Westell Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2017 Revenue of $15.4 Million

Sequential revenue growth and gross margin increase drives EPS improvement


AURORA, Ill., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTL), a leading provider of high-performance wireless infrastructure solutions, announced results for its fiscal 2017 fourth quarter ended March 31, 2017 (4Q17).  Management will host a conference call to discuss financial and business results after market close today, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time (details below).

Consolidated revenue for 4Q17 was $15.4 million, and consisted of $6.9 million from the In-Building Wireless (IBW) segment, $4.5 million from the Intelligent Site Management and Services (ISMS) segment, and $3.9 million from the Communication Network Solutions (CNS) segment. 

IBW recorded its highest quarterly revenue since December 2015, including record quarterly sales of the  Universal DAS Interface Tray (UDIT) and first revenue for the recently announced two-watt public safety repeater.  Also up sequentially were product sales within ISMS driven by software revenue and sales of integrated cabinets within CNS driven by new projects.

 4Q17
3 months ended
03/31/17
3Q17
3 months ended
12/31/16
+ favorable /
- unfavorable
Consolidated Revenue$15.4M$15.0M+3%
Net Income (Loss)
($0.6M)($1.8M)+69%
Gross Margin44.0%
40.4%
+3.6%
Earnings (Loss) Per Share($0.01)
($0.03)
+69%
Non-GAAP Net Income (1)
$1.0M$0.2M+375%
Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (1)$0.02
$—
+375%
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (1)$1.2M$0.5M+142%
(1)  Please refer to the schedule at the end of this press release for a complete GAAP to non-GAAP
reconciliation and other information related to non-GAAP financial measures.

“We once again delivered sequential bottom-line improvements in 4Q17, as GAAP performance was better by $1.3 million and non-GAAP performance, positive for the second consecutive quarter, improved $0.8 million.  Highlights included sequential revenue growth, gross margin increase, and continuous expense control,” said Kirk Brannock, President and CEO of Westell Technologies.  “Our top priority is driving revenue growth.  We continue to expand our IBW public safety product portfolio.  We also expect the emerging centralized radio access network (CRAN) architecture to present us with growth opportunities for both our ISMS and CNS products and solutions.”

GAAP operating expenses were $7.4 million in 4Q17, a 6% reduction compared to $7.8 million in 3Q17.  Non-GAAP operating expenses, which exclude stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and restructuring charges, were $5.9 million in 4Q17, flat compared to 3Q17.

Cash was $21.8 million at March 31, 2017 compared to $23.8 million at December 31, 2016 and $20.9 million at September 30, 2016.  Cash decreased $2.1 million in 4Q17 due primarily to a lower accounts payable and higher receivables at March 31, as well as employee severance payments.  Cash increased $0.9 million during the second half of fiscal 2017, the period in which the majority of our cost and expense reset took effect.

In-Building Wireless (IBW) Segment

IBW’s sequential revenue increase was driven by higher sales for all product lines in the segment, led by record quarterly sales of UDIT.  IBW’s gross margin increase was driven primarily by the higher revenue and lower product costs.

 4Q17
3 months ended
03/31/17
3Q17
3 months ended
12/31/16
+ favorable /
- unfavorable
IBW Segment Revenue$6.9M$6.2M+12%
IBW Segment Gross Margin42.2%
40.3%
+1.9%
IBW Segment R&D Expense$1.5M$1.3M-13%
IBW Segment Profit$1.5M$1.2M+21%

Intelligent Site Management & Services (ISMS) Segment

ISMS’s sequential revenue decrease was due to lower services revenue, partially offset by higher sales of both our remote monitoring units and management systems.  ISMS’s gross margin increase was driven primarily by a more favorable mix and lower costs.

