SIMI VALLEY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/14/13 -- Qualstar Corporation (NASDAQ: QBAK), a manufacturer of data storage solutions and high-efficiency power supplies, today reported financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013. The company reported fiscal third quarter revenues of $3.0 million compared to $3.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and $4.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Revenues were impacted this quarter by a change in the revenue recognition policy for the service business and also by the initiation and subsequent termination of a tender offer for shares of the company's stock by BKF Capital Group, Inc., which adversely affected bookings and revenues for new equipment in the storage business. The net loss in the fiscal third quarter was $3.3 million or $0.27 per basic and diluted share compared to a net loss of $1.7 million or $0.14 per basic and diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and a net loss of $553,000 or $0.05 per basic and diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
Non-GAAP revenues for the fiscal third quarter were $3.4 million. As a result of a modification to our service agreements, Qualstar changed the recognition of its service revenues. Revenues from service agreements will now be deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the service agreement. As a result, the company recorded a one-time, non-cash increase to deferred revenues in the fiscal third quarter of approximately $454,000 with an equal offset to revenues. Non-GAAP net loss was $1.3 million or $0.11 per basic and diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Non-GAAP measures in the fiscal third quarter exclude a one-time charge of $641,000 in general and administrative expenses related to shareholder activism matters and $913,000 of restructuring costs. A reconciliation of non-GAAP income is provided in the tables below.
The book to bill was 1.2:1. Bookings were $3.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 down sequentially from $4.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Backlog at the end of the fiscal third quarter was $3.4 million, of which $2.7 million is deliverable in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.
"The March quarter was a challenging one for Qualstar," said Larry Firestone, President and CEO. "The majority of our resources were focused on ensuring a smooth transition of our manufacturing to CTS. In the midst of this effort, we were faced with a tender offer for a controlling interest in the company from BKF Capital Group, which noticeably impacted our bookings momentum during the quarter as customers delayed purchasing decisions. Despite these challenges, we met our critical manufacturing timelines and successfully executed on this phase of Qualstar's strategic plan."
"Our focus and commitment to transforming Qualstar into a leveraged business model with scalable, outsourced manufacturing has enabled us to accomplish a great deal in just the last nine months. Now, we are moving to the next phase of our strategic plan to grow revenues as we strive to deliver value to our shareholders."
Including the $454,000 of deferred service revenue, storage revenues were $1.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013, a 32.2% sequential decrease from the $2.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and a 25.2% decrease from the $1.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The sequential decline in revenues was the result of lower bookings for new equipment in the storage business.
N2Power revenues were $2.0 million for the quarter, compared to $2.7 million in the prior year quarter, a decrease of $700,000, or 26.7%, due to short-term inventory tightening in the network and telephony market. On a sequential basis, N2Power revenues increased 60.2% from $1.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
Gross margin for the fiscal third quarter was 29.5% compared with 25.8% in the same period a year ago. This increase was driven by the restructuring efforts, a product mix-shift and decreases in material costs and rent. On a non-GAAP basis, gross profit for the fiscal third quarter was $1.3 million or 39.0%, after adjusting for the $454,000 effect of the charge in service revenue.
Operating expenses were $4.2 million in the fiscal third quarter including $913,000 of restructuring charges and $641,000 of expenses related to shareholder activism. This compares to $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2012. Engineering expenses for the fiscal third quarter were $854,000, or 28.9% of revenues, compared to $696,000, or 15.1% of revenues, for the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The increase in expenses was driven by the addition of engineering personnel in N2Power. Sales and marketing expenses for the fiscal third quarter were $846,000 or 28.7% of revenues compared to $451,000, or 9.8% of revenues, in the corresponding period last year. The increase was driven by additions to the storage sales force and increased advertising and promotional expenses. General and administrative expenses in the fiscal third quarter were $1.6 million, or 53.4% of revenues, compared to $644,000 or 14.0% of revenues for the same period last year. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to the $641,000 of expenses related to shareholder activism matters, including the tender offer by BKF Capital Group.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $16.7 million as of March 31, 2013, a decrease of $1.1 million from December 31, 2012. Cash was used during this period for restructuring actions, support of operating losses and expenses in response to the BKF Capital Group tender offer.
