Item 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Datawatch Corporation (NASDAQ-CM: DWCH) (“Datawatch”, “We”, “Us”, “Our”) provides self-service data preparation and visual data discovery software that optimizes multiple sources and a variety of data - regardless of its variety, volume, or velocity - delivering next generation analytics to reveal valuable insights for improving business. Its ability to integrate structured, unstructured, and semi-structured sources like reports, PDF files and EDI streams with real-time streaming data into visually rich analytic applications allows users to dynamically discover key factors that impact any operational aspect of their business. We believe this ability to perform visual discovery against multiple sources and a variety of data sets Datawatch apart in the Big Data and visualization markets. Organizations of every size, worldwide use Datawatch products, including 99 of the Fortune 100. Datawatch is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, with offices in New York, London, Stockholm, Singapore, and Manila, and with partners and customers in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Datawatch is a Delaware corporation, formed in 1986, with executive offices located at 4 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 and our telephone number is (978) 441-2200. Periodic reports, proxy statements and other information are available to the public, free of charge, on our website, www.datawatch.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed with the SEC and through the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
OUR MARKET
We sell and compete in the data preparation and visualization market, which is an emerging and fast growing segment of the overall business analytics space. The analytics market has evolved over the past several years from large systems implemented and managed by IT, to more agile, self-service systems owned and operated by the various business functions.
The self-service data preparation market addresses the needs of business users who are creating and analyzing data without IT intervention. Users need to access, clean and blend data from a wide variety of systems before it can be visualized. It is estimated that up to 80% of user time is spent preparing data versus analyzing data.
The visual data discovery market continues to evolve with new requirements that make Datawatch a more relevant player in this market. While ease of use is still a critical factor in the adoption of visualization technologies, the types of use cases that organizations are applying these technologies to have changed. To support these new use cases visual data discovery technologies are evolving from products to platforms that deal with not only the development of visualizations, but also the acquisition, preparation, automation and management of any source of data to be used in visual data discovery applications. Datawatch’s extensive experience in these areas has allowed us to take on these challenges and deliver high value results to our customers in these mission critical use cases. Two use cases that have dramatically changed how visualization technologies are used are the emergence of the internet of things (“IoT”), specifically the industrial internet, and the expanded use of enterprise content management sources as data in visualization applications.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
With billions of connected “smart objects” generating information from everything from toasters to jet engines, and that number set to grow to over 50 billion devices by 2020 according to the Industrial Internet Consortium, the IoT promises to change the way businesses view everything from their customers to every aspect of their operations. While there is unlimited potential for the use of data from the IoT, the area that holds the highest value is in the use of data from the industrial internet - the monitoring and management of equipment, logistical information and supply chain related to industries such as energy, transportation, manufacturing and health care. To leverage this type of information, organizations will require a visual data discovery platform that can ingest, prepare and blend high velocity in-motion data from these sensors with business data that provides historical perspective and context to this information. We believe that Datawatch is unique in its ability to provide this capability coupled with a self-service end-user design experience and that this combination will place Datawatch at the forefront of this growing market, opening up partnership opportunities with key IoT infrastructure providers.
Enterprise Content Management (ECM)
For years, organizations have stored vast amounts of unstructured and semi-structured content in enterprise content management (“ECM”) systems. While some of this data was stored originally as a result of compliance requirements, many organizations are now looking to do more with that information to better understand their businesses or to utilize Big Data sources to drive decisions within their businesses. Traditional enterprise content management systems are not equipped to do much more than search and retrieve documents. Their inability to take any action against the returned information is a significant limitation. By including Datawatch as part of the solution, ECM systems can be transformed from simple search technologies into “search-to-action” solutions, providing better analytical information to users. This information can be included as another data source in Next Generation Analytics applications, thus providing even greater insight to organizations’ operations.
While IoT and ECM based visual data discovery solutions are only two of many examples of changes in the market that are driving new requirements for visual data discovery vendors, they are not alone. An increase in the use of NoSQL data and other multi-structured sources coupled with the desire for a more manageable and governed deployment of visualization solutions are also driving additional changes in industries such as capital markets, government, retail, and telecommunications.
OUR PRODUCTS
The Datawatch product family enables organizations to maximize the return on all of their information assets, regardless of the form of that data. Datawatch Monarch, the self-service data preparation solution, is the first step in unlocking value from data contained in a wide variety of sources. Datawatch Panopticon enables real-time preparation of streaming data for fast data analysis. Both of these data preparation engines are integrated technically. Monarch and Panopticon provide the broadest solution for unlocking, preparing and visualizing the widest variety of enterprise data. Using all available information enables organizations to make more insightful decisions that yield better and faster results
The Datawatch product family includes the following products:
Datawatch Monarch™ - Access and Prepare Data from Virtually Any Source
Datawatch Monarch is a self-service data preparation tool which lets users explore, manipulate and merge new data sources. With Datawatch Monarch, users can bring all the data that is needed to manage the business to life, whether that information is stored in structured sources like databases, or in less conventional places like unstructured or semi-structured content including PDF files, reports, EDI or text files. Products in the Monarch family include Datawatch Monarch and Datawatch Monarch Server.
Datawatch Panopticon™ - Visually Design, Discover and Explore New Insights
Datawatch Panopticon lets users quickly start asking questions to see hidden patterns, spot problems and identify missed opportunities without programming or scripting. Our in-memory analytics engine enables on-the-fly aggregations and intuitive navigation and integration of data from virtually any data source. With a simple drag-and-drop interface, users can set up hierarchies and filters in their dashboards to make it easier to spot outliers and to see how different subsets of data correlate with each other. Datawatch Panopticon provides a range of specialized visualizations designed specifically to make analyzing streaming data, time series data and historical data, more impactful. Integrated data preparation capabilities and pre-built connectors make it simple to access and combine information from any data source, including data streams from message brokers and complex event processing engines. Products in the Panopticon family include Datawatch Panopticon Designer and Datawatch Panopticon Server.