 4Q17
3 months ended
03/31/17
3Q17
3 months ended
12/31/16
+ favorable /
- unfavorable
ISMS Segment Revenue$4.5M$5.5M-18%
ISMS Segment Gross Margin56.2%
50.6%
+5.6%
ISMS Segment R&D Expense$0.6M$0.8M+23%
ISMS Segment Profit$1.9M$2.0M-3%

Communication Network Solutions Group (CNS) Segment

CNS’s sequential revenue increase was driven primarily by higher sales of integrated cabinets.  CNS’s gross margin increase was driven by the higher revenue and lower costs.

 4Q17
3 months ended
03/31/17
3Q17
3 months ended
12/31/16
+ favorable /
- unfavorable
CNS Segment Revenue$3.9M$3.2M+20%
CNS Segment Gross Margin32.7%
23.1%
+9.6%
CNS Segment R&D Expense$0.3M$0.3M+15%
CNS Segment Profit$1.0M$0.4M+128%

Conference Call Information

Management will discuss financial and business results during the quarterly conference call on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time.  Investors may quickly register online in advance of the call at https://www.conferenceplus.com/westell.  After registering, participants receive dial-in numbers, a passcode and a registration ID that is used to uniquely identify their presence and automatically join them into the audio conference.  A participant may also register by telephone on May 24 by dialing (888) 206-4065 no later than 4:15 PM Eastern Time and providing the operator confirmation number 44880238.  

This news release and related information that may be discussed on the conference call, will be posted on the Investor Relations section of Westell's website: http://www.westell.com.  A digital recording of the entire conference will be available for replay on Westell's website by approximately 7:00 PM Eastern Time after the call ends.

About Westell

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

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

Certain statements contained herein that are not historical facts or that contain the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “should,” or derivatives thereof and other words of similar meaning are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, product demand and market acceptance risks, customer spending patterns, need for financing and capital, economic weakness in the United States (“U.S.”) economy and telecommunications market, the effect of international economic conditions and trade, legal, social and economic risks (such as import, licensing and trade restrictions), the impact of competitive products or technologies, competitive pricing pressures, customer product selection decisions, product cost increases, component supply shortages, new product development, excess and obsolete inventory, commercialization and technological delays or difficulties (including delays or difficulties in developing, producing, testing and selling new products and technologies), the ability to successfully consolidate and rationalize operations, the ability to successfully identify, acquire and integrate acquisitions, the effect of the Company's accounting policies, retention of key personnel and other risks more fully described in the Company's SEC filings, including the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, under Item 1A - Risk Factors.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

Financial Tables to Follow:


Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three months ended Twelve months ended 
  March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 March 31,
2016
 March 31,
2017
 March 31,
2016
 
Revenue:           
Products $14,290  $12,746  $19,748  $56,530  $81,238  
Services 1,096  2,237  1,156  6,435  6,965  
Total revenue $15,386  $14,983  $20,904  $62,965  $88,203  
Cost of revenue:                          
Products 8,331  7,807  12,566  36,119  50,332  
Services 292  1,122  445  3,097  3,355  
Total cost of revenue 8,623  8,929  13,011  39,216  53,687  
Gross profit 6,763  6,054  7,893  23,749  34,516  
Gross margin 44.0% 40.4% 37.8% 37.7% 39.1% 
Operating expenses:                         
Research & development 2,349  2,414  4,713  12,367  19,317  
Sales & marketing 2,124  1,943  4,608  10,344  15,817  
General & administrative 1,651  1,777  1,747  7,991  9,836  
Intangibles amortization 1,151  1,212  1,305  4,764  5,554  
Restructuring 100 (1)490 (1)731 (2)3,155 (1)748 (2)
Long-lived assets impairment
       1,181 (3)  
Total operating expenses 7,375  7,836  13,104  39,802  51,272  
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations (612) (1,782) (5,211) (16,053) (16,756) 
Other income (expense), net 94  (15) 107  170  169  
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations (518) (1,797) (5,104) (15,883) (16,587) 
Income tax benefit (expense) (38) (10) 27  (58) 102  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (556) (1,807) (5,077) (15,941) (16,485) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (4)     1    273  
Net income (loss) $(556) $(1,807) $(5,076) $(15,941) $(16,212) 
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:                          
Basic and diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.08) $(0.26) $(0.27) 
Basic and diluted net income (loss) from discontinued operations           
Basic and diluted net income (loss) $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.08) $(0.26) $(0.27) 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:                          
Basic and diluted 61,725  61,564  60,847  61,376  60,786  
 