Inventory, net of reserves, was $2.6 million compared to $4.5 million at June 30, 2012, as we successfully transitioned our component and raw material inventory for our storage products to our outsourced manufacturer to free up working capital.
Qualstar Corporation Conference Call
Company management will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter fiscal year 2013 results today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern). Investors are invited to listen to the call live via the Internet using the link under the "Investors" section at www.qualstar.com. Please go to the Website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the Webcast will be available after the live conference call. Additionally, participants can dial into the live conference call by calling (800) 446-2782 or (847) 413-3235 and offering the pass code 34744836. An audio replay will be available through May 22, 2013, by calling (888) 843-7419 or (630) 652-3042 and entering the pass code 34744836.
About Qualstar Corporation
Qualstar, founded in 1984, is a diversified electronics manufacturer specializing in data storage and power supplies. The company's products are known throughout the world for high quality and Simply Reliable designs that provide years of trouble-free service. More information is available at www.qualstar.com or www.n2power.com or by phone at 805-583-7744.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements concerning the future business, operating results and financial condition of the Company are "forward-looking" statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual performance and results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the Company's actual results include the Company's ability to increase sales of its products; rescheduling or cancellation of customer orders; unexpected production delays or shortages of critical components; unexpected product design or quality problems; adverse changes in market demand for its products; and continued proxy contests by shareholder activists seeking control of the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further information on these and other potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results or condition are included in Qualstar's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, reference is made to the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, and to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of its Form 10-K.
QUALSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
---------------- ----------------
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
---------------- ----------------
March 31, March 31,
2013 2012 2013 2012
------- ------- ------- -------
Net revenues $ 2,952 $ 4,608 $ 9,760 $12,787
Cost of goods sold 2,080 3,418 $ 6,675 9,056
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit 872 1,190 3,085 3,731
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Engineering 854 696 2,262 1,994
Sales and marketing 846 451 2,181 1,360
General and administrative 1,576 644 3,235 1,977
Restructuring expense 913 - 2,306 -
------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses 4,189 1,791 9,984 5,331
------- ------- ------- -------
Loss from operations (3,317) (601) (6,899) (1,600)
Other income (expense) 16 48 (21) 133
------- ------- ------- -------
Loss before income taxes (3,301) (553) (6,920) (1,467)
Provision for income taxes - - - -
------- ------- ------- -------
Net loss $(3,301) $ (553) $(6,920) $(1,467)
======= ======= ======= =======
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on
investments $ 9 $ 28 $ 14 $ (19)
------- ------- ------- -------
Comprehensive Loss $(3,292) $ (525) $(6,906) $(1,486)
======= ======= ======= =======
Loss per share:
------- ------- ------- -------
Basic and Diluted $ (0.27) $ (0.05) $ (0.56) $ (0.12)
======= ======= ======= =======
Shares used to compute earnings per
share:
------- ------- ------- -------
Basic and Diluted 12,253 12,253 12,253 12,253
======= ======= ======= =======
QUALSTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
----------- -----------
March 31, June 30,
2013 2012
ASSETS (Unaudited) (Audited)
----------- -----------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 825 $ 7,381
Marketable securities, short-term 7,684 7,135
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $68 as of
March 31, 2013 and $38 as of June 30, 2012 3,425 2,995
Inventories, net 2,585 4,475
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 232 151
----------- -----------
Total current assets 14,751 22,137
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net 498 268
Marketable securities, long-term 8,236 6,369
Other assets 46 50
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 23,531 $ 28,824
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 1,792 $ 2,039
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 677 332
Deferred service revenue 610 156
Restructuring liability 1,332 -
Other accrued liabilities 903 1,218
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 5,314 3,745
----------- -----------
Other long-term liabilities 26 26
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares
authorized, 12,253 shares issued and outstanding
as of March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012 18,922 18,878
Accumulated other comprehensive income 23 9
Retained (deficit) earnings (754) 6,166
----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity 18,191 25,053
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 23,531 $ 28,824
=========== ===========
QUALSTAR CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Non-GAAP net earnings are GAAP net earnings with the following
modifications: (1) labor and overhead change; (2) elimination of inventory
reserve; (3) litigation settlement expense and (4) restructuring expenses;
(5) fees incurred as a result of the Proxy Contest; (6) service revenue
deferred as a result of changing related recognition.
