% in 2005, due primarily to the increase in revenue for fiscal 2006, combined with reduced costs resulting from the 2005 restructuring and continued cost containment. While managing sales and marketing expenses relative to revenue, we expect to continue to make selected investments in sales and marketing as we introduce new products, market existing products, expand our distribution channels and focus on key customers around the world.
48
Research and development, net
Research and development expenses, net of conditionally repayable government research and development funding, amounted to $34.1 million in 2006, compared to $30.4 million in 2005, an increase of 12.3%. The increase is due to the significant investment in new products being developed in both CDMA EV-DO and UMTS/HSDPA technologies. In 2006, eight new products were launched compared to four in 2005. In addition, there was an increase in repayments of repayable government research and development funding and the inclusion of $0.7 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2006, compared to nil in 2005.
Gross research and development expenses, excluding the government research and development funding and repayments, were $32.1 million or 14.5% of revenue in 2006, compared to $30.4 million, or 28.4% of revenue, in the same period of 2005. With the termination of the Voq professional phone initiative in June 2005, no further government research and development funding is anticipated in the near future.
We expect gross research and development expenses to grow during 2007 as we continue investing in new products for new technologies.
Administration
Administration expenses amounted to $12.9 million, or 5.8% of revenue, in 2006, compared to $10.8 million, or 10.1% of revenue, in 2005. The increase of $2.1 million is primarily due to the inclusion of $2.2 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2006, compared to nil in 2005. In 2005, administration expenses included the provision of $1.0 million for future legal costs related to litigation matters.
Restructuring and other charges
Restructuring and other charges were nil during 2006, compared to $5.3 million in 2005. During the second quarter of 2005, we exited the Voq professional phone initiative and implemented certain non-Voq related reductions to our operating expenses and assets. In 2005, we recorded restructuring and other charges of $18.5 million, consisting of inventory writedowns, severance costs, impairment of fixed, intangible and deferred tax assets, provisions for facilities restructuring, commitments and other costs related to the restructuring. Of the total amount of $18.5 million, $5.3 million was charged to restructuring and other charges, $12.7 million to cost of goods sold and $0.5 million to income tax expense.
Other income
Other income increased to $5.3 million in 2006, compared to $2.3 million in 2005. Other income includes interest income, interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses. This increase is due to an increase in interest income from rising interest rates that was partially offset by a smaller investment balance and an increase in foreign exchange gains. Our foreign exchange gain in 2006 was $0.9 million, compared to a foreign exchange loss of $1.0 million in 2005.
Income tax expense (recovery)
Income tax expense was $1.0 million during 2006, compared to an income tax recovery of $0.9 million in 2005. The 2005 income tax recovery, excluding the increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $0.5 million recognized on the restructuring, was $1.4 million. The income tax expense in 2006 is due to an increase in taxable income in 2006, whereas the income tax recovery in 2005 is a result of the utilization of loss carrybacks to recover income taxes previously paid.
49
Net earnings (loss)
Our net earnings amounted to $9.8 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.38, in 2006, compared to a net loss of $36.5 million, or loss per share of $1.44, in 2005. Our net loss in 2005 includes restructuring and other charges of $18.5 million and a provision for future legal costs of $1.0 million. Net earnings for 2006 include $3.8 million of stock-based compensation expense, compared to nil in 2005.
The weighted average diluted number of shares outstanding increased to 25.9 million in 2006, compared to 25.4 million in 2005 because dilutive securities, such as stock options, are included in the total when we are in a profitable position, as is the case in 2006, but are not included when we are in a loss position, as was the case in 2005.
Results of Operations – Three Months Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2005
During the fourth quarter of 2006, our revenue increased 82% to $68.3 million, compared to $37.6 million in the same period of 2005. PC card sales grew significantly, driven primarily by the recent launch of our UMTS/HSDPA 3.6 Mbps and EV-DO Revision A products and the expansion of sales channels in Europe and North America. Embedded module sales also grew considerably, driven primarily by an increase in sales to our PC OEM customers. In the fourth quarter of 2006, Cingular and Verizon each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue, and in the aggregate, these two customers represented 37% of our revenue.
Gross margin for the three months ended December 31, 2006 was 26.0%, compared to 38.6% in the same period of 2005. Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2005 included the favourable impact of approximately $1.2 million from the completion of a royalty agreement with an intellectual property holder. This agreement finalized a cumulative royalty obligation that was less than what had been previously expensed in cost of goods sold. The decline in gross margin percentage in the fourth quarter of 2006 resulted primarily from increased product costs of our newer, lower gross margin AirCard products, increased sales of lower margin embedded modules products and a reduction in sales of higher margin rugged mobile and legacy AirCard products. Included in gross margin for 2006 is $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense, compared to nil in 2005.
Operating expenses were $16.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to $14.6 million in the same period of 2005. This increase reflects the significant research and development investment being made to develop new products as well as $0.9 million of stock-based compensation expense included in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to nil in the same period of 2005. Operating expenses in 2005 include the recovery of approximately $0.7 million from insurance proceeds related to an ongoing legal proceeding, offset by a $0.6 million writedown of patents and licenses and $0.3 million of restructuring charges associated with our facilities.
Net earnings for the fourth quarter increased to $2.4 million in 2006, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to $0.9 million in 2005, or $0.04 per diluted share.
Results of Operations – Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004
Revenue
Revenue was $107.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $211.2 million in 2004, a decrease of 49.3%. The decrease in revenue was due primarily to a decrease in sales of PC cards and embedded modules. During the first part of 2005, PC card revenue decreased primarily due to reported channel inventory at some of our channel partners that was sufficient to meet near term customer demand and the impact of increased competition in CDMA EV-DO PC cards. The competitive environment in CDMA EV-DO PC cards intensified over the year, which had a negative impact on our sales of CDMA EV-DO PC cards and resulted in a loss of market share at Verizon Wireless. Embedded module revenue decreased primarily due to the completion of shipments of embedded modules to palmOne for the Treo 600 at the end of 2004. In the second quarter of 2005 we announced our plan to exit the Voq professional phone initiative. During 2005, revenue from the sale of previously written down Voq product was $1.5 million.
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Our revenue from customers in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region comprised 69%, 12% and 19%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2005 and 89%, 6% and 5%, respectively, in 2004. Our North American business decreased significantly compared to the prior year as a result of a decline in sales of our PC card and embedded module products to certain North American customers. Consistent with the past several years, our business continues to be driven predominantly by short lead-time purchase orders from channels and end customers rather than by long-term, large volume commitments. In Europe, the deployment of UMTS networks negatively affected our GSM/GPRS sales in that region as we did not have a UMTS compatible product until the fourth quarter of 2005. This negative impact was partially offset by sales of our EDGE product. Our business in the Asia-Pacific region increased as a result of strong sales of CDMA EV-DO and EDGE PC cards.
In 2005, Cingular and Sprint each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented approximately 36% of our revenue. This compared favorably with the same period in 2004 in which two customers each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented approximately 51% of our revenue.
Gross margin
Gross margin amounted to $25.3 million in 2005. Of the total $18.5 million restructuring and other charges that were recorded in 2005, $12.7 million was charged to gross margin. Excluding this amount, gross margin amounted to $38.0 million, or 35.4% of revenue, in 2005, compared to $83.6 million, or 39.6% of revenue, in 2004. The decline in gross margin percentage resulted primarily from lower selling prices of our PC card products and lower volumes overall, offset slightly by a favorable product mix between higher margin PC cards and rugged mobiles versus lower margin embedded modules. During 2005, gross margin on the sale of previously written down Voq product was $0.5 million.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expenses were $15.6 million in 2005, compared to $20.0 million in 2004, a decrease of 22.4%. This decline reflected the impact of our business restructuring and continued cost containment. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 14.5% in 2005, compared to 9.5% in 2004, due primarily to the decrease in revenue for 2005.
Research and development, net
Research and development expenses, net of conditionally repayable government research and development funding, amounted to $30.4 million in 2005, compared to $24.5 million in 2004, an increase of 23.8%.
Gross research and development expenses, before Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) research and development funding, were $31.3 million, or 29.2% of revenue in 2005, compared to $27.2 million, or 12.9% of revenue, in 2004. Repayment of TPC funding of $0.9 million was included in our gross research and development expenses in 2005, compared to $1.9 million in 2004. Gross research and development expenses increased due to the development of new PC cards and embedded modules. With our decision to exit the Voq professional phone initiative, research and development expenditures and TPC funding associated with that initiative ceased.
During 2004, we signed a second agreement with the Government of Canada’s TPC program under which we were eligible to receive conditionally repayable research and development funding up to Cdn. $9.5 million to support the development of the Voq professional phone initiative. The agreement was effective for development work commencing April 2003. In 2005, funding of $0.9 million was recognized. Funding of $2.6 million was recognized during 2004, of which $1.1 million related to the period from April 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. Our TPC funding was based on research and development work completed in each quarter. With the termination of the Voq professional phone initiative no further TPC funding is anticipated.
51
Administration
Administration expenses amounted to $10.8 million, or 10.1% of revenue, in 2005, compared to $9.0 million, or 4.3% of revenue, in 2004. The increase of $1.8 million was primarily due to the provision of $1.0 million for future legal costs related to litigation matters and an increase in other professional fees. In addition, administration expenses in 2004 were net of recoveries of $0.5 million from Metricom, a former customer, related to a settlement agreement for which there was no comparable recovery in 2005.
Restructuring and other charges
During the second quarter of 2005, we exited the Voq professional phone initiative and implemented certain non-Voq related reductions to our operating expenses and assets. During the fourth quarter we recorded additional charges primarily related to a change in estimate of our facilities restructuring originally announced in the second quarter of 2005. As a result, in 2005 we recorded restructuring and other charges of $18.5 million, consisting of inventory writedowns, severance costs, impairment of fixed, intangible and deferred tax assets, provisions for facilities restructuring, commitments and other costs related to the restructuring. Of the total amount of $18.5 million, $5.3 million was charged to restructuring and other charges, $12.7 million to cost of goods sold and $0.5 million to income tax expense.
Other income
Other income increased to $2.3 million in 2005, compared to $1.7 million in 2004. Other income included interest income, interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses. This increase was due primarily to an increase in interest income from rising interest rates that was partially offset by a smaller investment balance and foreign exchange losses.
Income tax expense (recovery)
During 2005, our income tax recovery was $0.9 million, compared to income tax expense of $4.4 million in 2004. Income tax recovery, excluding the increase in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $0.5 million recognized on the restructuring, was $1.4 million. The income tax recovery was a result of the utilization of loss carrybacks to recover income taxes previously paid in 2004.
Net earnings (loss)
Our net loss amounted to $36.5 million, or loss per share of $1.44, in 2005, compared to net earnings of $24.9 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.96, in 2004. Our net loss in 2005, excluding restructuring and other charges of $18.5 million and the provision for future legal costs of $1.0 million, was $17.0 million, or loss per share of $0.67.
The weighted average diluted number of shares outstanding decreased to 25.4 million in 2005 compared to 26.1 million in 2004 because dilutive securities such as stock options are excluded from the total when we are in a loss position, as was the case in 2005.
Stock-Based Compensation
In 2005, the Board of Directors approved the accelerated vesting of certain “out-of-the-money” stock options previously granted under the our stock option plan to participants other than board members and executive officers of the Company. The accelerated vesting of these options had the positive effect of rewarding those eligible participants during a challenging year as well as reducing the future expense associated with those options as a result of a change in United States GAAP. Effective January 1, 2006, we are required to expense the fair value of all stock-based compensation arrangements, including employee stock options, in our financial statements. Prior to January 1, 2006, we were only required to provide pro forma disclosure in the notes to the financial statements of our net income (loss) after the effect of employee stock-based compensation expense.
52
In aggregate, the vesting of stock options to purchase 175,650 common shares, with an exercise price of US$14.25 per share or greater, were accelerated. The exercise price of the options was 25% higher than the market price at the time the Board of Directors approved the accelerated vesting. The options became exercisable as of November 2005, but would otherwise have vested over time up to December 2008. The term, exercise price and number of common shares issuable upon exercise remained unchanged.
Accelerating the vesting of these stock options resulted in expensing approximately $2.3 million in our pro forma note disclosure in 2005. The impact was a reduction of our otherwise calculated stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.1 million in 2006 and expected reductions of approximately $1.1 million in 2007 and $0.1 million in 2008.
Contingent Liabilities
Sierra Wireless America, Inc., as successor to AirPrime, Inc., is named as a defendant in a class action complaint for alleged violations of federal and state securities laws allegedly occurring prior to the time AirPrime, Inc. was acquired by the Company. The settlement of this litigation was approved by the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Diego in February 2007. The settlement, which will be recorded once the appeal period has ended, will have no net effect on our income statement. If the judgment of the Court does not become final due to a successful appeal, the litigation will continue and although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome of the dispute would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend them.
The Company and certain of our current and former officers are named as defendants in several class action complaints for alleged violations of federal securities laws, which are consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs filed their consolidated amended complaint on February 21, 2006 and the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss on April 7, 2006. To date, the Court has not considered the motion to dismiss. We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, which has agreed to pay our costs of defence that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event that it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation. Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the lawsuits. The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any.