Datawatch Report Mining Server™ - Unlocking the Power of Content
Datawatch Report Mining Server (“RMS”) is a web-based report analytics solution that integrates with any existing enterprise content management system such as Datawatch Report Manager On-Demand, IBM Content Manager On-Demand, Microsoft SharePoint, Hyland OnBase, ASG Mobius ViewDirect and others. Datawatch RMS opens up the corporate data locked in content management systems, static reports and business documents, enabling dynamic business-driven analysis of information using Datawatch Panopticon Designer or other productivity tools with no user programming.
OUR SERVICES
Datawatch complements its core products with a range of services to ensure successful deployment and usage of our self-service data preparation and visual data discovery software. This includes educational services for customers and partners implementing and learning about the platform, maintenance and support, and professional services to provide in-depth technical assistance for software implementations.
Educational Services
Datawatch Educational Services offers a number of training choices to customers and partners to support the knowledge and skills development needed to take advantage of their investment in our self-service data preparation and visual data discovery software. We offer an array of live and virtual classroom instruction, including private onsite classes. Courses include training on all aspects of our platform, from beginning model building basics to the deployment of sophisticated dashboards sourced from data harvested by our platform.
Professional Services
To assist customers in achieving rapid time-to-value, Datawatch has established a professional services team. This team supports customers and partners with more in-depth technical consulting and best practices about our platform including advanced modeling, application design, implementation and configuration and process optimization.
Customer Support
Datawatch’s customers pay for one year of software maintenance and support with their purchase of our software license platform and have the option to annually renew their maintenance agreements. These annual maintenance agreements provide customers the right to receive software updates on a when-and-if available basis, maintenance releases and patches, and access to telephone support services. The maintenance agreement also allows access to an on-line user forum where experienced users from around the world can share their tips and tricks.
Datawatch has determined that it has only one operating segment. See Note 10 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for information about our revenue by geographic operations.
MARKETING, SALES AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
We market and sell our products and services through our direct sales force, a distribution channel and an indirect sales channel comprised of a global partner network. Our direct sales force consists of professional sales and pre-sales personnel who typically have several years of experience selling and demonstrating enterprise software solutions. Our distribution channel is predominantly for our Datawatch Monarch product and consists of a two-tier reselling network in North America and single-tier resellers in the rest of the world. Our global partner network brings significant technological and industry expertise, as well as added geographic presence, that enable us to reach customer organizations around the world. These indirect sales channels often help to shorten sales cycles with prospective customers.
Our global partner network includes strategic, geographic and product-specific resellers. These partners are typically authorized to sell licenses, implement and, in some instances, provide first line support for our software products. Additionally, we work with global, national and local system integrators, implementation partners and referral partners who may sell licenses and provide complementary skills, domain or industry experience, as well as geographic coverage.
Our global partner network also includes original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) partners and value-added reseller (“VAR”) partners who use our technologies as an embedded or bundled add-on features in their products and services. Typically, OEM and VAR partners include software companies, SaaS vendors and information providers. More broadly, this category includes any organization seeking to leverage Datawatch products to access and analyze semi-structured and unstructured data for use in an existing or new product or in a service offering. We invest both development and business resources to ensure that Datawatch products are optimized and certified for leading technology platforms, allowing our customers to benefit from these expanded solutions with seamless integration.
We support our global partner network based on three fundamental principles:
·enable partners through sales training, demonstration training, technical support and education;
·market with and for partners through lead generation programs, customer marketing and awareness; and,
·position and sell Datawatch products with effective sales tools and sales support.
As of September 30, 2016, our global partner network was comprised of more than 100 partners worldwide. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. One distribution partner, Lifeboat Distribution (“Lifeboat”), accounted for 15% of total revenue for the year ended September 30, 2014. Other than this customer, no other customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue in fiscal 2014. Our agreement with Lifeboat expired in early 2015 and, to manage the transition, we refocused part of our Inside Sales Team to manage and pursue the book of business previously handled by Lifeboat.
Prior to the expiration of our agreement, we offered Lifeboat the ability to return slow-moving and obsolete versions of our products for credit. Based on our historical experience relative to products sold to distributors, we believe that our exposure to such returns was minimal. While the agreement was in place, we recorded a provision for such estimated returns in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Our software products are sold under warranty against certain defects in material and workmanship for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. We also offer a 30 day money-back guarantee on our Datawatch Monarch product sold directly to end-users. To date, we have not experienced any significant product returns under our money-back guarantee.
We focus our marketing efforts on generating qualified sales leads for our direct sales force and our global partners, increasing brand awareness, communicating our positioning in the market and promoting product advantages. We rely on a variety of marketing initiatives including internet-based marketing campaigns, user group meetings, trade shows, our website, industry research, public relations and advertising. In addition, we work closely with a number of our global partners on co-marketing and lead generation initiatives in an effort to broaden our marketing reach.
Our revenues from outside of the United States are primarily the result of sales through the direct sales force of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Datawatch International Limited, which is located in the United Kingdom and its subsidiaries which are located in Germany, Singapore and Australia, and Datawatch AB, which is located in Sweden, as well as through international resellers. Such international sales represented 14%, 21% and 17% of our total revenue for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Further geographic information is included in Note 10, “Segment Information and Revenue by Geographic Location,” to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.
OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
We believe that timely development of new products and enhancements to our existing products are essential to maintain strong positions in our markets. We intend to continue to invest significant amounts in research and product development to ensure that our products meet the current and future demands of our markets as well as to take advantage of evolving technology trends.