(1)  The Company recorded restructuring expense relating to severance costs for terminated employees and abandonment of excess office space at  its headquarters and in New Hampshire.
 
(2)  The Company recorded restructuring expense primarily relating to severance costs for terminated employees.
 
(3)  Non-cash impairment related to long-lived assets associated with the previously announced strategic decision related to the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
 
(4)  Income from discontinued operations resulted from the expiration of indemnity periods and release of contingency reserves related to the sale of ConferencePlus.
 



Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Assets: March 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
 March 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents $21,778   $19,169  
Short-term investments      10,555  
Accounts receivable, net  12,075    16,361  
Inventories  12,511    13,498  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,409    1,900  
Total current assets  47,773    61,483  
Property and equipment, net  1,984    3,977  
Intangible assets, net  15,624    20,388  
Other non-current assets  160    183  
Total assets $65,541   $86,031  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:          
Accounts payable $4,163   $7,856  
Accrued expenses  4,273    5,932  
Accrued restructuring  1,171    1,537  
Contingent consideration      311  
Deferred revenue  2,359    1,601  
Total current liabilities  11,966    17,237  
Deferred revenue non-current  1,102    1,236  
Net deferred income tax liability      10  
Accrued restructuring non-current  63    550  
Other non-current liabilities  236    314  
Total liabilities  13,367    19,347  
Total stockholders’ equity  52,174    66,684  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $65,541   $86,031  


Westell Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
 
  Three months
ended March 31,
 Six months
ended March 31,
 Twelve months ended March 31,
Cash flows from operating activities: 2017
 (Unaudited)
 2017
 (Unaudited)
 2017
(Unaudited)
 2016
Net income (loss) $(556) $(2,363) $(15,941) $(16,212)
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization 1,430  2,914  6,144  7,098 
Long-lived assets impairment     1,181   
Stock-based compensation 248  501  1,594  1,265 
Restructuring 100  590  3,155  748 
Deferred taxes (30) (24) (10) (36)
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets (28) 16  27  14 
Exchange rate loss (gain) 2  2  2  (38)
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable (817) 1,559  4,281  (4,476)
Inventories 478  167  987  2,707 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (2,768) (3,661) (9,570) 2,192 
Other (34) 1,278  1,139  1,131 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,975) 979  (7,011) (5,607)
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Net purchases of short-term investments and debt securities     10,555  13,351 
Proceeds from sale of assets       264 
Purchases of property and equipment (69) (98) (596) (1,932)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (69) (98) 9,959  11,683 
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Payment of contingent consideration     (175) (808)
Purchases of treasury stock (17) (22) (163) (108)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (17) (22) (338) (916)
Gain (loss) of exchange rate changes on cash (3) 2  (1) (17)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,064) 861  2,609  5,143 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 23,842  20,917  19,169  14,026 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $21,778  $21,778  $21,778  $19,169 



Westell Technologies, Inc.
Segment Statement of Operations
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Sequential Quarter Comparison
 
  Three months ended March 31, 2017 Three months ended December 31, 2016
  IBW ISMS CNS Total IBW ISMS CNS Total
Revenue $6,944  $4,548  $3,894  $15,386  $6,224  $5,525  $3,234  $14,983 
Cost of revenue 4,011  1,991  2,621  8,623  3,713  2,730  2,486  8,929 
Gross profit 2,933  2,557  1,273  6,763  2,511  2,795  748  6,054 
Gross margin 42.2% 56.2% 32.7% 44.0% 40.3% 50.6% 23.1% 40.4%
Research & development 1,473  619  257  2,349  1,307  805  302  2,414 
Segment profit $1,460  $1,938  $1,016  $4,414  $1,204  $1,990  $446  $3,640 