We are engaged in other legal actions in the ordinary course of business and believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position.
Subsequent Event
On March 6, 2007, we announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding securities of AirLink Communications, Inc. (“AirLink”), a privately held supplier of high value fixed and mobile wireless data solutions for industrial and public safety applications located in Hayward, California. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Sierra Wireless will pay $10.0 million of cash consideration, subject to customary closing adjustments, and will issue approximately 1.3 million shares of Sierra Wireless to the shareholders of AirLink. The completion of the combination is expected by the end of June 2007.
The combination joins AirLink, a leading provider of fixed, portable and mobile wireless connectivity devices, embedded software and remote device management software, with Sierra Wireless, a leading provider of wide area wireless solutions for mobile computing. The combined entity is expected to be a leader in mobile computing as well as rugged, intelligent mobile and M2M connectivity solutions. The acquisition is consistent with our strategy of renewing and strengthening our emphasis on higher gross margin products and solutions.
53
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, adequacy of allowance for doubtful accounts, adequacy of inventory reserve, adequacy of warranty reserve, royalty obligations and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience, anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from our estimates. Senior management has discussed with our audit committee the development, selection and disclosure of accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Other than the change in accounting for stock-based compensation disclosed earlier, during the year ended December 31, 2006, we did not adopt any new accounting policies or make changes to existing accounting policies that had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
The following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements:
· We recognize revenue from sales of products and services upon the later of transfer of title or upon shipment of the product to the customer or rendering of the service, so long as collectibility is reasonably assured. Customers include resellers, original equipment manufacturers, wireless operators and end-users. We record deferred revenue when we receive cash in advance of the revenue recognition criteria being met.
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from sales to resellers. We recognize revenue on the portion of sales to certain resellers, that are subject to contract provisions allowing various rights of return and stock rotation, upon the earlier of when the rights have expired or the products have been reported as sold by the resellers.
Revenues from contracts with multiple-element arrangements, such as those including technical support services, are recognized as each element is earned based on the relative fair value of each element and only when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements.
Revenue from licensed software is recognized at the inception of the license term and in accordance with Statement of Position 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition”. Revenue from software maintenance, unspecified upgrades and technical support contracts is recognized over the period such items are delivered or services are provided. Technical support contracts extending beyond the current period are recorded as deferred revenue.
Funding from research and development agreements, other than government research and development arrangements, is recognized as revenue when certain criteria stipulated under the terms of those funding agreements have been met and when there is reasonable assurance the funding will be received. Certain research and development funding will be repayable only on the occurrence of specified future events. If such events do not occur, no repayment would be required. We recognize the liability to repay research and development funding in the period in which conditions arise that would cause research and development funding to be repayable.
· We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may arise if any of our customers are unable to make required payments. We consider the following factors when determining whether collection is reasonably assured: customer credit-worthiness, past transaction history with the customer, insured amounts, if any, current economic industry trends and changes in customer payment terms. If we have no previous experience with the customer, we typically obtain reports from credit organizations to ensure that the customer has a history of paying its creditors. We may also request financial information, including financial statements, to ensure that the customer has the means of making payment. If these factors indicate collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until collection becomes
54
reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. If the financial condition of any of our customers deteriorates, we may increase our allowance.
· We value our inventory at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, and estimated net realizable value. We assess the need for an inventory writedown or an accrual for estimated losses on inventory purchase commitments based on our assessment of estimated market value using assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Our reserve requirements generally increase as our projected demand requirements decrease, due to market conditions, technological and product life cycle changes and longer than previously expected usage periods. If market conditions are worse than our projections, we may further writedown the value of our inventory or increase the accrual for estimated losses on inventory purchase commitments.
· We currently have intangible assets of $9.9 million and goodwill of $18.4 million generated from our acquisition of AirPrime in August 2003. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more often, if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss has been incurred.
We assessed the realizability of goodwill related to our reporting unit during the fourth quarter of each of 2004, 2005 and 2006 and determined that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount of the reporting unit by a substantial margin. Therefore, the second step of the impairment test that measures the amount of an impairment loss by comparing the implied fair market value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill was not required.
· We evaluate our deferred income tax assets to assess whether their realization is more likely than not. If their realization is not considered more likely than not, we provide for a valuation allowance. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. We consider projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making our assessment. If our assessment of our ability to realize our deferred tax assets changes, we may make an adjustment to our deferred tax assets that would be charged to income.
· We accrue product warranty costs in accrued liabilities to provide for the repair or replacement of defective products. Our accrual is based on an assessment of historical experience and management’s estimates. If there is a change in the quality of our products, we will adjust our accrual accordingly.
· Under license agreements, we are committed to royalty payments based on the sales of products using certain technologies. We recognize royalty obligations as determinable in accordance with agreement terms. Where agreements are not finalized, we have recognized our current best estimate of the obligation in accrued liabilities. When the agreements are finalized, the estimate will be revised accordingly.
· We recorded a lease provision during 2002 that has been subsequently adjusted as a result of changes in our assumptions used to estimate the net present value of the future cash outflows over the remaining lease period. The estimate was based on various assumptions, including the obtainable sublease rates and the time it will take to find a suitable tenant. These assumptions are influenced by market conditions and the availability of similar space nearby. As market conditions change, we will adjust our provision accordingly.
· We are engaged in certain legal actions. We estimate the range of liability related to pending litigation where the amount and range of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability relating to our pending litigation and revise our estimates.
· Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123R, using the modified prospective transition method and therefore have not restated results for prior periods. Under this transition method, we recognize compensation expense for all stock options granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original
55
provision of FAS 123. Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards granted after January 1, 2006 is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of FAS 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123R, we recognize stock-based compensation expense for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.
Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards requires the input of subjective assumptions. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
Cash used by operating activities was $8.1 million in 2006, compared to cash used by operating activities of $17.3 million in 2005. The use of cash in operating activities in 2006 primarily resulted from net earnings for the year of $9.8 million adjusted for non-cash items and changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $17.9 million.
Investing Activities
Cash used by investing activities was $10.3 million in 2006, compared to cash used by investing activities of $50.0 million in 2005. The use of cash in investing activities during 2006 was due primarily to the expenditures on intangible assets of $1.6 million and on fixed assets of $9.1 million, compared to $2.1 million and $8.3 million, respectively, in 2005. Expenditures for intangible assets were primarily for license fees and patents while fixed asset expenditures were primarily for research and development equipment, tooling, computer equipment and software.
We do not have any trading activities that involve any type of commodity contracts that are accounted for at fair value but for which a lack of market price quotations necessitate the use of fair value estimation techniques.
Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $0.2 million in 2006, compared to nil in 2005. Cash provided by financing activities in 2006 was from the proceeds on the exercise of stock options, partially offset by the repayment of long-term liabilities.
As of December 31, 2006, we did not have any off-balance sheet finance or special purpose entities.
Cash Requirements
Our near-term cash requirements are primarily related to funding our operations, capital expenditures and other obligations discussed below. In the near term, we expect that our cash flow from operating activities will be positive. We believe our cash, cash equivalents and short and long-term investments of $87.0 million and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our expected working and other capital requirements for at least the next twelve months based on current business plans. Our capital expenditures during 2007 are expected to be primarily for research and development equipment, tooling, licenses and patents. However, we cannot provide assurance that our actual cash requirements will not be greater than we currently expect.
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The following table quantifies our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
under |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
Operating |
|
Capital |
|
|
|
|||
|
Payments due in fiscal |
|
Leases |
|
Leases |
|
Total |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
2007 |
|
$ |
3,006 |
|
$ |
6 |
|
$ |
3,012 |
|
|
2008 |
|
2,900 |
|
— |
|
2,900 |
|
|||
|
2009 |
|
2,220 |
|
— |
|
2,220 |
|
|||
|
2010 |
|
2,211 |
|
— |
|
2,211 |
|
|||
|
2011 |
|
1,242 |
|
— |
|
1,242 |
|
|||
|
Thereafter |
|
96 |
|
— |
|
96 |
|
|||
|
Total |
|
$ |
11,675 |
|
$ |
6 |
|
$ |
11,681 |
|
We have entered into purchase commitments totalling approximately $77.5 million with certain contract manufacturers under which we have committed to buy a minimum amount of designated products. In certain of these agreements, we may be required to acquire and pay for such products up to the prescribed minimum or forecasted purchases. The terms of the commitment may require us to purchase approximately $77.5 million of product from certain contract manufacturers between January 2007 and March 2007.
Sources and Uses of Cash
During 2006, we had an unsecured revolving demand facility for $10.0 million that bears interest at prime per annum. The balance at December 31, 2006 was nil (2005 — nil).
During 2006, we obtained a letter of credit to ensure the performance of a third party in accordance with specified terms and conditions. At December 31, 2006, we had $3.2 million outstanding under the letter of credit, which approximates the fair value.
Our business continues to be driven predominantly by short lead time purchase orders from channels and end customers rather than by long-term, large volume commitments. Our customers are typically under no contractual obligation to purchase our products. If they do not make such purchases, our future operating cash flow will be negatively impacted. We have a risk of impairment to our liquidity should there be any significant interruption to our business operations.
The source of funds for our future capital expenditures and commitments is cash, short-term investments, long-term investments, accounts receivable, borrowings and cash from operations, as follows:
· Net cash and short and long-term investments amounted to $87.0 million at December 31, 2006, compared to $104.4 million at December 31, 2005.
· Accounts receivable amounted to $57.4 million at December 31, 2006, compared to $20.3 million at December 31, 2005.
· We have a $10.0 million unsecured revolving demand facility with a Canadian chartered bank that bears interest at prime. At December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under this facility.
Market Risk Disclosure
Our risk from currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollar is reduced by purchasing inventory, other costs of sales and many of our services in U.S. dollars. We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuations because a significant amount of our research and development, marketing, and administration costs are incurred in Canada. We monitor our exposure to fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2006, we have recorded a foreign exchange gain of approximately $0.9 million. As we have available funds and very little debt, we have not been materially adversely affected by significant interest rate fluctuations.
57
With respect to operations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we transact business in additional foreign currencies and the potential for currency fluctuations is increasing. As our business expands in Europe, we expect that we will be increasingly exposed to risks associated with the Euro. To date we have not entered into any futures contracts. To manage our foreign currency risks, we may enter into such contracts should we consider it to be advisable to reduce our exposure to future foreign exchange fluctuations.
Currently, we do not have any hedging activities or derivative instruments.
Related Party Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2006, there were no material related party transactions.
Disclosure Controls
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures for the Company. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with securities regulatory authorities is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within prescribed time periods and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2006. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under applicable securities laws and regulations is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified thereby.
The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud, if any. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The Company considered these limitations during the development of it disclosure controls and procedures and will continually re-evaluate them to ensure they provide reasonable assurance that such controls and procedures are effective.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
58
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2006, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its evaluation under this framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of that date.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
As 2006 is the first year that management is reporting on our internal controls over financial reporting, as set out above, we have no changes to report. On a going forward basis, under this heading, we will describe significant changes to our internal controls.
The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of certain events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
Quarterly Results of Operations
The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated statements of operations data for each of the eight most recent quarters that, in management’s opinion, have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in our fiscal 2006 Annual Report. The unaudited consolidated statements of operations data presented below reflects all adjustments, consisting primarily of normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods. These operating results are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. You should not rely on them to predict our future performance.