Our product managers work closely with developers, whether independent or in-house, to define product specifications. The initial concept for a product originates from this cooperative effort. The developer is generally responsible for coding the development project. Our product managers maintain close technical control over the products, giving us the freedom to designate which modifications and enhancements are most important and when they should be implemented. The product managers and their staff work in parallel with the developers to produce printed documentation, on-line help files, tutorials and installation software. In some cases, we may choose to subcontract a portion of this work on a project basis to third-party suppliers under contracts. Our personnel also perform extensive quality assurance testing for all products and coordinate external beta test programs.
Datawatch products have been developed through in-house software development, by offshore software development companies hired under contract or by acquisition. We maintain source code and full product control for these products, which include Datawatch Monarch, Datawatch Monarch Server, Datawatch Panopticon Designer, Datawatch Panopticon Server, Datawatch Software Developers Kit, Datawatch Report Mining Server and legacy products including Datawatch Report Manager On-Demand.
Our total engineering and product development expense was $8.2 million, $8.9 million and $9.1 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
OUR COMPETITION
The differentiated technology underlying Datawatch’s self-service data preparation and visual data discovery software enables us to compete within the broader, highly competitive, business analytics market and specifically the data visualization market. While we believe that there is no single competitor that addresses the full range of capabilities of our software, we face competition from several companies that are offering, or soon may offer, products that compete with portions or aspects of our software.
Competitors can be classified into four broad categories:
·Large software companies, including suppliers of traditional business intelligence products that provide one or more capabilities that are competitive with our products, such as IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP.
·New and emerging vendors focused on data preparation, such as Informatica, Alteryx, Paxata and Trifacta.
·Business analytics vendors focused on real-time visualization, such as First Derivatives and Zoomdata.
·Independent vendors that focus on extracting specific data formats or sources such as machine data, data in content management systems, EDI, XBRL, HTML and PDFs. These competitors include Splunk, Actuate (Xenos) and Informatica, among others.
We believe that generally, we compete favorably with respect to these companies and competitive offerings; however, some of our current competitors and potential competitors have advantages over us, including:
·longer operating histories,
·significantly greater financial, technical, marketing or other resources,
·stronger brand and business user recognition, and
·broader global distribution and presence.
Competition in our industry is likely to intensify as current competitors expand their product lines and as new competitors enter the market.
OUR EMPLOYEES
As of November 8, 2016, we had 146 full-time and 7 contract, temporary or part-time employees, including 60 engaged in marketing and sales; 27 engaged in product consulting, training and technical support; 43 engaged in product management, development and quality assurance; and 23 providing general, administrative, accounting, IT and software production and warehousing functions.
OTHER BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS
Product Protection
We rely on a combination of trade secrets, copyright and trademark laws, nondisclosure and other contractual agreements, and technical measures to protect our rights in our products. Additionally, on June 30, 2015, we applied with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for patent protection for our proprietary systems and methods for automatically generating tables using auto-generated templates and, on January 12, 2016, we applied with the USPTO for patent protection for our proprietary systems and methods for generating tables from print-ready digital source documents. Despite these precautions, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. We believe that, because of the rapid pace of technological change in the software industry, the legal protections for our products are less significant than the knowledge, ability and experience of our employees and developers, the frequency of product enhancements and the timeliness and quality of our support services. We believe that none of our products, trademarks, and other proprietary rights infringes on the proprietary rights of third parties, but there can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement claims against us in the future.
Backlog
Our software products are generally shipped within three business days of receipt of an order. Accordingly, we do not believe that backlog for our product is a meaningful indicator of future business. We do maintain a backlog of services commitments primarily related to Datawatch Monarch Server and Datawatch Report Manager On-Demand business. While this services backlog will provide future revenue to Datawatch, we believe that it is not a meaningful indicator of future business.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
We do not provide forecasts of our future financial performance. However, from time to time, information provided by us or statements made by our employees may contain “forward looking” information that involves risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts (including, but not limited to statements contained in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K relating to liquidity and capital resources) may constitute forward looking statements and are made under the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Our actual results of operations and financial condition have varied and may in the future vary significantly from those stated in any forward looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other information discussed below and within this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the accuracy of our internal estimates of revenue and operating expense levels. The following discussion of our risk factors should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained herein and related notes thereto. Such factors, among others, may have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Relating to our Business
Actions of activist stockholders against us could be disruptive and potentially costly and the possibility that activist stockholders may seek changes that contest, or conflict with, our strategic direction could cause uncertainty about the strategic direction of our business.
Activist stockholders may from time to time attempt to effect changes in our strategic direction and, in furtherance thereof, may seek changes in how the Company is governed. While our Board of Directors and management team strive to maintain constructive, ongoing communications with all of the Company’s stockholders, including activist stockholders, and welcome their views and opinions with the goal of working together constructively to enhance value for all stockholders, activist campaigns that contest, or conflict with, our strategic direction could have an adverse effect on our business because:
·Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist stockholders can disrupt our operations, be costly and time-consuming, and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the pursuit of business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition;
·Perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of changes to the composition of our Board of Directors may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability or lack of continuity which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, may result in the loss of potential business opportunities and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners;
·These types of actions could cause significant fluctuations in our stock price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business; and
If individuals are elected to our Board of Directors with a specific agenda, it may adversely affect our ability to effectively implement our business strategy and create additional value for our stockholders.