Year-over-Year Quarter Comparison
 
  Three months ended March 31, 2017 Three months ended March 31, 2016
  IBW ISMS CNS Total IBW ISMS CNS Total
Revenue $6,944  $4,548  $3,894  $15,386  $5,838  $5,245  $9,821  $20,904 
Cost of revenue 4,011  1,991  2,621  8,623  3,761  2,436  6,814  13,011 
Gross profit 2,933  2,557  1,273  6,763  2,077  2,809  3,007  7,893 
Gross margin 42.2% 56.2% 32.7% 44.0% 35.6% 53.6% 30.6% 37.8%
Research & development 1,473  619  257  2,349  2,421  1,471  821  4,713 
Segment profit (loss) $1,460  $1,938  $1,016  $4,414  $(344) $1,338  $2,186  $3,180 


Full-Year Comparison
 
  Twelve months ended March 31, 2017 Twelve months ended March 31, 2016
  IBW ISMS CNS Total IBW ISMS CNS Total
Revenue $25,933  $19,321  $17,711  $62,965  $34,407  $21,783  $32,013  $88,203 
Cost of revenue 17,262  9,543  12,411  39,216  20,463  10,661  22,563  53,687 
Gross profit 8,671  9,778  5,300  23,749  13,944  11,122  9,450  34,516 
Gross margin 33.4% 50.6% 29.9% 37.7% 40.5% 51.1% 29.5% 39.1%
Research & development 6,738  3,955  1,674  12,367  11,059  5,417  2,841  19,317 
Segment profit $1,933  $5,823  $3,626  $11,382  $2,885  $5,705  $6,609  $15,199 


Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP IBW Segment Gross Margin
 
  Twelve months ended March 31, 2017 Twelve months ended March 31, 2016
  Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin
GAAP - IBW segment $25,933  $8,671  33.4% $34,407  $13,944  40.5%
ClearLink DAS E&O (1)   1,581           
Stock-based compensation (2)   9       (3)   
Non-GAAP - IBW segment $25,933  $10,261  39.6% $34,407  $13,941  40.5%
(1)  Excess and Obsolete inventory charges on ClearLink DAS inventory and firm purchase commitments.
(2)  Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense incurred in accordance with share-based compensation accounting standards.


Westell Technologies, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
  Three months ended
March 31, 2017
 Three months ended
 December 31, 2016
 Three months ended
 March 31, 2016
  Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin
GAAP - Consolidated $15,386  $6,763  44.0% $14,983  $6,054  40.4% $20,904  $7,893  37.8%
Deferred revenue adjustment (1) 64  64     64  64     63  63    
Stock-based compensation (3)   10       10       (29)   
Non-GAAP - Consolidated $15,450  $6,837  44.3% $15,047  $6,128  40.7% $20,967  $7,927  37.8%


  Twelve months ended
March 31, 2017
 Twelve months ended
 March 31, 2016
  Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin Revenue Gross Profit Gross Margin
GAAP - Consolidated $62,965  $23,749  37.7% $88,203  $34,516  39.1%
Deferred revenue adjustment (1) 254  254     281  281    
ClearLink DAS E&O (2)   1,581           
Stock-based compensation (3)   34       (5)   
Non-GAAP - Consolidated $63,219  $25,618  40.5% $88,484  $34,792  39.3%