59
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Year |
|
|||||||||||
|
2006 |
|
March 31 |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept. 30 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
2006 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
45,224 |
|
$ |
55,223 |
|
$ |
52,535 |
|
$ |
68,303 |
|
$ |
221,285 |
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
28,567 |
|
36,366 |
|
36,651 |
|
50,524 |
|
152,108 |
|
|||||
|
Gross margin |
|
16,657 |
|
18,857 |
|
15,884 |
|
17,779 |
|
69,177 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Sales and marketing |
|
3,750 |
|
3,726 |
|
2,820 |
|
3,418 |
|
13,714 |
|
|||||
|
Research and development, net |
|
7,528 |
|
8,905 |
|
8,830 |
|
8,824 |
|
34,087 |
|
|||||
|
Administration |
|
2,747 |
|
3,301 |
|
3,427 |
|
3,404 |
|
12,879 |
|
|||||
|
Amortization |
|
759 |
|
748 |
|
697 |
|
705 |
|
2,909 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
14,784 |
|
16,680 |
|
15,774 |
|
16,351 |
|
63,589 |
|
|||||
|
Earnings from operations |
|
1,873 |
|
2,177 |
|
110 |
|
1,428 |
|
5,588 |
|
|||||
|
Other income |
|
1,175 |
|
1,306 |
|
1,146 |
|
1,627 |
|
5,254 |
|
|||||
|
Earnings before income taxes |
|
3,048 |
|
3,483 |
|
1,256 |
|
3,055 |
|
10,842 |
|
|||||
|
Income tax expense (recovery) |
|
461 |
|
(287 |
) |
188 |
|
684 |
|
1,046 |
|
|||||
|
Net income |
|
$ |
2,587 |
|
$ |
3,770 |
|
$ |
1,068 |
|
$ |
2,371 |
|
$ |
9,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
$ |
0.38 |
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
$ |
0.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Weighted average number of shares (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Basic |
|
25,492 |
|
25,602 |
|
25,660 |
|
25,681 |
|
25,609 |
|
|||||
|
Diluted |
|
25,736 |
|
25,959 |
|
25,874 |
|
25,856 |
|
25,857 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Year |
|
|||||||||||
|
2005 |
|
March 31 |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept. 30 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
2005 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
20,180 |
|
$ |
21,930 |
|
$ |
27,474 |
|
$ |
37,560 |
|
$ |
107,144 |
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
13,055 |
|
27,852 |
|
17,883 |
|
23,058 |
|
81,848 |
|
|||||
|
Gross margin |
|
7,125 |
|
(5,922 |
) |
9,591 |
|
14,502 |
|
25,296 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Sales and marketing |
|
4,289 |
|
4,331 |
|
2,963 |
|
3,968 |
|
15,551 |
|
|||||
|
Research and development, net |
|
7,261 |
|
7,399 |
|
7,864 |
|
7,841 |
|
30,365 |
|
|||||
|
Administration |
|
2,935 |
|
3,892 |
|
2,435 |
|
1,556 |
|
10,818 |
|
|||||
|
Restructuring and other charges |
|
— |
|
4,926 |
|
— |
|
329 |
|
5,255 |
|
|||||
|
Amortization |
|
691 |
|
679 |
|
728 |
|
899 |
|
2,997 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
15,176 |
|
21,227 |
|
13,990 |
|
14,593 |
|
64,986 |
|
|||||
|
Loss from operations |
|
(8,051 |
) |
(27,149 |
) |
(4,399 |
) |
(91 |
) |
(39,690 |
) |
|||||
|
Other income |
|
535 |
|
220 |
|
659 |
|
863 |
|
2,277 |
|
|||||
|
Earnings (loss) before income taxes |
|
(7,516 |
) |
(26,929 |
) |
(3,740 |
) |
772 |
|
(37,413 |
) |
|||||
|
Income tax expense (recovery) |
|
78 |
|
(222 |
) |
(662 |
) |
(139 |
) |
(945 |
) |
|||||
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(7,594 |
) |
$ |
(26,707 |
) |
$ |
(3,078 |
) |
$ |
911 |
|
$ |
(36,468 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Earnings (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.30 |
) |
$ |
(1.05 |
) |
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
$ |
0.04 |
|
$ |
(1.44 |
) |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.30 |
) |
$ |
(1.05 |
) |
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
$ |
0.04 |
|
$ |
(1.44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Weighted average number of shares (in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Basic |
|
25,358 |
|
25,364 |
|
25,381 |
|
25,439 |
|
25,385 |
|
|||||
|
Diluted |
|
25,358 |
|
25,364 |
|
25,381 |
|
26,111 |
|
25,385 |
|
|||||
60
Our quarterly results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter because our operating expenses are determined based on anticipated sales, are generally fixed and are incurred throughout each fiscal quarter. The impact of significant items incurred during the first three interim periods of each fiscal year are discussed in more detail and disclosed in our quarterly reports on Form 6-K. Items affecting our quarterly results were as follows:
· Revenue in 2006 increased significantly compared to 2005 as a result of several new AirCard and embedded module product introductions and the expansion of our sales channels. During 2006, gross margin declined as a result of increased product cost for our newer AirCard products, higher sales of lower margin embedded module products and lower sales of higher margin rugged mobile products.
· Relative to the comparable periods in 2004, revenues decreased during the four quarters of 2005 due to a reduction in our embedded module business volumes as a result of the completion of embedded module shipments to palmOne at the end of 2004, reported channel inventory that was already sufficient to meet customer demand in the first quarter of 2005, and increased competition in CDMA EV-DO and EDGE PC cards, including a loss of market share at Verizon Wireless.
· Restructuring and other charges of $18.2 million were incurred in the second quarter of 2005. Included in these charges are inventory writedowns, severance costs, impairment of fixed, intangible and deferred tax assets, provisions for facilities restructuring, commitments and other costs related to restructuring. We also recorded a provision of $1.0 million for future legal costs associated with litigation matters.
· Revenues increased during 2004 as a result of the introduction of new products, our strong market position in CDMA EV-DO Release 0 PC cards and our CDMA 1X embedded modules sales to palmOne.
· During the first quarter of 2004, we signed a second agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program. The agreement was effective for development work commencing April 2003. Funding of $1.4 million was recognized as a reduction to research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2004, of which $1.1 million related to the period from April 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. With the termination of the Voq professional phone initiative in the second quarter of 2005, no further TPC funding is anticipated.
Selected Annual Information
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
211,205 |
|
$ |
107,144 |
|
$ |
221,285 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
24,920 |
|
(36,468 |
) |
9,796 |
|
|||
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|
0.96 |
|
(1.44 |
) |
0.38 |
|
|||
|
Total assets |
|
215,594 |
|
173,980 |
|
211,608 |
|
|||
|
Total current and long-term portions of long-term liabilities and obligations under capital lease |
|
3,456 |
|
3,128 |
|
1,992 |
|
|||
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this report that are not based on historical facts constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (‘forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees of future performance but are only predictions that relate to future events, conditions or circumstances or our future results, performance, achievements or developments and are subject to substantial known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or developments in our business or in our industry to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include disclosure regarding possible events, conditions circumstances or results of operations that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions, courses of action and other future events. We caution you not to
61
place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. These forward-looking statements appear in a number of different places in this report and can be identified by words such as “may”, “estimates”, “projects”, “expects”, “intends”, “believes”, “plans”, “anticipates”, or their negatives or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the outlook for our future operations, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements concerning strategies or developments, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, end customer demand conditions, channel inventory and sell through, revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, profits, forecasts of future costs and expenditures, the outcome of legal proceedings, and other expectations, intentions and plans that are not historical fact. The risk factors and uncertainties that may affect our actual results, performance, achievements or developments are many and include, amongst others, our ability to develop, manufacture, supply and market new products that we do not produce today and that meet the needs of customers and gain commercial acceptance, our reliance on the deployment of next generation networks by major wireless operators, the continuous commitment of our customers and increased competition. These risk factors and others are discussed in our Annual Information Form which may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in our other regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States and the Provincial Securities Commissions in Canada. Many of these factors are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all forward-looking statements in this report are qualified by this cautionary statement and there can be no assurance that actual results, performance, achievements or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should the assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change.
Risk Factors
Our business is subject to significant risks and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Some of the risks we face are:
We have incurred net losses and if our efforts to restore the business to sustained profitability are not successful, we may be required to further restructure or take other actions and our share price may decline.
During 2006, our net earnings were $9.8 million. However, as a result of the reduction in our business in 2005, we incurred a loss of $36.5 million in that year. Our accumulated deficit at December 31, 2006 was $73.1 million. While we had earnings from operations for each of the two years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we incurred a loss from operations in each of the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future will depend on, among other things, the success of our restructuring, the continued sales of our current products and the successful development and commercialization of new products. While we have returned to profitability for five sequential quarters, if we cannot sustain profitability, our total losses will increase and we may be required to further restructure our operations or raise additional capital. Additional financing may not be available, and even if available, may not be on acceptable terms. We may seek to raise additional capital through an offering of common shares, preference shares or debt, which may result in dilution, and/or the issuance of securities with rights senior to the rights, of the holders of common shares. As a result, our share price may decline.
Our quarterly financial results are subject to fluctuations that could affect the market price of our common shares.
Our revenues, gross margin and earnings may vary from quarter to quarter and could be significantly impacted by a number of factors, including:
· Transition periods associated with the migration of new technologies;
· The development and timing of the introduction of our new products;
· The securing of channel slots for new products;
· The timing of sales orders and OEM and carrier customer sell through;
62
· Design win cycles in our embedded module business;
· The achievement of milestones related to our professional services contracts;
· The amount of inventory held by our channel partners;
· Price and product competition from our competitors, which may result in lower selling prices for some of our products;
· Possible cyclical fluctuations related to the evolution of wireless technologies;
· Product mix of our sales. Our products have different gross margins – for example the embedded module product line has lower gross margins than the higher margin rugged mobile product line;
· Possible delays in the manufacture or shipment of current or new products;
· Possible increased inventory levels;
· Concentration in our customer base;
· Possible delays or shortages in component supplies; and
· Possible product quality or factory yield issues that may increase our cost of goods sold.
Because our operating expenses are determined based on anticipated sales, are generally fixed and are incurred throughout each fiscal quarter, any of the factors listed above could cause significant variations in our revenues, gross margin and earnings in any given quarter. Therefore, our quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of our overall business, results of operations and financial condition.
Quarterly variations in operating results or any of the other factors listed above, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, or other events or factors may result in wide fluctuations in the market price of our stock price. In addition, the financial markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies and that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies or have resulted from the failure of the operating results of such companies to meet market expectations in a particular quarter. Broad market fluctuations or any failure of the Company’s operating results in a particular quarter to meet market expectations may adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
We are subject to, and may in the future be subject to, certain class action lawsuits, which if decided against us, could require us to pay substantial judgments, settlements or other penalties.
In addition to being subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business, we are currently, and may in the future be, subject to class actions and other securities litigation and investigations. We expect that this type of litigation will be time consuming, expensive and distracting from the conduct of our daily business. It is possible that we will be required to pay substantial judgments, settlements or other penalties and incur expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position. Expenses incurred in connection with these lawsuits, which include substantial fees of lawyers and other professional advisors and our obligations to indemnify officers and directors who may be parties to such actions, could materially adversely affect our cash position. We do not know if any of this type of litigation and resulting expenses will be covered by insurance. In addition, these lawsuits may cause our insurance premiums to increase in future periods.
Competition from new or established wireless communication companies or from those with greater resources may prevent us from increasing or maintaining our market share and could result in price reductions and reduced revenues and gross margins.
The wireless communications industry is subject to rapid technological change, meaning that the wireless technology standards continually evolve, and there are frequent product introductions and short product life cycles. The wireless communications industry is highly competitive and we expect competition to increase and intensify. More established and larger companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources sell products that compete with ours and we expect this competition to intensify. We also may introduce new
63
products that will put us in direct competition with major new competitors. Existing or future competitors may be able to respond more quickly to technological developments and changes and introduce new products before we do, or may independently develop and patent technologies and products that are superior to ours or achieve greater acceptance due to factors such as more favorable pricing or more efficient sales channels. If we are unable to compete effectively with our competitors’ pricing strategies, technological advances and other initiatives, we may lose customer orders and market share and we may need to reduce the price of our products, resulting in reduced revenue and reduced gross margins.
The loss of any of our material customers could adversely affect our revenues and profitability, and therefore shareholder value.
We depend on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues as the Company sells most of its products through network carriers, resellers and OEMs rather than directly to end user customers. Many of these carriers and resellers also sell products of our competitors. Accordingly, our business and future success depends on our ability to build on existing relationships and establish and develop new relationships with network carriers and resellers.
In the three months ended December 31, 2006, two customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented 37% of our revenue. In the last three fiscal years, there have been four different customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenues. In the year ended December 31, 2006, two customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and, in the aggregate, these two customers represented 40% of our revenue. If any of these customers, for any reason, discontinues their relationship with us or reduces or postpones current or expected purchase orders for products or suffers from business failure, our revenues and profitability could decline, perhaps materially.
In addition, our current customers purchase our products under stand-alone purchase orders. Our customers have no contractual obligation to continue to purchase our products following our fulfillment of current purchase orders and if they do not continue to make purchases, our revenue and our profitability could decline, perhaps materially.
If demand for our current products declines and we are unable to launch successful new products, our revenues will decrease.
If the markets in which we compete fail to grow, or grow more slowly than we currently anticipate, or if we are unable to establish markets for our new products, it would significantly harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, demand for one or all of our current products could decline as a result of competition, technological change or other factors.
We may have difficulty responding to changing technology, industry standards and customer requirements, which could cause us to be unable to recover our research and development expenses and our revenues could decline.
The wireless communications industry is subject to rapid technological change. Our business and future success will depend, in part, on our ability to accurately predict and anticipate evolving wireless technology standards and develop products that keep pace with the continuing changes in technology, evolving industry standards and changing customer and end-user preferences and requirements. Our products embody complex technology that may not meet those standards, preference and requirements. Our ability to design, develop and commercially launch new products depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to the following:
· Our ability to attract and retain skilled technical employees;
· The availability of critical components from third parties;
· Our ability to successfully complete the development of products in a timely manner;
· The ability of third parties to complete and deliver on outsourced product development engagements; and
64
· Our ability to manufacture products at an acceptable price and quality.
A failure by us, or our suppliers, in any of these areas, or a failure of new products to obtain commercial acceptance, could mean we receive less revenue than we anticipate and we are unable to recover our research and development expenses, and may result in a decrease in the market price for our shares.