A Weak Global Economy and Softening in the Computer Software Market May Result in Decreased Revenues or Lower Revenue Growth Rates
The growth and profitability of our business depends on the overall demand for computer software and services, particularly in the financial services markets and other markets in which we compete. Tighter credit and negative financial news that may result from challenging economic conditions worldwide and, in the U.S., have an adverse effect on capital spending by corporations, including the demand for computer software. Because our sales are primarily to major corporate customers, poor economic conditions may soften the demand for computer software and services which may result in decreased revenues, lower revenue growth rates and reduced profitability. In addition, a weak global economy may result in longer sales cycles, reduced, deferred or cancelled orders, or greater than anticipated uncollectible accounts receivables. In a weakened economy, we cannot be assured that we will be able to effectively promote future growth in our software and services revenues or operate profitability.
Our Dependence on our Principal Products, our Failure to Develop Enhanced or New Products and our Concentration of Customers within the Financial Sector May Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations
Our future financial performance will depend in part on the successful introduction of new and enhanced versions of these products and development of new versions of these and other products and subsequent customer acceptance of such new and enhanced products. We are primarily dependent on our ability to successfully market and sell our self-service data preparation and visual data discovery products. Currently customers in the financial sector, and particularly in capital markets, comprise a significant portion of our customer base. Any factor adversely affecting the financial sector and capital markets in particular could adversely affect sales of our products within such sector, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations
Our future operating results could vary substantially from quarter-to-quarter because of uncertainties and/or risks associated with such matters as current economic conditions, technological change, competition, delays in the introduction of new products or product enhancements, and market acceptance of those new products and product enhancements, and general market trends. In addition, as we focus on increasing enterprise sales to large customers, the timing of significant orders may cause fluctuations in quarterly operating results. Large enterprise sales arrangements often involve multiple elements and may require more complex accounting than the sales transactions we have entered into in the past, which also makes projecting future operating results more difficult. Historically, we have operated with minimal backlog of orders because our software products are generally shipped as orders are received. As a result, net sales in any quarter are substantially dependent on orders booked and shipped in that quarter. Further, any increases in sales under our subscription sales model or cloud offering could result in decreased revenues over the short term. Because our staffing and operating expenses are based on anticipated revenue levels and a high percentage of our costs are fixed in the short-term, small variations in the timing of revenues can cause significant variations in operating results from quarter-to-quarter. In addition, at September 30, 2016, we had no unrecognized compensation costs related to options, and $3.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.91 years, which costs will have a negative effect on our profitability on a GAAP reporting basis. Because of these factors, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of future performance. We can give no assurance that we will not experience such variations in operating results in the future or that such variations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Sales Cycle for our Enterprise Products is Long and Unpredictable, Particularly with Respect to Large Customers, and our Sales Efforts Require Considerable Time and Expense
Our operating results may fluctuate, in part, because of the resource intensive nature of our sales efforts, the length and variability of the sales cycle of our enterprise software licensing offerings and the short-term difficulty in adjusting our operating expenses. Our operating results depend in part on sales to large customers and conversions of users that have downloaded the desktop version of our Datawatch Monarch software into enterprise customers. The length of our sales cycle, from initial evaluation to delivery of and payment for the software license, varies substantially from customer to customer. It is difficult to predict exactly when, or even if, we will make a sale with a potential customer or if a user that has licensed desktop versions of our Datawatch Monarch software will upgrade to a larger server license. As a result, large individual sales may, in some cases, occur in quarters subsequent to those we anticipate, or not at all. The loss or delay of one or more large transactions in a quarter could impact our operating results for that quarter and any future quarters for which revenue from that transaction is delayed. As a result of these factors, it is difficult for us to forecast our revenues accurately in any quarter. Because a substantial portion of our expenses are relatively fixed in the short-term, our operating results will suffer if revenues fall below our expectations in a particular quarter, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If we are Unable to Attract New Customers and Expand Sales to Existing Customers, our Growth Could be Slower than we Expect and our Business May Be Harmed.
Our future growth depends in part upon increasing our customer base. Our ability to achieve significant growth in revenues in the future will depend, in large part, upon the effectiveness of our marketing efforts, both domestically and internationally, and our ability to attract new customers. If we fail to attract new customers and maintain and expand those customer relationships, our revenues will grow more slowly than expected and our business operations and financial results will be harmed.
Our future growth also depends upon expanding sales of our products to and renewing license and maintenance agreements with existing customers. In particular, part of our sales strategy is to leverage our desktop Monarch data preparation product to drive enterprise sales of our managed analytics platform. In order for us to improve our operating results, it is important that our existing customers make additional significant purchases of our products. If our customers do not purchase additional licenses or capabilities, our revenues may grow more slowly than expected, may not grow at all or may decline. Our customers’ renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with our products or services, our pricing or pricing structure, the pricing or capabilities of products or services offered by our competitors, the effects of economic conditions, or reductions in our customers’ spending levels. If our customers do not renew their agreements with us, or renew on terms less favorable to us, our revenues may decline and our business operations and financial results may be harmed.
The Markets for our Self-Service Data Preparation and Data Visualization Products are Emerging and May Not Grow
Because the market for our self-service data preparation and visual data discovery products are still emerging, it is difficult to predict customer adoption and renewal rates, customer demand for our enterprise software licenses, the size and growth rate of these markets, the entry of competitive products or the success of existing competitive products. Any expansion in our markets depends on a number of factors, including the cost, performance and perceived value associated with such software licenses. If the markets for our enterprise software licenses do not achieve widespread adoption or there is a reduction in demand for software in these markets caused by a lack of customer acceptance, technological challenges, competing technologies and products, decreases in corporate spending, weakening economic conditions, or otherwise, it could result in reduced customer orders, early terminations, reduced renewal rates or decreased revenues, any of which would adversely affect our business operations and financial results.