  Three months ended Twelve months ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31, March 31, March 31,
  2017 2016 2016 2017 2016
GAAP consolidated operating expenses $7,375  $7,836  $13,104  $39,802  $51,272 
Adjustments:          
Stock-based compensation (3) (238) (243) (320) (1,560) (1,270)
Long-lived asset impairment (4)       (1,181)  
Amortization of intangibles (5) (1,151) (1,212) (1,305) (4,764) (5,554)
Restructuring, separation, and transition (6) (100) (490) (799) (3,155) (1,022)
Total adjustments (1,489) (1,945) (2,424) (10,660) (7,846)
Non-GAAP consolidated operating expenses $5,886  $5,891  $10,680  $29,142  $43,426 


  Three months ended Twelve months ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31, March 31, March 31,
  2017 2016 2016 2017 2016
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $(556) $(1,807) $(5,076) $(15,941) $(16,212)
Income tax benefit (expense) (38) (10) 27  (58) 102 
Other income (expense), net 94  (15) 107  170  169 
GAAP consolidated operating profit (loss) $(612) $(1,782) $(5,210) $(16,053) $(16,483)
Adjustments:          
Deferred revenue adjustment (1) 64  64  63  254  281 
ClearLink DAS E&O (2)       1,581   
Stock-based compensation (3) 248  253  291  1,594  1,265 
Long-lived asset impairment (4)       1,181   
Amortization of intangibles (5) 1,151  1,212  1,305  4,764  5,554 
Restructuring, separation, and transition (6) 100  490  799  3,155  1,022 
Total adjustments 1,563  2,019  2,458  12,529  8,122 
Non-GAAP consolidated operating profit (loss) from continuing operations $951  $237  $(2,752) $(3,524) $(8,361)
Depreciation 279  272  458  1,380  1,544 
Non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (7) from continuing operations $1,230  $509  $(2,294) $(2,144) $(6,817)


  Three months ended Twelve months ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31, March 31, March 31,
  2017 2016 2016 2017 2016
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $(556) $(1,807) $(5,076) $(15,941) $(16,212)
Adjustments:          
Deferred revenue adjustment (1) 64  64  63  254  281 
ClearLink DAS E&O (2)       1,581   
Stock-based compensation (3) 248  253  291  1,594  1,265 
Long-lived asset impairment (4)       1,181   
Amortization of intangibles (5) 1,151  1,212  1,305  4,764  5,554 
Restructuring, separation, and transition (6) 100  490  799  3,155  1,022 
(Income) loss from discontinued operations (8)     (1)   (273)
Total adjustments 1,563  2,019  2,457  12,529  7,849 
Non-GAAP consolidated net income (loss) $1,007  $212  $(2,619) $(3,412) $(8,363)
GAAP consolidated net income (loss) per common share:          
Diluted $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.08) $(0.26) $(0.27)
Non-GAAP consolidated net income (loss) per common share:          
Diluted $0.02  $  $(0.04) $(0.06) $(0.14)
Average number of common shares outstanding:          
Diluted 62,115  61,700  60,847  61,376  60,786 

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

Footnotes:

(1)  On April 1, 2013, the Company purchased Kentrox.  The acquisition required the step-down on acquired deferred revenue, which resulted in lower revenue that will not recur once those liabilities have fully settled.  The adjustment removes the step-down on acquired deferred revenue that was recognized.
(2)  Non-recurring excess and obsolete inventory charges on inventory and firm purchase commitments associated with the previously announced strategic decision related to the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
(3)  Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense incurred in accordance with share-based compensation accounting standards.
(4)  Non-cash impairment related to tangible long-lived assets associated with the previously announced strategic decision related to the discontinuation of ClearLink DAS.
(5)  Amortization of intangibles is a non-cash expense arising from previously acquired intangible assets.
(6)  Restructuring expenses are not directly related to the ongoing performance of our fundamental business operations, including costs relating to abandonment of excess office space at our headquarters and in New Hampshire, and severance costs for terminated employees.  This adjustment also includes severance benefits related to the departure of certain former executives.
(7)  EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.  The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA.
(8)  This adjustment is a non-recurring charge related to the release of contingent liabilities related to the sale of ConferencePlus, which is presented as discontinued operations.


            

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