In addition, wireless communications service providers require that wireless data systems deployed on their networks comply with their own standards, which may differ from the standards of other providers. We may be unable to successfully address these developments in a timely basis or at all. Our failure to respond quickly and cost-effectively to new developments through the development of new products or enhancements to existing products could cause us to be unable to recover significant research and development expenses and reduce our revenues.
We may not be able to continue to design products that meet our customer needs and, as a result, our revenue and profitability may decrease.
We develop products to meet our customers’ requirements but, particularly with original equipment manufacturers, current design wins do not guarantee future design wins. If we are unable or choose not to meet our customers’ future needs, we may not win their future business and our revenue and profitability may decrease.
We depend on a limited number of third parties to manufacture our products and supply key components. If they do not manufacture our products properly or cannot meet our needs in a timely manner, we may be unable to fulfill our product delivery obligations and our costs may increase, and our revenue and margins could decrease.
We outsource the manufacture of our products to a limited number of third parties and depend heavily on the ability of these manufacturers to meet our needs in a timely and satisfactory manner. Some components used by us may only be available from a small number of suppliers, in some cases from only one supplier. We currently rely on two manufacturers, either of which may terminate the manufacturing contract with us at the end of any contract year. Our reliance on third party manufacturers and suppliers subjects us to a number of risks, including the following:
· The absence of guaranteed manufacturing capacity;
· Reduced control over delivery schedules, production yields and costs; and
· Inability to control the amount of time and resources devoted to the manufacture of our products.
If we are unable to successfully manage any of these risks or to locate alternative or additional manufacturers or suppliers in a timely and cost-effective manner, we may not be able to deliver products in a timely manner. In addition, our results of operations could be harmed by increased costs, reduced revenues and reduced margins.
We do not have fixed-term employment agreements with our key personnel and the loss of any key personnel may harm our ability to compete effectively.
None of our executive officers or other key employees has entered into a fixed-term employment agreement. Our success depends in large part on the abilities and experience of our executive officers and other key employees. Competition for highly skilled management, technical, research and development and other key employees is intense in the wireless communications industry. We may not be able to retain our current executive officers or key employees and may not be able to hire and transition in a timely manner experienced and highly qualified additional executive officers and key employees as needed to achieve our business objectives. The loss of executive officers and key employees could disrupt our operations and our ability to compete effectively could be adversely affected.
65
We depend on wireless network carriers to offer acceptable wireless data and voice communications services for our products to operate.
Our products can only be used over wireless data and voice networks operated by third parties. Our business and future growth depends, in part, on the successful deployment by network carriers of next generation wireless data and voice networks and the network carriers’ ability to grow their subscriber base. If these network carriers delay the deployment of next generation networks or fail to offer effective and reliable service, or fail to price and market their services effectively, sales of our products will decline and our revenues will decrease.
Acquisitions of companies or technologies may result in disruptions to our business or may not achieve the anticipated benefits.
As part of our business strategy, we have acquired and may continue to acquire additional assets and businesses principally relating to or complementary to our current operations. Any acquisitions and/or mergers by us will be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in acquisitions of companies. These risks include, among other things:
· Exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies, including unknown litigation related to acts or omissions of our acquired company and/or its directors and officers prior to the acquisition;
· Higher than anticipated acquisition and integration costs and expenses;
· Effects of costs and expenses of acquiring and integrating new businesses on our operating results and financial condition;
· The difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the companies;
· Disruption of our ongoing business;
· Diversion of management’s time and attention away from our remaining business during the integration process;
· Failure to maximize our financial and strategic position by the successful incorporation of acquired technology;
· The inability to implement uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;
· The loss of key employees and customers as a result of changes in management;
· The incurrence of amortization expenses; and
· Possible dilution to our shareholders if the purchase price is paid in common shares or securities convertible into common shares.
In addition, geographic distances may make integration of businesses more difficult. We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with any acquisitions. If realized, these risks could reduce shareholder value.
We may infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
The industry in which we operate has many participants that own, or claim to own, proprietary intellectual property. In the past we have received, and in the future may receive, claims from third parties alleging that we, and possibly our customers, violate their intellectual property rights. Activity in this area by third parties, particularly those with tenuous claims, is increasing, resulting in the Company taking a more aggressive approach, which may result in increased litigation. Rights to intellectual property can be difficult to verify and litigation may be necessary to establish whether or not we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others. In many cases, these third parties are companies with substantially greater resources than us, and they may be able to, and may choose to, pursue complex litigation to a greater degree than we could. Regardless of whether these infringement claims have merit or not, we may be subject to the following:
66
· We may be liable for potentially substantial damages, liabilities and litigation costs, including attorneys’ fees;
· We may be prohibited from further use of the intellectual property and may be required to cease selling our products that are subject to the claim;
· We may have to license the third party intellectual property, incurring royalty fees that may or may not be on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully negotiate and obtain such a license from the third party;
· We may have to develop a non-infringing alternative, which could be costly and delay or result in the loss of sales. In addition, there is no assurance that we will be able to develop such a non-infringing alternative;
· The diversion of management’s attention and resources;
· Our relationships with customers may be adversely affected; and
· We may be required to indemnify our customers for certain costs and damages they incur in such a claim.
In the event of an unfavourable outcome in such a claim and our inability to either obtain a license from the third party or develop a non-infringing alternative, then our business, operating results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected and we may have to restructure our business.
Absent a specific claim for infringement of intellectual property, from time to time we have and expect to continue to license technology, intellectual property and software from third parties. There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain our third party licenses or obtain new licenses when required and this inability could materially adversely affect our business and operating results and the quality and functionality of our products. In addition, there is no assurance that third party licenses we execute will be on commercially reasonable terms.
Under purchase orders and contracts for the sale of our products we may provide indemnification to our customers for potential intellectual property infringement claims for which we may have no corresponding recourse against our third party licensors. This potential liability, if realized, could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Misappropriation of our intellectual property could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
Our intellectual property is important to our success. We rely on a combination of patent protection, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, licenses, non-disclosure agreements and other contractual agreements to protect our intellectual property. Third parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products and technology or obtain information we regard as proprietary without our authorization. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property against unauthorized use by others it could have an adverse effect on our competitive position.
Our strategies to deter misappropriation could be inadequate due to the following risks:
· Non-recognition of the proprietary nature or inadequate protection of our methodologies in the United States, Canada or foreign countries;
· Undetected misappropriation of our intellectual property;
· The substantial legal and other costs of protecting and enforcing our rights in our intellectual property; and
· Development of similar technologies by our competitors.
In addition, we could be required to spend significant funds and our managerial resources could be diverted in order to defend our rights, which could disrupt our operations.
67
As our business expands internationally, we will be exposed to additional risks relating to international operations.
Our expansion into international operations exposes us to additional risks unique to such international markets, including the following:
· Increased credit management risks and greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;
· Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, wireless communications standards, exchange rates, trading policies, tariffs and other barriers;
· Uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the protection of intellectual property;
· Language barriers; and
· Potential adverse tax consequences.
Furthermore, if we are unable to further develop distribution channels in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region we may not be able to grow our international operations and our ability to increase our revenue will be negatively impacted.
Government regulation could result in increased costs and inability to sell our products.
Our products are subject to certain mandatory regulatory approvals in the United States, Canada, the European Union and other regions in which we operate. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission regulates many aspects of communications devices. In Canada, similar regulations are administered by the Ministry of Industry, through Industry Canada. European Union directives provide comparable regulatory guidance in Europe. Although we have obtained all the necessary Federal Communications Commission, Industry Canada and other required approvals for the products we currently sell, we may not obtain approvals for future products on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, regulatory requirements may change or we may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals from countries other than the United States and Canada in which we may desire to sell products in the future.
Fluctuations in exchange rates between the United States dollar and other currencies, including the Canadian dollar may affect our operating results.
We are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar through our operations in Canada. To reduce our risk because of currency fluctuations, we purchase inventory, other cost of sales items and many of our services in United States dollars. If the Canadian dollar rises relative to the United States dollar, our operating results may be negatively impacted. To date, we have not entered into any foreign currency futures contracts as part of a hedging policy. We expect that as our business expands in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we will also be exposed to additional foreign currency transactions and to the associated currency risk. To date, we have not entered into any futures contracts.
68
AUDITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
69
MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and approved by the Board of Directors of Sierra Wireless, Inc. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and, where appropriate, reflect management’s best estimates and judgments. Where alternative accounting methods exist, management has chosen those methods deemed most appropriate in the circumstances. Management is responsible for the accuracy, integrity and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements within reasonable limits of materiality, and for the consistency of financial data included in the text of the Annual Report with that contained in the consolidated financial statements.
To assist management in the discharge of these responsibilities, the Company maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting as described in “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” on page 14 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
The Company’s Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors annually and is comprised exclusively of outside, independent directors. The Audit Committee meets with management as well as with the independent auditors to satisfy itself that management is properly discharging its financial reporting responsibilities and to review the consolidated financial statements and the independent auditors’ report. The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration in approving the consolidated financial statements for presentation to the shareholders. The Audit Committee considers, for review by the Board of Directors and approval by the shareholders, the engagement or reappointment of the independent auditors. KPMG LLP have direct access to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
The consolidated financial statements have been independently audited by KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, on behalf of the shareholders, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) with respect to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006. Their report outlines the nature of their audit and expresses their opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
|
/s/ Jason W. Cohenour |
|
/s/ David G. McLennan |
|
|
|
Jason W. Cohenour |
|
David G. McLennan |
||
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
||
|
January 31, 2007 |
|
|
||
70
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sierra Wireless, Inc. as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of computing stock-based compensation in 2006.