Dependence on New Product Introductions and New Product Delays or Defects Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Business
The markets for data preparation and visual data discovery products is evolving rapidly. Growth in our business depends in substantial part on the continuing introduction of new products, to address the emerging needs of this market. The length of product life cycles depends in part on end-user demand for new or additional functionality in our products and our ability to update our products to meet such demands. If we fail to accurately anticipate the demand for, or encounter any significant delays in developing or introducing, new products or additional functionality in our products, there could be a material adverse effect on our business. Our product life cycles can also be affected if suppliers of software systems with which we interact introduce new or changed functionality within their products. Our failure to anticipate the introduction of additional functionality in products developed by such suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, our competitors may introduce products with more features and lower prices than our products. Such increase in competition could adversely affect the life cycles of our products, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Software products, whether developed internally or licensed from third parties, may contain undetected errors or failures when first introduced or as new versions are released. There can be no assurance that, despite testing by us and by current and potential end-users, errors will not be found in new products after commencement of commercial shipments, resulting in loss of or delay in market acceptance. Any failure by us to anticipate or respond adequately to changes in technology and customer preferences, or any significant delays in product development or introduction, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A Significant Percentage of our Total Revenue is Subject to Risks Associated with International Sales
In the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, international sales accounted for 14%, 21% and 17%, respectively, of our total revenue. We anticipate that international sales will continue to account for a significant, and perhaps increasing, percentage of our total revenue. A significant portion of our total revenue will therefore be subject to risks associated with international sales, including deterioration of international economic conditions, unexpected changes in legal and regulatory requirements, changes in tariffs, currency exchange rates and other import or export controls, political and economic instability, possible effects of war and acts of terrorism, difficulties in accounts receivable collection, difficulties in managing distributors or representatives, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, difficulties in protecting our intellectual property overseas, seasonality of sales and potentially adverse foreign tax consequences.
On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which United Kingdom voters approved an exit from the European Union commonly referred to as “Brexit”. As a result of the referendum, it is expected that the British government will begin negotiating the future terms of the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union, including the terms of trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The announcement of Brexit caused significant volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rate fluctuations that resulted in the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in which we conduct business. The future effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements the United Kingdom makes to retain access to European Union markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. The measures could potentially disrupt the markets we serve and may cause our customers to closely monitor their costs and reduce their spending budget on our products and services. In addition, Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the United Kingdom determines which European Union laws to replace or replicate. Given the lack of comparable precedent, it is unclear what financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union would have and how such withdrawal would affect us. Adverse consequences such as deterioration in economic conditions, volatility in currency exchange rates, and prohibitive laws and regulations could have a negative impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Future Acquisitions May be Difficult to Integrate, Disrupt our Business, Dilute Stockholder Value or Divert Management Attention
In the future, we could acquire additional products, technologies or businesses, or enter into joint venture arrangements, for the purpose of complementing or expanding our business and to address the need to develop new products. Integrating the operations of an acquired company, product or business successfully or otherwise realizing the anticipated benefits of an acquisition, including additional revenue opportunities, involves a number of challenges and risks. The failure to meet these integration challenges could seriously harm our results of operations, and the market price of our common stock may decline as a result. Realizing the benefits of an acquisition will depend in part on the integration of technology, operations, personnel and sales activity of the two companies. These integration activities are complex and time-consuming, and we may encounter unexpected difficulties or incur unexpected costs, including:
·challenges in combining product offerings, including integration of the underlying technology, and sales and marketing activities;
·our inability to achieve the cost savings and operating synergies anticipated in the transaction, which would prevent us from achieving the positive earnings gains expected as a result of the transaction;
·diversion of management attention from ongoing business concerns to integration matters;
·difficulties in consolidating and rationalizing information technology platforms and administrative infrastructures;
·complexities in managing a larger and more geographically dispersed company than before the completion of transaction;
·difficulties in the assimilation of personnel and the integration of two business cultures;
·challenges in demonstrating to our customers and to customers of the acquired company that the transaction will not result in adverse changes in product and technology offerings, customer service standards or business focus; and
·possible cash flow interruption or loss of revenue as a result of change of ownership transitional matters.
We Recorded Substantial Impairment Charges in Fiscal 2015. Any Future Impairments of Our Assets Could Negatively Impact Our Results of Operations.
Non-amortizing intangible assets, including goodwill, are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment test is also required for other long-lived assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of such intangible assets may not be recoverable could include a significant adverse long term outlook; unanticipated competition or the introduction of disruptive technology; failure of an anticipated product or product line; testing for recoverability in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-10 Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets; loss of key personnel; or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a significant portion of the company will be sold or otherwise disposed of. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded an impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets in the amount of $32.0 million, related to assets obtained in the acquisition of Panopticon Software AB (now known as Datawatch AB) (“Panopticon”), as a result of revenue shortfalls and operational changes in the sales organization as well as a sustained decline in our share price. Any future impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets, and the performance issues underlying any such impairment, could have a negative impact on our profitability and financial results.
If Material Weaknesses or Other Deficiencies are Discovered in our Internal Accounting Procedures, our Stock Price May be Adversely Affected
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that management report annually on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and identify any material weaknesses in our internal control and financial reporting environment. If management identifies any material weaknesses, their correction could require remedial measures which could be costly and time-consuming. We are not currently an “accelerated filer”, and as a result, our independent registered public accounting firm does not attest to, and report on, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. In addition, at such time, if any, as we are no longer a “smaller reporting company,” our independent registered public accounting firm will have to attest to and report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such internal control over financial reporting. Any identification by us or our independent registered public accounting firm of material weaknesses, even if quickly remedied, could damage investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could affect our stock price and potentially subject us to litigation.