-----------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
-----------------------------------------------------
(5)
(4) Proxy (6) Service
Restructuring Contest Revenue
GAAP Expenses Fees Recognition Non-GAAP
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Net revenues $ 2,952 - - 454 $ 3,406
Cost of goods sold 2,080 - - - 2,080
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Gross profit 872 - - 454 1,326
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Operating expenses:
Research and
development 854 - - - 854
Sales and marketing 846 - - - 846
General and
administrative 1,576 - (641) - 935
Restructuring
Expenses 913 (913) - - -
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Total operating
expenses 4,189 (913) (641) 2,635
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Loss from operations (3,317) 913 641 454 (1,309)
Other income
(expense) 16 - - 16
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Loss before income
taxes (3,301) 913 641 454 (1,293)
Provision for income
taxes - - - - -
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Net loss $(3,301) $ 913 $ 641 $ 454 $ (1,293)
======= ============= ======= =========== ========
Loss per share*:
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Basic and Diluted $ (0.27) $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.04 $ (0.11)
======= ============= ======= =========== ========
Shares used to
compute loss per
share:
------- ------------- ------- ----------- --------
Basic and Diluted 12,253 12,253 12,253 12,253 12,253
======= ============= ======= =========== ========
---------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013
---------------------------------------
(3)
(2) Litigation
(1) Inventory Settlement
GAAP Labor Reserve Expense
------- ------- --------- ----------
Net revenues $ 9,760 - - -
Cost of goods sold 6,675 (192) (325) -
------- ------- --------- ----------
Gross profit 3,085 192 325 -
------- ------- --------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Research and
development 2,262 - - -
Sales and marketing 2,181 - - -
General and
administrative 3,235 - - -
Restructuring
Expenses 2,306 - - -
------- ------- --------- ----------
Total operating
expenses 9,984 - - -
------- ------- --------- ----------
Loss from operations (6,899) 192 325 -
Other income
(expense) (21) - - 94
------- ------- --------- ----------
Loss before income
taxes (6,920) 192 325 94
Provision for income
taxes - - - -
------- ------- --------- ----------
Net loss $(6,920) $ 192 $ 325 $ 94
======= ======= ========= ==========
Loss per share*:
------- ------- --------- ----------
Basic and Diluted $ (0.56) $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.01
======= ======= ========= ==========
Shares used to
compute loss per
share:
------- ------- --------- ----------
Basic and Diluted 12,253 12,253 12,253 12,253
======= ======= ========= ==========
---------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013 (continued)
---------------------------------------------
(5)
(4) Proxy (6) Service
Restructuring Contest Revenue
Expenses Fees Recognition Non-GAAP
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Net revenues - - 454 $ 10,214
Cost of goods sold - - $ 6,158
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Gross profit - - 454 4,056
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Operating expenses:
Research and
development - - - 2,262
Sales and marketing - - - 2,181
General and
administrative - (641) - 2,594
Restructuring
Expenses (2,306) - - 0
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Total operating
expenses (2,306) (641) - 7,037
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Loss from operations 2,306 641 454 (2,981)
Other income
(expense) - - - 73
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Loss before income
taxes 2,306 641 454 (2,908)
Provision for income
taxes - - - -
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Net loss $ 2,306 $ 641 $ 454 $ (2,908)
============= ======= =========== ========
Loss per share*:
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Basic and Diluted $ 0.19 $ 0.05 $ 0.04 $ (0.24)
============= ======= =========== ========
Shares used to
compute loss per
share:
------------- ------- ----------- --------
Basic and Diluted 12,253 12,253 12,253 12,253
============= ======= =========== ========
* Financial measures have not been provided for the three and nine months
ended March 31, 2012 as no non-GAAP financial measures were reported.
Total EPS does not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.
For more information, contact:
Philip Varley
Chief Financial Officer
Qualstar Corporation
(805) 583-7744
Email Contact
Vanessa Lehr/Annie Leschin
Investor Relations
StreetSmart Investor Relations
(415) 775-1788