|
/s/ KPMG LLP |
|
|
|
|
|
Chartered Accountants |
|
|
Vancouver, Canada |
|
|
January 31, 2007, except as to Notes 15(d)(i) and 19, which are as of March 6, 2007 |
|
71
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
(Prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP))
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
211,205 |
|
$ |
107,144 |
|
$ |
221,285 |
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
127,600 |
|
81,848 |
|
152,108 |
|
|||
|
Gross margin |
|
83,605 |
|
25,296 |
|
69,177 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Sales and marketing |
|
20,029 |
|
15,551 |
|
13,714 |
|
|||
|
Research and development, net (note 13) |
|
24,527 |
|
30,365 |
|
34,087 |
|
|||
|
Administration |
|
8,993 |
|
10,818 |
|
12,879 |
|
|||
|
Restructuring and other charges (note 3) |
|
— |
|
5,255 |
|
— |
|
|||
|
Amortization |
|
2,438 |
|
2,997 |
|
2,909 |
|
|||
|
|
|
55,987 |
|
64,986 |
|
63,589 |
|
|||
|
Earnings (loss) from operations |
|
27,618 |
|
(39,690 |
) |
5,588 |
|
|||
|
Other income |
|
1,700 |
|
2,277 |
|
5,254 |
|
|||
|
Earnings (loss) before income taxes |
|
29,318 |
|
(37,413 |
) |
10,842 |
|
|||
|
Income tax expense (recovery) (note 12) |
|
4,398 |
|
(945 |
) |
1,046 |
|
|||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
$ |
24,920 |
|
$ |
(36,468 |
) |
$ |
9,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Earnings (loss) per share (note 14): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.99 |
|
$ |
(1.44 |
) |
$ |
0.38 |
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
$ |
(1.44 |
) |
$ |
0.38 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
72
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except number of shares)
(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
64,611 |
|
$ |
46,438 |
|
|
Short-term investments (note 4) |
|
24,907 |
|
40,554 |
|
||
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,867 (2005 – $1,561) |
|
20,252 |
|
57,441 |
|
||
|
Inventories (note 5) |
|
3,316 |
|
18,889 |
|
||
|
Deferred income taxes (note 12) |
|
— |
|
118 |
|
||
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
3,974 |
|
6,032 |
|
||
|
|
|
117,060 |
|
169,472 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Long-term investments (note 4) |
|
14,867 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Fixed assets (note 6) |
|
11,647 |
|
13,400 |
|
||
|
Intangible assets (note 7) |
|
10,693 |
|
9,892 |
|
||
|
Goodwill (note 7) |
|
19,227 |
|
18,409 |
|
||
|
Other assets |
|
486 |
|
435 |
|
||
|
|
|
$ |
173,980 |
|
$ |
211,608 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
3,971 |
|
$ |
16,608 |
|
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
28,644 |
|
39,543 |
|
||
|
Deferred revenue and credits |
|
422 |
|
633 |
|
||
|
Current portion of long-term liabilities (note 8) |
|
894 |
|
841 |
|
||
|
Current portion of obligations under capital lease |
|
304 |
|
6 |
|
||
|
|
|
34,235 |
|
57,631 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Long-term liabilities (note 8) |
|
1,926 |
|
1,145 |
|
||
|
Obligations under capital lease |
|
4 |
|
— |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Shareholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Share capital (note 9) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Authorized |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Unlimited number of common and preference shares with no par value |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Common shares, 25,708,331 (2005 – 25,476,447) issued and outstanding |
|
219,398 |
|
221,861 |
|
||
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
556 |
|
3,240 |
|
||
|
Warrants |
|
1,538 |
|
1,538 |
|
||
|
Deficit |
|
(82,857 |
) |
(73,061 |
) |
||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
(820 |
) |
(746 |
) |
||
|
|
|
137,815 |
|
152,832 |
|
||
|
|
|
$ |
173,980 |
|
$ |
211,608 |
|
Commitments and contingencies (note 15)
Subsequent events (notes 15(d)(i) and 19)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
|
/s/ Jason W. Cohenour |
|
/s/ S. Jane Rowe |
|
|
JASON W. COHENOUR |
|
S. JANE ROWE |
|
|
Director |
|
Director |
|
73
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except number of shares)
(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
Paid-in |
|
Warrants |
|
|
|
Income |
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
Number |
|
Amount |
|
Capital |
|
Number |
|
Amount |
|
Deficit |
|
(Loss) |
|
Total |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Balance December 31, 2003 |
|
24,822,071 |
|
$ |
214,047 |
|
$ |
— |
|
138,696 |
|
$ |
1,538 |
|
$ |
(71,309 |
) |
$ |
(729 |
) |
$ |
143,547 |
|
|
Net and comprehensive earnings |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
24,920 |
|
— |
|
24,920 |
|
||||||
|
Stock option tax benefit |
|
— |
|
— |
|
440 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
440 |
|
||||||
|
Stock option exercises |
|
535,160 |
|
4,758 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
4,758 |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Balance December 31, 2004 |
|
25,357,231 |
|
218,805 |
|
440 |
|
138,696 |
|
1,538 |
|
(46,389 |
) |
(729 |
) |
173,665 |
|
||||||
|
Net loss |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(36,468 |
) |
— |
|
(36,468 |
) |
||||||
|
Unrealized loss on short and long-term investments |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(91 |
) |
(91 |
) |
||||||
|
Comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36,559 |
) |
||||||
|
Stock option tax benefit |
|
— |
|
— |
|
116 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
116 |
|
||||||
|
Stock option exercises |
|
119,216 |
|
593 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
593 |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Balance December 31, 2005 |
|
25,476,447 |
|
219,398 |
|
556 |
|
138,696 |
|
1,538 |
|
(82,857 |
) |
(820 |
) |
137,815 |
|
||||||
|
Net income |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
9,796 |
|
— |
|
9,796 |
|
||||||
|
Net unrealized gain on short-term investments |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
6 |
|
6 |
|
||||||
|
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses on investments |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
68 |
|
68 |
|
||||||
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,870 |
|
||||||
|
Stock option exercises |
|
231,884 |
|
2,463 |
|
(1,112 |
) |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,351 |
|
||||||
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
— |
|
— |
|
3,796 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
3,796 |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Balance December 31, 2006 |
|
25,708,331 |
|
$ |
221,861 |
|
$ |
3,240 |
|
138,696 |
|
$ |
1,538 |
|
$ |
(73,061 |
) |
$ |
(746 |
) |
$ |
152,832 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
74
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Net earnings (loss) |
|
$ |
24,920 |
|
$ |
(36,468 |
) |
$ |
9,796 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Amortization |
|
6,915 |
|
9,012 |
|
9,665 |
|
|||
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
— |
|
— |
|
3,796 |
|
|||
|
Utilization of pre-acquisition tax losses |
|
— |
|
— |
|
818 |
|
|||
|
Deferred income tax |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(118 |
) |
|||
|
Non-cash restructuring and other charges |
|
— |
|
12,329 |
|
— |
|
|||
|
Gain on disposal |
|
(66 |
) |
(41 |
) |
(35 |
) |
|||
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Accounts receivable |
|
(1,384 |
) |
1,967 |
|
(38,196 |
) |
|||
|
Inventories |
|
(9,579 |
) |
219 |
|
(15,573 |
) |
|||
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
(3,950 |
) |
891 |
|
(2,007 |
) |
|||
|
Accounts payable |
|
(1,844 |
) |
(151 |
) |
12,637 |
|
|||
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
12,437 |
|
(5,149 |
) |
10,899 |
|
|||
|
Deferred revenue and credits |
|
62 |
|
75 |
|
211 |
|
|||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
27,511 |
|
(17,316 |
) |
(8,107 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Proceeds on disposal |
|
69 |
|
48 |
|
92 |
|
|||
|
Purchase of fixed assets |
|
(7,120 |
) |
(8,292 |
) |
(9,102 |
) |
|||
|
Increase in intangible assets |
|
(2,123 |
) |
(2,138 |
) |
(1,646 |
) |
|||
|
Purchase of long-term investments |
|
(21,369 |
) |
(14,851 |
) |
— |
|
|||
|
Proceeds on disposal of long-term investments |
|
46,186 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||
|
Purchase of short-term investments |
|
(21,305 |
) |
(88,320 |
) |
(71,943 |
) |
|||
|
Proceeds on maturity of short-term investments |
|
36,247 |
|
63,593 |
|
72,318 |
|
|||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
30,585 |
|
(49,960 |
) |
(10,281 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Issue of common shares, net of share issue costs |
|
4,758 |
|
592 |
|
1,351 |
|
|||
|
Tax benefit related to stock option deduction |
|
440 |
|
116 |
|
— |
|
|||
|
Repayment of long-term liabilities |
|
(1,806 |
) |
(667 |
) |
(1,136 |
) |
|||
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
3,392 |
|
41 |
|
215 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
61,488 |
|
(67,235 |
) |
(18,173 |
) |
|||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
|
70,358 |
|
131,846 |
|
64,611 |
|
|||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
|
$ |
131,846 |
|
$ |
64,611 |
|
$ |
46,438 |
|
See supplementary cash flow information (note 16)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
75
SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)
1. Nature of operations
We were incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 31, 1993. We provide leading edge wireless wide area modem solutions for mobile computing. We develop and market a range of products that include wireless modems for mobile computers, embedded modules for original equipment manufacturers and rugged vehicle-mounted modems. Our products permit users to access wireless data and voice communications networks using laptop computers, handheld mobile computing devices, vehicle-based systems or fixed wireless terminals.
2. Significant accounting policies
Management has prepared these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
(a) Principles of consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sierra Wireless, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sierra Wireless America, Inc. (formerly AirPrime, Inc. and Sierra Wireless Data, Inc.), Sierra Wireless (UK) Limited, Sierra Wireless (Asia Pacific) Limited, Sierra Wireless SRL and Sierra Wireless ULC from their respective dates of formation or acquisition. We have eliminated all significant intercompany balances and transactions.
(b) Foreign currency translation
Our functional or primary operating currency is the United States (U.S.) dollar. We translate transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting exchange rate gains and losses are recognized in earnings.
(c) Use of estimates
In preparing the financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, particularly the recoverability of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, intangible assets, goodwill and deferred income taxes, royalty and warranty accruals, other liabilities, stock-based compensation, and disclosures of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from the estimates.
(d) Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents include short-term deposits, which are all highly liquid securities having a term to maturity of three months or less when acquired. We value our short-term deposits at amortized cost.
(e) Short-term investments
Short-term investments, all of which we categorize as available-for-sale, are carried at quoted market value. We reflect unrealized holding gains (losses) related to available-for-sale investments, after deducting amounts allocable to income taxes, as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’
76
equity. These gains (losses) are removed from comprehensive income (loss) when the investments mature or are sold on an item-by-item basis.
We regularly evaluate the realizable value of short-term investments, and if circumstances indicate that a decline in value is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge. To determine whether to recognize an impairment charge, we consider various factors, such as the significance of the decline in value, how long the investment has been below market value, changes that would impact the financial condition of the investee, and the likelihood that the investment will recover its value before it matures or is disposed of.
(f) Inventories
Inventories consist of electronic components and finished goods and are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, and estimated net realizable value.
(g) Research and development
We expense research and development costs as they are incurred. To date we have had no significant software development costs that would be required to be capitalized pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed”.
We follow the cost reduction method of accounting for government research and development funding, whereby the benefit of the funding is recognized as a reduction in the cost of the related expenditure when certain criteria stipulated under the terms of those funding agreements have been met, and there is reasonable assurance the research and development funding will be received. Certain research and development funding is repayable only on the occurrence of specified future events. If such events do not occur, no repayment is required. We recognize the liability to repay research and development funding in the period in which conditions arise that will cause research and development funding to be repayable.
(h) Long-term investments
Long-term investments are categorized as available-for-sale and are carried at quoted market value. We reflect unrealized holding gains (losses) related to available-for-sale investments, after deducting amounts allocable to income taxes, as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity. These gains (losses) are removed from comprehensive income (loss) when the investments mature or are sold on an item-by-item basis.
We regularly evaluate the realizable value of long-term investments, and if circumstances indicate that a decline in value is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge, as described in note 2(e) above.
(i) Fixed assets
We initially record fixed assets at cost. We subsequently provide amortization on a straight-line basis over the following periods:
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
5 years |
|
Research and development equipment |
|
3 years |
|
Tooling |
|
3 years |
|
Software |
|
3-5 years |
|
Office equipment |
|
5 years |
We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the initial lease term or their useful lives.
77
(j) Intangible assets
Patents and trademarks
Consideration paid for patents and trademarks is amortized on a straight-line basis over three to five years commencing with the date the patents or trademarks are granted.
License fees
Consideration paid for license fees is amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the license or an estimate of their useful life, ranging from three to ten years.
Intellectual property, customer relationships and databases
Consideration paid for intellectual property, customer relationships and databases is amortized on a straight-line basis over three to five years.
(k) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired enterprise over the fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is allocated as of the date of the business combination to the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.
Goodwill has an indefinite life, is not amortized and at least annually is subject to a two-step impairment test. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, which includes the goodwill. When the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second part of the test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess.
(l) Impairment of long-lived assets
We monitor the recoverability of long-lived assets, which includes fixed assets and intangible assets, other than goodwill, based on factors such as future asset utilization and the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Our policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when we determine that the carrying amount of the asset will not be recoverable. At that time the carrying amount is written down to fair value.
(m) Income taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values and their respective income tax bases (temporary differences). Changes in the net deferred tax asset or liability are generally included in earnings. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is included in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax assets are evaluated and if their realization is not considered “more-likely-than-not”, a valuation allowance is provided.
Upon the adoption of FAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payments”, on January 1, 2006, we recognize the tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options by U.S. employees to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) when realized. This tax benefit is not recognized until the deduction reduces U.S. taxes payable and all U.S. loss carryforwards have been utilized.
78
(n) Stock-based compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payments” (“FAS No. 123R”). Accordingly, we measure share-based compensation at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and recognize this cost over the employee’s requisite service period. We adopted the provisions of FAS No. 123R using the modified prospective transition method, under which prior periods are not restated. The valuation provisions of FAS No. 123R apply to new awards and to awards that are outstanding on the date of adoption that are subsequently modified or cancelled. Compensation expense for unvested stock options and awards that were outstanding on January 1, 2006 will be recognized over the remaining service period based on the grant date fair value of those options and awards as previously calculated under the pro-forma disclosures of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“FAS No. 123”).
Prior to the adoption of FAS No. 123R, we used the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), and related Interpretations and provided the disclosure-only provisions of FAS No. 123. Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation had been recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations prior to January 1, 2006 because the exercise price of our stock options granted to employees and directors was equal to the market value of the underlying common shares at the date of grant.
See note 10 for further details regarding our stock-based compensation.
(o) Revenue recognition
We recognize revenue from sales of products and services upon the later of transfer of title or upon shipment of the product to the customer or rendering of the service, so long as persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Customers include resellers, original equipment manufacturers, wireless service providers and end-users. We record deferred revenue when we receive cash in advance of the revenue recognition criteria being met.
We recognize revenue on the portion of sales to certain resellers that are subject to contract provisions allowing various rights of return and stock rotation when the rights have expired or the products have been reported as sold by the resellers.
Revenues from contracts with multiple-element arrangements, such as those including technical support services, are recognized as each element is earned based on the relative fair value of each element and only when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements.
Revenue from licensed software is recognized at the inception of the license term and in accordance with Statement of Position 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition”. Revenue from software maintenance, unspecified upgrades and technical support contracts is recognized over the period such items are delivered or services are provided. Technical support contracts extending beyond the current period are recorded as deferred revenue.
Funding from research and development agreements, other than government research and development arrangements, is recognized as revenue when certain criteria stipulated under the terms of those funding agreements have been met, and when there is reasonable assurance the funding will be received. Certain research and development funding will be repayable only on the occurrence of specified future events. If such events do not occur, no repayment would be required. We will recognize the liability to repay research and development funding in the period in which conditions arise that would cause research and development funding to be repayable.
79
(p) Warranty costs
We accrue warranty costs upon the recognition of related revenue, based on our best estimates, with reference to past and expected future experience. If there is a change in these estimates, we adjust our accrual accordingly.