The continuous process of maintaining and adapting our internal controls and complying with Section 404 is expensive and time-consuming, and requires significant management attention. We cannot be sure that our internal control measures will continue to provide adequate control over our financial processes and reporting and ensure compliance with Section 404. Any failure by us to comply with Section 404 could subject us to a variety of administrative sanctions and harm our reputation, which could reduce our stock price.
We Face Significant Competition in the Software Industry
Our self-service data preparation and visual data discovery products compete with other companies in the Big Data and business analytics market. These markets are highly competitive and include companies such as Tableau Software, TIBCO Spotfire (a subsidiary of TIBCO Software Inc.), Qlik Technologies, Inc, Informatica, Alteryx, Paxata, Trifacta and First Derivatives, as well as larger technology companies such as IBM, SAP, MicroStrategy, Inc., SAS and Oracle. Many of the competitors in these markets have longer operating histories, greater name recognition and substantially greater financial, marketing and technological resources than we do. No assurance can be given that our business will have the resources required to compete successfully in the future. In addition, many of these competitors have strong relationships with current and potential customers and extensive knowledge of the business analytics industry. As a result, they may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. If we are unable to compete successfully against current and future competitors, the business, results of operations and financial condition of the combined business would be harmed. In addition, competitive pressures or other factors may result in significant price erosion that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Maintaining and enhancing the Datawatch brand and our reputation is critical to our relationships with our customers and channel partners and to our ability to attract new customers and channel partners. We believe that the importance of our brand recognition and reputation will continue to increase as competition in our market continues to develop. The failure to maintain or enhance our brand recognition or reputation would likely adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our Success is Dependent on Proprietary Software Technology
Our success is dependent upon proprietary software technology. We do not currently own patents on any such technology and we rely principally on a combination of trade secrets, copyright and trademark laws, nondisclosure and other contractual agreements and technical measures to protect our rights to such proprietary technology. Additionally, on June 30, 2015, we applied with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for patent protection for our proprietary systems and methods for automatically generating tables using auto-generated templates and, on January 12, 2016, we applied with the USPTO for patent protection for our proprietary systems and methods for generating tables from print-ready digital source documents. Despite such precautions, there can be no assurance that such steps will be adequate to deter misappropriation of such technology.
Our Use of Open Source Software Could Negatively Affect our Ability to Sell our Products and Subject us to Possible Litigation.
We use open source software in our products and expect to continue to use open source software in the future. We may face claims from others claiming ownership of, or seeking to enforce the terms of, an open source license, including by demanding release of the open source software, derivative works or our proprietary source code that was developed using such software. These claims could also result in litigation, require us to purchase costly licenses or require us to devote additional research and development resources to change our products, any of which would have a negative effect on our business and operating results. In addition, if the license terms for the open source code change, we may be forced to re-engineer our products or incur additional costs. Finally, we cannot assure that we have incorporated additional open source software in our products in a manner that is consistent with our current policies and procedures.
We May be Subject to Intellectual Property Rights Claims by Third Parties, Which are Extremely Costly to Defend, Could Require us to Pay Significant Damages and Could Limit our Ability to use Certain Technologies.
Companies in the software and technology industries, including some of our current and potential competitors, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. We may receive notices that claim we have misappropriated, misused or infringed other parties’ intellectual property rights, and, to the extent we gain greater market visibility, we face a higher risk of being the subject of intellectual property infringement claims, which is not uncommon with respect to the business analytics software market.
There may be third-party intellectual property rights, including issued or pending patents that cover significant aspects of our technologies or business methods. Any intellectual property claims, with or without merit, could be very time-consuming, could be expensive to settle or litigate and could divert our management’s attention and other resources. These claims could subject us to significant liability for damages, potentially including treble damages if we are found to have willfully infringed patents or copyrights. Such claims could also result in our having to stop using technology found to be in violation of a third party’s rights or to seek a license to use such technology, which may not be available on reasonable terms or may require us to pay significant royalties, increasing our operating expenses. As a result, we may need to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense. If we cannot license or develop technology for any infringing aspect of our business, we would be forced to limit or stop sales of our software and may be unable to compete effectively. Any of these outcomes would adversely affect our business operations and financial results.
Government Regulation of the Internet and e-commerce and of the International Exchange of Certain Technologies is Subject to Possible Unfavorable Changes, and our Failure to Comply with Applicable Regulations Could Harm our Business and Operating Results
As Internet commerce continues to evolve, increasing regulation by federal, state or foreign governments becomes more likely. For example, increased regulation is likely in the area of data privacy, and laws and regulations applying to the solicitation, collection, processing or use of personal or consumer information could affect our customers’ ability to use and share data, potentially reducing demand for our products and services. In addition, taxation of products and services provided over the Internet or other charges by government agencies or by private organizations for accessing the Internet may also be imposed. Any regulation imposing greater fees for Internet use or restricting the exchange of information over the Internet could result in reduced growth or a decline in the use of the Internet and could diminish the viability of our Internet-based services, which could harm our business and operating results.
We May Not be Able to Hire and Retain Highly Skilled Employees, Which Could Affect our Ability to Compete Effectively Because our Business is Technology-Based
Qualified personnel are in great demand throughout the software industry. Our success depends, in large part, upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled employees, particularly technical personnel and product development and professional services personnel, sales and marketing personnel and other senior personnel. Our failure to attract and retain the highly trained technical personnel that are integral to our product development, professional services and sales and marketing teams may limit the rate at which we can generate sales and develop new products or product enhancements. We have hired a number of key executives during the past three years, including key executives in sales, marketing, finance and human resources functions. A loss of these personnel or other changes in key management could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Evolving Regulation of Corporate Governance and Public Disclosure May Result in Additional Expenses and Continuing Uncertainty
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC regulations as well as the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, have created and are continuing to create uncertainty for public companies. We continually evaluate and monitor developments with respect to new and proposed rules and cannot predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs incurred or the timing of such costs. These new or changed laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, we have invested resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards. This investment has resulted and may continue to result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new or changed laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and we may be harmed.