(q) Market development costs
We accrue for co-op advertising costs upon the later of the recognition date of the related revenue or date at which the co-op advertising is available. Market development costs are recorded as marketing expense in accordance with the criteria in Emerging Issues Task Force 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of Vendor’s Products)”.
(r) Share issue costs
We reduce the value of consideration assigned to shares issued by the direct costs, net of income tax recoveries, of issuing the shares.
(s) Earnings (loss) per common share
We calculate basic earnings (loss) per share based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the year. If, in a reporting period, we have had in-the-money outstanding dilutive stock options and warrants, we calculate diluted earnings (loss) per share using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the number of dilutive shares, if any, are determined by the proceeds from the exercise price of the options, the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation, the estimated tax benefit that would be recognized when the options by U.S. employees are exercised, and the average market price of the shares for the period, that could be used to repurchase stock during the reporting period.
(t) Comprehensive income (loss)
Under FAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, we are required to report comprehensive income (loss), which includes our net earnings (loss) as well as changes in equity from other non-owner sources. In our case, the other changes in equity included in comprehensive income (loss) are comprised of the foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.
(u) Investment tax credits
Investment tax credits are accounted for using the flow through method whereby such credits are accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense in the period in which the credit arises.
(v) Comparative figures
We have reclassified certain of the figures presented for comparative purposes to conform to the financial statement presentation we adopted for the current year.
(w) Recent accounting pronouncements
In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157 entitled “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS No. 157”). This statement clarifies the definition of fair value to provide greater consistency and clarity on existing accounting pronouncements that require fair value measurements, provides a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 is required to be applied for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within that year. The impact that FAS No. 157 will have on our consolidated financial statements is not yet determinable.
80
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB No. 108”) regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements. Effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006, material misstatements in the current year may result in the need to correct prior year financial statements, even if the misstatement in the prior year(s) is considered immaterial. There is no impact from SAB No. 108 on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, entitled “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement method for the recognition of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. The impact that FIN 48 will have on our consolidated financial statements, if any, is not yet determinable.
3. Restructuring and other charges
In the second quarter of 2005, we announced our decision to exit our Voq professional phone initiative. In addition to the exit of the Voq initiative, we made certain non-Voq related reductions to our operating expenses and assets. During 2005, we recorded restructuring and other charges of $18,485 as follows:
|
Inventory writedown |
|
$ |
8,556 |
|
|
Provision for royalty commitments |
|
2,749 |
|
|
|
Intangible assets writedown |
|
2,435 |
|
|
|
Workforce reduction |
|
1,507 |
|
|
|
Fixed assets writedown |
|
913 |
|
|
|
Facilities restructuring |
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
Deferred tax asset writedown |
|
500 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
690 |
|
|
|
Total restructuring and other charges |
|
$ |
18,485 |
|
Of the restructuring and other charges of $18,485, $12,686 was included in cost of goods sold, $5,255 in restructuring and other expenses, $500 in income tax expense and $44 in other expense in 2005.
The inventory writedown of $8,556 was related to the writedown of Voq components and finished goods.
The provision for royalty commitments of $2,749 was related to a writedown of prepaid royalties in the amount of $937 and a further provision of $1,812 was for contractual royalty commitments.
Fixed and intangible assets impairment charges of $913 and $2,435, respectively, consisted of writedowns primarily for research and development equipment, test equipment and research and development licenses. The fixed assets and intangible assets, which were no longer required, were written down to nil.
Workforce reduction charges of $1,507 were related to the cost of severance and benefits associated with the 32 employees terminated during the second quarter of 2005. As a result of the workforce reduction, a facilities restructuring provision of $1,135 was recorded to reflect the costs related to the leased facilities that exceeded our requirements.
We increased our deferred tax asset valuation allowance by $500, thereby reducing our deferred tax asset to nil, to reflect the reduction in our deferred tax assets that we did not believe to be more likely than not to be realized.
Other charges of $690 included provisions for tooling purchase commitments that were no longer useable and professional fees incurred in connection with the restructuring activities.
By December 31, 2005, we had substantially completed the implementation of our restructuring program.
81
The following table summarizes the changes in the provision for prior period restructuring and other charges at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Facilities |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of |
|
Restructuring |
|
|||
|
|
|
Total |
|
Goods Sold |
|
and Other |
|
|||
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
2,505 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
2,505 |
|
|
2005 restructuring |
|
5,890 |
|
3,475 |
|
2,415 |
|
|||
|
Increase in facilities accrual |
|
530 |
|
— |
|
530 |
|
|||
|
Cash payments |
|
(5,478 |
) |
(2,848 |
) |
(2,630 |
) |
|||
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
3,447 |
|
627 |
|
2,820 |
|
|||
|
Cash payments |
|
(1,062 |
) |
— |
|
(1,062 |
) |
|||
|
Increase in facilities accrual |
|
228 |
|
— |
|
228 |
|
|||
|
Other adjustments |
|
(361 |
) |
(361 |
) |
— |
|
|||
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
2,252 |
|
$ |
266 |
|
$ |
1,986 |
|
4. Investments
Investments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, were comprised as follows:
|
|
Short-term |
|
Long-term |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
||||
|
Government treasury bills and securities |
|
$ |
13,664 |
|
$ |
19,995 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
Government bonds |
|
— |
|
2,522 |
|
14,867 |
|
— |
|
||||
|
Commercial paper |
|
11,243 |
|
18,037 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||||
|
|
|
$ |
24,907 |
|
$ |
40,554 |
|
$ |
14,867 |
|
$ |
— |
|
Our short-term investments of $40,554 (2005 – $24,907) have contractual maturities ranging from three to twelve months from the date of purchase. Our long-term investments of nil (2005 – $14,867) have contractual maturities of over one year.
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair values of our investments that have been in an unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary for less than and more than 12 months at December 31, 2006:
|
|
Less than 12 Months |
|
More than 12 Months |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
||||
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Losses |
|
Fair Value |
|
Losses |
|
||||
|
Government treasury bills and securities |
|
$ |
5,041 |
|
$ |
2 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
Government bonds |
|
— |
|
— |
|
2,522 |
|
19 |
|
||||
|
|
|
$ |
5,041 |
|
$ |
2 |
|
$ |
2,522 |
|
$ |
19 |
|
We have government-backed investments with unrealized losses. However, the duration and severity of the losses are not significant and we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until the market values recover, which may be when they mature, therefore we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2006.
82
5. Inventories
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Electronic components |
|
$ |
1,675 |
|
$ |
7,511 |
|
|
Finished goods |
|
1,641 |
|
11,378 |
|
||
|
|
|
$ |
3,316 |
|
$ |
18,889 |
|
6. Fixed assets
|
|
2006 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Book |
|
|||
|
|
|
Cost |
|
Amortization |
|
Value |
|
|||
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
$ |
2,982 |
|
$ |
2,482 |
|
$ |
500 |
|
|
Research and development equipment |
|
14,820 |
|
9,440 |
|
5,380 |
|
|||
|
Tooling |
|
13,742 |
|
7,933 |
|
5,809 |
|
|||
|
Software |
|
4,373 |
|
3,392 |
|
981 |
|
|||
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
2,537 |
|
2,114 |
|
423 |
|
|||
|
Office equipment |
|
735 |
|
428 |
|
307 |
|
|||
|
|
|
$ |
39,189 |
|
$ |
25,789 |
|
$ |
13,400 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Net |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization |
|
Book |
|
|||
|
|
|
Cost |
|
& Writedown |
|
Value |
|
|||
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
$ |
2,957 |
|
$ |
2,278 |
|
$ |
679 |
|
|
Research and development equipment |
|
15,478 |
|
9,842 |
|
5,636 |
|
|||
|
Tooling |
|
11,097 |
|
8,326 |
|
2,771 |
|
|||
|
Software |
|
7,081 |
|
5,399 |
|
1,682 |
|
|||
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
2,451 |
|
1,916 |
|
535 |
|
|||
|
Office equipment |
|
688 |
|
344 |
|
344 |
|
|||
|
|
|
$ |
39,752 |
|
$ |
28,105 |
|
$ |
11,647 |
|
7. Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill of $18,409 relates to the August 2003 acquisition of AirPrime, Inc. (“AirPrime”), a privately held supplier of high-speed CDMA wireless products. During 2006, goodwill decreased by $818 (2005 – nil) due to the utilization of previously unrecognized pre-acquisition tax losses. An annual impairment test has been performed, which resulted in no impairment loss.
83
The components of intangible assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
|
2006 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Book |
|
|||
|
|
|
Cost |
|
Amortization |
|
Value |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Patents and trademarks |
|
$ |
4,737 |
|
$ |
1,149 |
|
$ |
3,588 |
|
|
Licenses |
|
13,840 |
|
9,118 |
|
4,722 |
|
|||
|
Intellectual property |
|
4,214 |
|
2,986 |
|
1,228 |
|
|||
|
Customer relationships |
|
940 |
|
635 |
|
305 |
|
|||
|
Databases |
|
150 |
|
101 |
|
49 |
|
|||
|
|
|
$ |
23,881 |
|
$ |
13,989 |
|
$ |
9,892 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
Net |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization |
|
Book |
|
|||
|
|
|
Cost |
|
& Writedown |
|
Value |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Patents and trademarks |
|
$ |
3,933 |
|
$ |
803 |
|
$ |
3,130 |
|
|
Licenses |
|
13,051 |
|
8,046 |
|
5,005 |
|
|||
|
Intellectual property |
|
4,214 |
|
2,230 |
|
1,984 |
|
|||
|
Customer relationships |
|
940 |
|
445 |
|
495 |
|
|||
|
Databases |
|
150 |
|
71 |
|
79 |
|
|||
|
|
|
$ |
22,288 |
|
$ |
11,595 |
|
$ |
10,693 |
|
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be $2,770 per year.
8. Long-term liabilities
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Facilities (note 3) |
|
$ |
2,820 |
|
$ |
1,986 |
|
|
Less current portion |
|
894 |
|
841 |
|
||
|
|
|
$ |
1,926 |
|
$ |
1,145 |
|
Of the balance outstanding as at December 31, 2006, $648 (2005 – $920) is from the 2005 restructuring and $1,338 (2005 – $1,900) arises from prior restructurings.
9. Share capital
Stock option plan
Under the terms of our employee Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), our Board of Directors may grant options to employees, officers and directors. In April 2005, shareholders approved an amendment to the Plan whereby the maximum number of shares available for issue under the Plan is a rolling number equal to 10% of the number of issued and outstanding common shares from time to time, provided that after April 2005 no more than 1,600,000 common shares will be added to the number of common shares currently available for issue under the Plan without the Company first obtaining shareholder approval. Prior to this amendment, the number of shares available for issuance was a specified, fixed amount. Based on the number of shares outstanding as at December 31, 2006, stock options exercisable into 599,061 common shares are available for future allocation under the Plan. Since the amendment to the Plan, 381,863 common shares have been added to the number of common shares currently available for issue under the Plan, which are to be applied against the limit of 1,600,000 common shares.
84
The Plan provides for granting of options at the fair market value of our stock at the grant date. Options generally vest over four years, with the first 25% vesting at the first anniversary date of the grant and the balance vesting in equal amounts at the end of each month thereafter. We determine the term of each option at the time it is granted, with options having a five-year or a ten-year term. Since February 1999, options have been granted with a five-year term.
Stock option activity since December 31, 2003 is presented below:
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Weighted Average |
|
||
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Exercise Price |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Cdn.$ |
|
U.S.$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2003 |
|
1,726,360 |
|
11.58 |
|
8.98 |
|
|
Granted |
|
566,813 |
|
30.77 |
|
25.43 |
|
|
Exercised |
|
(535,160 |
) |
11.74 |
|
9.70 |
|
|
Forfeited |
|
(52,442 |
) |
25.98 |
|
21.47 |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2004 |
|
1,705,571 |
|
20.71 |
|
17.12 |
|
|
Granted |
|
575,422 |
|
10.70 |
|
9.18 |
|
|
Exercised |
|
(119,216 |
) |
5.34 |
|
4.58 |
|
|
Forfeited |
|
(362,344 |
) |
31.71 |
|
27.21 |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2005 |
|
1,799,433 |
|
18.48 |
|
15.86 |
|
|
Granted |
|
567,750 |
|
14.59 |
|
12.95 |
|
|
Exercised |
|
(231,884 |
) |
6.57 |
|
5.84 |
|
|
Forfeited |
|
(163,527 |
) |
18.85 |
|
16.73 |
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2006 |
|
1,971,772 |
|
16.64 |
|
14.22 |
|
|
|
Exercisable, |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
end of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
545,382 |
|
|
2005 |
|
959,717 |
|
|
2006 |
|
1,023,246 |
|
85
The following table summarizes the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
Options Exercisable |
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
Number |
|
Remaining |
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
||||||||
|
Range of |
|
of |
|
Contractual |
|
Average |
|
Number |
|
Average |
|
||||||||
|
Exercise Prices |
|
Options |
|
Life |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Exercisable |
|
Exercise Price |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
In years |
|
Cdn.$ |
|
U.S.$ |
|
|
|
Cdn.$ |
|
U.S.$ |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
$1.28 - $2.99 (Cdn.$1.50 – Cdn.$3.50) |
|
139,625 |
|
0.7 |
|
$ |
3.14 |
|
$ |
2.68 |
|
139,625 |
|
$ |
3.14 |
|
$ |
2.68 |
|
|
$3.00 - $10.26 (Cdn.$3.51 – Cdn.$12.00) |
|
544,266 |
|
2.8 |
|
10.15 |
|
8.68 |
|
284,207 |
|
9.88 |
|
8.44 |
|
||||
|
$10.27 - $17.09 (Cdn.$12.01 – Cdn.$20.00) |
|
670,361 |
|
3.9 |
|
14.67 |
|
12.54 |
|
100,148 |
|
15.48 |
|
13.23 |
|
||||
|
$17.10 - $25.64 (Cdn.$20.01 - Cdn.$30.00) |
|
414,720 |
|
2.0 |
|
24.02 |
|
20.53 |
|
338,320 |
|
23.93 |
|
20.45 |
|
||||
|
$25.65 - $39.87 (Cdn.$30.01 - Cdn.$46.65) |
|
202,800 |
|
2.2 |
|
34.80 |
|
29.74 |
|
160,946 |
|
34.70 |
|
29.66 |
|
||||
|
|
|
1,971,772 |
|
2.8 |
|
16.64 |
|
14.22 |
|
1,023,246 |
|
18.06 |
|
15.43 |
|
||||
The options outstanding at December 31, 2006 expire between January 24, 2007 and December 8, 2011.