The Failure of Indirect Distribution Channels Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Operating Results
We sell a significant portion of our products through distributors, value-added resellers, OEMs and other business partners, none of which are under our direct control. Sales to indirect distribution channels accounted for 35%, 40% and 44%, of total sales for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our agreement with Lifeboat expired in early 2015 and, to manage the transition, we have refocused part of our Inside Sales Team to manage and pursue the book of business previously handled by Lifeboat. The loss of major distributors or resellers of our products, or a significant decline in their sales, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. We actively seek to develop new distributor and reseller relationships on the basis of their business credentials and their ability to add value through expertise in specific vertical markets or application programming expertise, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain qualified distributors or resellers or that the distributors or resellers will be able to effectively sell our products. In addition, we may rely on resellers to provide post-sales service and support, and any deficiencies in such service and support could adversely affect our business.
Failure to Maintain an Adequate Sales Returns Reserve Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Financial Position and Results of Operations
Revenue from the sale of all our software products (when separately sold) is generally recognized at the time of shipment. We estimate and maintain reserves for potential future product returns from distributors based on our experience and history with our various distributors and resellers. While actual returns have historically been within the range estimated by management, future actual results could differ from the reserve for sales returns recorded, and this difference could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. As of September 30, 2016, we had no distributors.
Our Subscription Sales Model for our Enterprise Products Could Result in Decreased or Delayed Revenues and Cash Flows
We sell our enterprise products through the sale of perpetual licenses and through a subscription pricing model. The subscription pricing model allows customers to use our products at a lower initial cost of software acquisition when compared to the more traditional perpetual license sale. Although the subscription sales model is designed to increase the number of enterprise solutions sold and also reduce dependency on short-term sales by building a recurring revenue stream, it introduces increased risks for us primarily associated with the timing of revenue recognition and reduced cash flows. The subscription model delays revenue recognition when compared to the typical perpetual license sale and also, as we allow termination of certain subscriptions with 90 days’ notice, it could result in decreased revenue for solutions sold under the model if we experience a high percentage of subscription cancellations following the first 12 months of the subscription. Further, as amounts due from customers are invoiced annually over the life of the subscription, there are delayed cash flows from subscription sales when compared to perpetual license sales.
If our Security Measures are Breached or Other Unauthorized Access to Customer Data is Otherwise Obtained, our Software May be Perceived as not being Secure, Customers May Reduce the Use of or Stop Using our Software, and we May Incur Significant Liabilities
Our software, when installed on our customer’s premises, may involve the storage and transmission of customer data, and security breaches could result in the loss of this information, litigation, indemnity obligations and other liability. While we have taken steps to protect the confidential information that we have access to, including confidential information we may obtain through our customer support services or customer usage of our products, we do not have the ability to monitor or review the content that our customers store, and therefore, we have no direct control over the substance of that content. Therefore, if customers use our software for the transmission or storage of personally identifiable information and our security measures are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise, our reputation could be damaged, our business may suffer, and we could incur significant liability. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not identified until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Further, while we have taken steps to maintain compliance with laws and regulations relating to privacy and data security, including the adoption of internationally recognized standards of data protection and security, the loss, retention or misuse of certain information and/or alleged violations of such laws and regulations may expose us to significant liability. Any or all of these issues could negatively impact our ability to attract new customers and increase engagement by existing customers, cause existing customers to elect to not renew their subscriptions, or subject us to third-party lawsuits, regulatory fines or other action or liability, thereby adversely affecting our financial results.
We May Require Additional Capital to Grow our Business, and Our Financing Arrangements Expose us to Interest Rate and Default Risk
Our business may require additional capital to operate and expand. We have historically relied upon cash generated from operations and bank credit lines to satisfy our capital needs and finance growth. If we determine in the future to make significant investments in our business, including by acquiring assets or businesses from third parties, we may attempt to raise additional funds by securing additional debt financing or selling equity securities in either the public or the private markets. As the financial markets change and new regulations come into effect, the cost of acquiring financing and the methods of financing may change. We may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, if at all. If we raise additional equity financing, our security holders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and the value of shares of our common stock could decline. If we engage in debt financing, we may be required to accept terms that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, force us to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios or restrict our ability to make acquisitions. Our inability to do any of the foregoing could reduce our ability to compete successfully and adversely affect our results of operations. Changes in our credit rating or other market factors may increase our interest expense or other costs of capital, or capital may not be available to us on acceptable terms to fund our needs.
Catastrophic Events May Adversely Affect Our Business
Our company is a highly automated business which relies on our network infrastructure and enterprise applications, internal technology systems and website for development, marketing, operational, support and sales activities. A disruption or failure of these systems in the event of a major storm, earthquake, fire, telecommunications failure, cyber-attack, terrorist attack or other catastrophic event could cause system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in our product development and loss of critical data and could affect our ability to sell and deliver products and services and other critical functions of our business.