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2006 was $5,581 and $3,320, respectively. The intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable stock options is calculated as the quoted market price of the stock at the balance sheet date less the exercise price of the option. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in the year ended December 31, 2006 was $2,465 (2005 – $777; 2004 – $8,814).
Employee stock purchase plan
During 2005 we established employee stock purchase plans for U.S. and Canadian and other non-U.S employees (together, the “ESPP Plans”) to enable eligible employees and directors to acquire common shares over the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. The ESPP Plans do not allow the issuance of common shares from treasury. Eligible employees and directors may contribute up to 10% of base compensation to purchase common shares on the public markets. Under the U.S. plan, the purchase price to be paid by an eligible employee is 85% of the fair market value of the common shares, with us contributing the other 15%, plus any applicable commissions or transactional costs. The maximum number of common shares that can be purchased under the U.S. plan is 50,000 Common Shares. Under the non-U.S. plan we contribute an amount equal to 20% of the employee’s contribution, plus any applicable commissions or transactional costs. The ESPP Plans purchase shares at certain plan-defined dates. In 2006 participants purchased at total of 15,639 (2005 – 17,832) Common Shares at a weighted-average price of U.S.$13.36 (2005 – U.S.$9.25) per share.
Warrants
There are outstanding warrants to purchase 138,696 of our common shares at Cdn. $20.49 per share. The warrants are exercisable for a term of five years from December 30, 2003. The warrants were issued under our agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program (see note 15(b)(iv)).
86
10. Stock-based compensation
The following table summarizes the classification of the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
2006 |
|
||
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
$ |
377 |
|
|
Sales and marketing |
|
493 |
|
|
|
Research and development, net |
|
746 |
|
|
|
Administration |
|
2,180 |
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
$ |
3,796 |
|
As of December 31, 2006, there was $6,587 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation, which is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.
We calculate the fair value of stock options granted under the provisions of FAS No. 123R using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Under this method, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted in 2006 was $7.98 using the following assumptions:
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Expected dividend yield |
|
0 |
|
|
Expected stock price volatility |
|
75 |
% |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
4.19 |
% |
|
Expected life of options |
|
4 years |
|
There is no dividend yield because we do not pay, and do not plan to pay, cash dividends on our common shares. The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our average monthly stock closing prices over a period equal to the expected life of each option grant. The risk-free interest rate is based on yields from Canadian Government Bond yields with a term equal to the expected term of the options being valued. The expected life of options represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding based on historical data of option holder exercise and termination behaviour.
Under FAS No.123R stock-based compensation is recognized based on awards expected to vest, and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant, and if necessary, revise that estimate if actual forfeitures differ. Prior to 2006, forfeitures were accounted for as they occurred.
The following table summarizes the pro-forma effect of stock-based compensation for fiscal 2005 and 2004 as if the fair value method of accounting for stock compensation had been applied. Due to the adoption of FAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, such pro-forma disclosure is not required for 2006.
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
||
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
As reported |
|
$ |
24,920 |
|
$ |
(36,468 |
) |
|
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards |
|
(5,591 |
) |
(7,615 |
) |
||
|
Pro-forma |
|
$ |
19,329 |
|
$ |
(44,083 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
As reported |
|
$ |
0.99 |
|
$ |
(1.44 |
) |
|
Pro-forma |
|
0.77 |
|
(1.74 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
As reported |
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
$ |
(1.44 |
) |
|
Pro-forma |
|
0.75 |
|
(1.74 |
) |
||
87
In 2005, the Board of Directors approved the accelerated vesting of certain “out-of-the-money” stock options previously granted under the Company’s stock option plan to participants other than board members and executive officers of the Company. In aggregate, the vesting of stock options to purchase a total of 175,650 common shares with an exercise price of US$14.25 (Cdn.$16.82) per share or higher, being 25% above the trading price at the time of the Board of Directors’ approved this initiative, was accelerated and these became fully exercisable in November 2005. These options would otherwise have vested over time periods ranging up to December 2008. Accelerating the vesting of certain stock options resulted in the inclusion of approximately $2,300 in the pro-forma stock-based compensation expense.
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 was $5.94 and $16.71, respectively, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
||
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
Expected dividend yield |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
Expected stock price volatility |
|
93 |
% |
85 |
% |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
3.76 |
% |
3.43 |
% |
|
Expected life of options |
|
4 years |
|
4 years |
|
11. Financial instruments
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and current portions of long-term liabilities, approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. Short and long-term investments are carried at fair market value; their book values for December 31, 2006 were $40,571 (2005 – $24,909) and nil (2005 – $14,956), respectively. Based on borrowing rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms, the carrying value of our obligations under capital lease and long-term liabilities approximates their fair value.
Concentrations of business risk
We depend on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenue. In 2006, two customers accounted individually for more than 10% of our revenue and, in aggregate, these customers represented 40% of our revenue. In the years ended 2005 and 2004, two different customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue.
We maintain substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions or government instruments. Corporate paper is uninsured. Our deposits with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits.
We outsource manufacturing of our products to third parties. We are dependent upon the development and deployment by third parties of their manufacturing abilities. The inability of any supplier or manufacturer to fulfill our supply requirements could impact future results. We have supply commitments to our outsource manufacturers based on our estimates of customer and market demand. Where actual results vary from our estimates, whether due to execution on our part or market conditions, we are at risk.
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily accounts receivable. We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customer’s financial condition and require letters of credit or other guarantees whenever deemed appropriate.
Although substantially all of our revenues are received in U.S. dollars, we incur operating costs and have obligations under capital leases that are denominated in Cdn. dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between these currencies could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We mitigate this risk by denominating many of our payment obligations in U.S. dollars.
88
Letter of credit
During 2006, we obtained a letter of credit to ensure the performance of a third party in accordance with specified terms and conditions. At December 31, 2006, we had $3,237 outstanding under the letter of credit, which approximates the fair value.
Line of credit
During 2006, we had an unsecured revolving demand facility for $10,000, which bears interest at prime per annum. The balance at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was nil and this facility was not utilized during either fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005.
12. Income taxes
The composition of our deferred tax assets at December 31 is as follows:
|
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Fixed assets |
|
$ |
933 |
|
$ |
1,063 |
|
|
Loss carryforwards |
|
19,601 |
|
15,044 |
|
||
|
Capital loss carryforwards |
|
— |
|
4,618 |
|
||
|
Scientific research and development expenses |
|
13,715 |
|
15,134 |
|
||
|
Share issue costs |
|
737 |
|
332 |
|
||
|
Reserves and other |
|
3,287 |
|
2,611 |
|
||
|
Total gross deferred tax assets |
|
38,273 |
|
38,802 |
|
||
|
Less valuation allowance |
|
38,273 |
|
38,684 |
|
||
|
Net deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
118 |
|
We believe that realization of our net deferred tax assets is more likely than not. In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. We considered projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making our assessment.
At December 31, 2006, we had approximately $19,654 of non-capital loss carryforwards for Canadian tax purposes that, if unutilized, will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2010 and ending in fiscal 2015. Also, we have approximately $14,898 of capital loss carryforwards for Canadian tax purposes that are available, indefinitely, to be deducted against future Canadian taxable capital gains. As well, we have approximately $39,812 of scientific research and development expenditures available to be deducted against future Canadian taxable income that may be carried forward indefinitely and investment tax credits of approximately $22,633 available to offset future Canadian federal and provincial income taxes payable. The investment tax credits expire commencing in 2010 until 2016.
In addition, at December 31, 2006, net operating loss carryforwards for our foreign subsidiaries were $25,785 for United States income tax purposes and $654 for U.K. income tax purposes. These carryforwards expire in various amounts commencing in 2019 through 2025. Our foreign subsidiaries may be limited in their ability to use foreign net operating losses in any single year depending on their ability to generate significant taxable income. We also have approximately $1,660 of research and development credits available to be deducted against future United States taxable income. The research and development credits expire commencing in 2023 until 2025.
89
Effective tax rate
Our income tax expense for the year ended December 31 differs from that calculated by applying statutory rates for the following reasons:
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Combined
Canadian federal and provincial income taxes at expected rate of 34.1% |
|
$ |
10,437 |
|
$ |
(13,038 |
) |
$ |
3,699 |
|
|
Permanent and other differences |
|
(126 |
) |
468 |
|
1,028 |
|
|||
|
Unrecognized tax assets |
|
(5,780 |
) |
10,965 |
|
(3,387 |
) |
|||
|
(Income) loss subject to tax at rates lower than statutory rate |
|
(133 |
) |
160 |
|
(176 |
) |
|||
|
Writedown (recognition) of deferred tax asset |
|
— |
|
500 |
|
(118 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
$ |
4,398 |
|
$ |
(945 |
) |
$ |
1,046 |
|
Our provisions for income taxes consist of the following:
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Canadian |
|
$ |
357 |
|
$ |
(42 |
) |
$ |
(91 |
) |
|
Foreign |
|
4,041 |
|
(1,403 |
) |
1,255 |
|
|||
|
Total current |
|
4,398 |
|
(1,445 |
) |
1,164 |
|
|||
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Canadian |
|
(500 |
) |
500 |
|
— |
|
|||
|
Foreign |
|
500 |
|
— |
|
(118 |
) |
|||
|
Total deferred |
|
— |
|
500 |
|
(118 |
) |
|||
|
Income tax expense (recovery) |
|
$ |
4,398 |
|
$ |
(945 |
) |
$ |
1,046 |
|
13. Research and development
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Gross research and development |
|
$ |
25,200 |
|
$ |
30,390 |
|
$ |
32,094 |
|
|
Government research and development funding |
|
(2,643 |
) |
(893 |
) |
— |
|
|||
|
Government research and development repayments |
|
1,970 |
|
868 |
|
1,993 |
|
|||
|
|
|
$ |
24,527 |
|
$ |
30,365 |
|
$ |
34,087 |
|
14. Earnings (loss) per share
The weighted-average numbers of shares outstanding (in thousands) used in the computation of earnings (loss) per share are as follows:
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
Weighted-average shares used in computation of basic earnings (loss) per share |
|
25,212 |
|
25,385 |
|
25,609 |
|
|
Weighted-average shares from assumed conversion of dilutive options |
|
852 |
|
— |
|
248 |
|
|
Weighted-average shares used in computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|
26,064 |
|
25,385 |
|
25,857 |
|
90
15. Commitments and contingencies
(a) Operating leases
We lease equipment and premises with minimum future lease payments denominated in Cdn. dollars at December 31, 2006 as follows:
|
|
|
Cdn.$ |
|
U.S.$ |
|
||
|
2007 |
|
$ |
3,524 |
|
$ |
3,012 |
|
|
2008 |
|
3,393 |
|
2,900 |
|
||
|
2009 |
|
2,597 |
|
2,220 |
|
||
|
2010 |
|
2,587 |
|
2,211 |
|
||
|
2011 |
|
1,453 |
|
1,242 |
|
||
|
Thereafter |
|
112 |
|
96 |
|
||
|
|
|
$ |
13,666 |
|
$ |
11,681 |
|
(b) Contingent liability on sale of products
(i) Under license agreements, we are committed to make royalty payments based on the sales of products using certain technologies. We recognize royalty obligations as determinable in accordance with agreement terms. Where agreements are not finalized, we have recognized our current best estimate of the obligation. When the agreements are finalized, the estimate will be revised accordingly.
(ii) We are a party to a variety of agreements in the ordinary course of business under which we may be obligated to indemnify a third party with respect to certain matters. Typically, these obligations arise as a result of contracts for sale of our products to customers where we provide indemnification against losses arising from matters such as potential intellectual property infringements and product liabilities. The impact on our future financial results is not subject to reasonable estimation because considerable uncertainty exists as to whether claims will be made and the final outcome of potential claims. To date, we have not incurred material costs related to these types of indemnifications.
(iii) Under certain research and development funding agreements, we are contingently liable to repay up to $3,168. Repayment under these agreements is contingent upon reaching certain revenue levels for specified products.
(iv) Under an agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program, we have received Cdn. $9,999 to support the development of a range of third generation wireless technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, an amount up to a maximum of Cdn. $13,000 is to be repaid based on annual sales, in excess of certain minimum amounts, of specified products commencing in 2004. As all funds available under this program were earned prior to 2004, during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, we claimed nil. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded, in research and development expense, the accrued repayment of $1,977 (2005 – $850; 2004 – $1,904). In addition, we issued warrants to TPC to purchase 138,696 common shares on December 30, 2003, valued at Cdn. $2,000 based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The warrants are exercisable at Cdn. $20.49 per share for a term of five years from December 30, 2003. As of December 31, 2006, no warrants have been exercised.
In March 2004, we entered into a second agreement with TPC under which we are eligible to receive conditionally repayable research and development funding up to Cdn. $9,540 to support the development of a range of third generation wireless technologies. The agreement is effective April 2003. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we claimed nil (2005 – $893; 2004 – $2,643), which has been recorded as a reduction of research and development expense. With the termination of the Voq professional phone initiative in the second quarter of 2005 no further TPC funding is anticipated. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded, in research and development expense, the accrued repayment of $16 (2005 – $18; 2004 – nil). Under the terms of the agreement, repayment based on a percentage of annual sales, in excess of certain minimum amounts, will be made over the period from April 2003 to December 2011. The funding is repayable upon the occurrence of certain events of default, which include material change or insolvency events. If the payments
91
during this period are less than Cdn. $16,455, payments will continue subsequent to December 2011 until the earlier of when the amount is reached or December 2014. No cash repayments were made in 2006 or 2005.
(v) We accrue product warranty costs, when we sell the related products, to provide for the repair or replacement of defective products. Our accrual is based on an assessment of historical experience and on management’s estimates. An analysis of changes in the liability for product warranties follows:
|
Balance, December 31, 2003 |
|
$ |
2,341 |
|
|
Provisions |
|
2,785 |
|
|
|
Expenditures |
|
(2,185 |
) |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004 |
|
2,941 |
|
|
|
Provisions |
|
1,898 |
|
|
|
Expenditures |
|
(2,206 |
) |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
2,633 |
|
|
|
Provisions |
|
3,522 |
|
|
|
Expenditures |
|
(3,550 |
) |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
2,605 |
|
(c) Other commitments
We have entered into purchase commitments totalling approximately $77,479 with certain contract manufacturers under which we have committed to buy a minimum amount of designated products between January 2007 and March 2007. In certain of these agreements, we may be required to acquire and pay for such products up to the prescribed minimum or forecasted purchases.
(d) Legal proceedings
(i) Sierra Wireless America, Inc., as successor to AirPrime, Inc., is named as a defendant in a class action complaint for alleged violations of federal and state securities laws allegedly occurring prior to the time AirPrime, Inc. was acquired by the Company. The settlement of this litigation was approved by the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Diego in February 2007. The settlement, which will be recorded once the appeal period has ended, will have no net effect on our income statement. If the judgment of the Court does not become final due to a successful appeal, the litigation will continue and although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome of the dispute would not a have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend them.
(ii) The Company and certain of our current and former officers are named as defendants in several class action complaints for alleged violations of federal securities laws, which are consolidated for pretrial purposes in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs filed their consolidated amended complaint on February 21, 2006 and the Company and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss on April 7, 2006. To date, the Court has not considered the motion to dismiss. We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, which has agreed to pay our costs of defense that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event that it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation. Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the lawsuits. The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any. However, the Company believes that it is probable that the legal costs related to these complaints may exceed our policy retention amount of $1,000. Accordingly, we accrued $1,000 in the year ended December 31, 2005.
(iii) We are engaged in certain legal actions in the ordinary course of business and believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or
92
financial position.
16. Supplementary information
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
(a) Cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Cash received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Interest |
|
$ |
1,660 |
|
$ |
2,792 |
|
$ |
4,204 |
|
|
Income taxes |
|
4 |
|
1,590 |
|
717 |
|
|||
|
Cash paid for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Interest |
|
32 |
|
59 |
|
19 |
|
|||
|
Income taxes |
|
2,649 |
|
470 |
|
247 |
|
|||
|
Non-cash financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Purchase of fixed assets funded by obligations under capital lease |
|
1,238 |
|
24 |
|
— |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
(b) Allowance for doubtful accounts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Opening balance |
|
$ |
2,230 |
|
$ |
2,468 |
|
$ |
1,561 |
|
|
Bad debt expense |
|
366 |
|
(36 |
) |
315 |
|
|||
|
Write offs and settlements |
|
(128 |
) |
(871 |
) |
(9 |
) |
|||
|
Closing balance |
|
$ |
2,468 |
|
$ |
1,561 |
|
$ |
1,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
(c) Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Rent expense |
|
$ |
2,004 |
|
$ |
2,168 |
|
$ |
2,334 |
|
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
333 |
|
(951 |
) |
911 |
|
|||
17. Segmented information
We operate in the wireless communications solutions industry and all sales of our products and services are made in this segment. Management makes decisions about allocating resources based on the one operating segment.
Revenues by product were as follows:
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
PC card |
|
$ |
125,604 |
|
$ |
74,495 |
|
$ |
156,512 |
|
|
Embedded modules |
|
70,044 |
|
13,419 |
|
51,888 |
|
|||
|
Mobile |
|
10,451 |
|
14,154 |
|
7,082 |
|
|||
|
Other |
|
3,718 |
|
5,076 |
|
5,803 |
|
|||
|
Research and development funding |
|
1,388 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||
|
|
|
$ |
211,205 |
|
$ |
107,144 |
|
$ |
221,285 |
|
As at December 31, 2006, 34% (2005 – 43%) of our fixed assets are in Canada. In the year ended December 31, 2006, product sales in the Americas were 64% (2005 – 69%; 2004 – 89%).
We sell certain products through resellers, original equipment manufacturers, and wireless service providers who sell these products to end-users. The approximate sales to the significant channels are as follows:
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
Customer A |
|
less than 10% |
|
$ |
17,545 |
|
$ |
25,502 |
|
|
|
Customer B |
|
less than 10% |
|
20,585 |
|
62,747 |
|
|||
|
Customer C |
|
$ |
55,718 |
|
less than 10% |
|
less than 10% |
|
||
|
Customer D |
|
52,755 |
|
less than 10% |
|
less than 10% |
|
|||
93
18. Differences between United States and Canadian GAAP
New Canadian securities regulations provide that financial statements filed by an SEC issuer may be prepared in accordance with United States GAAP provided that, if the SEC issuer previously filed or included in a prospectus financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, the issuer complies with certain disclosure requirements. Those requirements include explaining and quantifying the differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP for the current and comparative periods presented.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which differ in certain material respects from those principles that would have been followed had our consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The following is a reconciliation of the net earnings (loss) between U.S. GAAP and Canadian GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004:
|
|
|
Years ended December 31, |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Net earnings (loss) under U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
24,920 |
|
$ |
(36,468 |
) |
$ |
9,796 |
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense (a) |
|
(5,591 |
) |
(7,615 |
) |
— |
|
|||
|
Realization of previously recognized losses on short-term investments (d) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
68 |
|
|||
|
Unrealized loss on short and long-term investments (d) |
|
— |
|
(91 |
) |
(20 |
) |
|||
|
Stock option tax benefit difference (h) |
|
51 |
|
75 |
|
— |
|
|||
|
Net earnings (loss) under Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
19,380 |
|
$ |
(44,099 |
) |
$ |
9,844 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Earnings (loss) per share under Canadian GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.77 |
|
$ |
(1.74 |
) |
$ |
0.38 |
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
$ |
(1.74 |
) |
$ |
0.38 |
|
94
The most significant balance sheet differences between U.S. GAAP and Canadian GAAP are as follows:
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Share capital under U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
219,398 |
|
$ |
221,861 |
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense (a) |
|
4,250 |
|
4,250 |
|
||
|
Foreign currency translation (g) |
|
(1,223 |
) |
(1,223 |
) |
||
|
Share capital under Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
222,425 |
|
$ |
224,888 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Additional paid-in capital under U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
556 |
|
$ |
3,240 |
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense (a) |
|
47,960 |
|
47,960 |
|
||
|
Stock option tax benefit difference (h) |
|
(126 |
) |
(126 |
) |
||
|
Contributed surplus under Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
48,390 |
|
$ |
51,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Deficit under U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(82,857 |
) |
$ |
(73,061 |
) |
|
Foreign currency translation (g) |
|
978 |
|
978 |
|
||
|
Stock-based compensation expense (a) |
|
(52,210 |
) |
(52,210 |
) |
||
|
Unrealized loss on short and long-term investments (d) |
|
(91 |
) |
(43 |
) |
||
|
Stock option tax benefit difference (h) |
|
126 |
|
126 |
|
||
|
Deficit under Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
(134,054 |
) |
$ |
(124,210 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cumulative translation adjustments under U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(820 |
) |
$ |
(746 |
) |
|
Foreign currency translation (g) |
|
245 |
|
245 |
|
||
|
Loss on short and long-term investments (d) |
|
91 |
|
17 |
|
||
|
Cumulative translation adjustments under Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
(484 |
) |
$ |
(484 |
) |
(a) Stock-based compensation
(i) Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted FAS No. 123R, under which we measure stock-based compensation at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and recognize this cost over the employee’s requisite service period. Accordingly, there is no Canadian GAAP difference in 2006. Prior to 2006, under U.S. GAAP, we elected under FAS No. 123 to account for employee stock options using the intrinsic value method. This method is described in APB 25 and related interpretations. As we grant all stock options with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of the grant, no compensation expense was required to be recognized under APB 25.
(ii) Effective January 1, 2004, under Canadian GAAP, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of the amended Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook (“HB”) 3870, “Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments” (“HB 3870”), which requires recognition of an estimate of the fair value of stock-based awards in earnings. We have retroactively applied HB 3870, with restatement of prior periods to record the compensation cost that would have been recognized had the fair value recognition provisions of HB 3870 been applied to all awards granted to employees since the inception of the stock option plan.
(b) Research and development
Under U.S. GAAP, we expense research and development costs as they are incurred. Under Canadian GAAP, we expense research costs as they are incurred. Development costs are expensed unless they meet certain specified criteria for deferral and amortization. No development costs have been deferred during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, as the criteria for deferral were not met.
95
(c) Other comprehensive income (loss)
Under U.S. GAAP, we report comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 entitled “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. Under Canadian GAAP, we are not required to report comprehensive income (loss).
(d) Short and long-term investments
Under U.S. GAAP, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 entitled “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, prescribes that available-for-sale investments are marked to market with the resulting unrealized gains (losses) being recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), and subsequently reclassified to earnings at the time they are realized. Under Canadian GAAP, these investments are carried at the lower of cost and quoted market value, with unrealized losses recorded in net earnings (loss).
(e) Future income taxes
Under U.S. GAAP, tax rates applied in the calculation of future income taxes are those rates that are passed into law. Under Canadian GAAP, substantively enacted tax rates are used. There has been no impact to any of the numbers in the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
(f) Investment tax credits
Under U.S. GAAP, investment tax credits are accounted for using the flow through method whereby such credits are accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense in the period in which the credit arises. Under Canadian GAAP, investment tax credits are accounted for using the cost reduction method whereby such credits are deducted from the expenses or assets to which they relate in the period in which their recoverability is reasonably assured. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, no investment tax credits were recorded.
(g) Foreign currency translation
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company changed its reporting and functional currency from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars. Under U.S. GAAP, the shareholders’ equity accounts were translated into U.S. dollars at the rate in effect at the original transaction date, while under Canadian GAAP, all amounts were translated into U.S. dollars at the rate in effect on December 31, 1999.
(h) Stock option tax deduction
The tax benefit related to the stock option deduction is calculated as the difference between the cumulative accounting deduction and the tax deduction. Because the accounting deduction is calculated differently under U.S. and Canadian GAAP prior to the adoption of FAS No. 123R, the tax benefit recorded for accounting purposes is also different under each GAAP prior to 2006.
19. Subsequent event
On March 6, 2007, we announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding securities of AirLink Communications, Inc. (“AirLink”), a privately held supplier of high value fixed and mobile wireless data solutions for industrial and public safety applications located in Hayward, California. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Sierra Wireless will pay $10.0 million of cash consideration, subject to customary closing adjustments, and will issue approximately 1.3 million shares of Sierra Wireless to the shareholders of AirLink. The completion of the combination is expected by the end of June 2007.
96