Risks Relating to an Investment in our Common Stock
The Market Price of our Stock Has Been and May Continue to Be Volatile
As has recently been the case with the stocks of high technology companies, the market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile. Our stock price may be adversely affected by many factors, including:
·actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, including those resulting from changes in accounting rules;
·increased competition;
·general market conditions;
·announcements of technical innovations;
·announcements related to the Board’s review of strategic alternatives to increase shareholder value;
·new products or services offered by us, our suppliers or our competitors;
·expenses or other difficulties associated with assimilating companies acquired by us;
·changes in the mix of sales channels;
·the timing of significant customer orders;
·changes in estimates or recommendations by securities analysts of our future financial performance, failure to obtain analyst coverage of our common stock or our failure to achieve analyst earnings estimates;
·the issuance of additional shares to obtain financing or for acquisitions;
·our compliance with SEC and NASDAQ rules and regulations, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
·trading volume of our common stock;
·the timing of stock sales under 10b5-1 plans or otherwise by our shareholders in the future; and
·political instability, natural disasters, war and/or events of terrorism.
Even though we do not presently provide forecasts of our future financial performance, any shortfall in revenue or earnings from the levels anticipated by securities analysts or investors could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the market price of our common stock in any given period. In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, which have particularly affected the market price for many high technology companies and which, on occasion, have appeared to be unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. Finally, to maintain our stock listing with NASDAQ, we must be in compliance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. If we are not able to maintain compliance with these rules, and if our common stock does not qualify for, or is subsequently delisted from, the NASDAQ Capital Market, investors may have difficulty converting their investment into cash efficiently. The price of our common stock and the ability of holders to sell such stock would be adversely affected.
Because We do Not Expect to Pay Dividends on Our Common Stock, Stockholders Will Benefit from an Investment in our Common Stock Only if it Appreciates in Value
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and have no present intention to pay any dividends in the future. We are not profitable and may not earn sufficient revenue to meet all operating cash needs for at least several years, if at all. As a result, we intend to use all available cash and liquid assets in the development of our business. Any future determination about the payment of dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings, if any, our capital requirements, our operating and financial conditions and on such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. As a result, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which stockholders have purchased their shares.
Sales of a Substantial Number of Shares of Our Common Stock in the Public Market by Us or by Existing Stockholders, or the Perception that they may Occur, Could Cause our Stock Price to Decline.
Insiders presently hold a significant percentage of our stock, and our shares are thinly traded in the public market. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by us or by our stockholders, announcements of the proposed sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or the perception that substantial sales may be made, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. We may issue additional shares of our common stock in follow-on offerings to raise additional capital or in connection with acquisitions or corporate alliances and we plan to issue additional shares to our employees and directors in connection with their services to us. Any issuance of additional common stock will dilute the ownership interest of existing common shareholders. All of the currently outstanding shares of our common stock are freely tradable under federal and state securities laws, except for shares held by our employees, directors, officers and certain greater than five percent shareholders, which may be subject to volume limitations. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time and could reduce the market price of our common stock.
We Can Issue Shares of Preferred Stock that May Adversely Affect the Rights of Holders of Our Common Stock
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with designations, rights, and preferences determined from time to time by our board of directors. Accordingly, our board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights superior to those of holders of our common stock. For example, an issuance of shares of preferred stock could:
·adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock;
·make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us;
·discourage bids for our common stock at a premium;
·limit or eliminate any payments that the holders of our common stock could expect to receive upon our liquidation; or
·otherwise adversely affect the market price or our common stock.
If Securities or Industry Analysts Publish Research or Reports About Our Business, or if they Change their Recommendations Regarding Our Stock, the Price of Our Stock and Trading Volume Could Decline
The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research reports and opinions that are published about our business. If the analysts that cover us fail to publish reports in a regular manner, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause a significant and prolonged decline in our stock price due to lack of investor awareness. Furthermore, if one or more analysts downgrade our stock or comment negatively about our prospects or the prospects of other companies operating in our industry, our stock price could decline significantly.
Our Governing Documents and Delaware Law may Discourage the Potential Acquisition of Our Business and Adversely Affect the Rights of our Common Stock
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may make the acquisition of our company more difficult without the approval of our board of directors. In addition, we are subject to anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law. These provisions may deter or discourage takeover attempts and other changes in control of us not approved by our board of directors. If potential acquirers are deterred, you may lose an opportunity to profit from a possible acquisition premium in our stock price.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
Item 2.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Datawatch is currently headquartered in 20,360 square feet of leased office space in Bedford, Massachusetts pursuant to a lease agreement executed on June 23, 2015. The lease expires in December 2022. The aggregate rent expense for the remaining term of the lease is $3.5 million. In addition to rent, the lease requires us to pay certain taxes, insurance and operating costs related to the leased facility based on our pro-rata share of such costs. In conjunction with entering into the lease, the Company was required to deposit $0.2 million into a restricted cash account as collateral for a Letter of Credit, which is included under the caption “Other long-term assets” in our consolidated balance sheets, for the period ended September 30, 2016.
We also maintain sales and development offices in the U.S., and international sales, administrative and development offices in the U.K., Singapore and Sweden. In addition, we maintain a software development and testing facility in the Philippines.
Item 3.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are occasionally involved in legal proceedings and other claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. We are not party to any litigation that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol DWCH. The range of high and low closing prices during each fiscal quarter for the last two fiscal years is set forth below:
Holders
There were 81 shareholders of record as of November 8, 2016. We believe that the number of beneficial holders of common stock is 2,534. The last reported sale of our common stock on November 8, 2016 was at $6.55.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends and it is anticipated that none will be declared in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to provide funds for the operation, development and expansion of our business.
Equity Plan Information
The following table provides information about the Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2016, including the Company’s 2006 Equity Compensation and Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) and the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Compensation and Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2006 Plan and the 2011 Plan have previously been approved by our stockholders.
(1)Of these shares, 734,565 were granted under the 2011 Plan and 150,000 were granted under the 2006 Plan. As of September 30, 2016, 176,904 shares remained available for grant under the 2011 Plan.
(2)Weighted-average exercise prices do not include restricted stock units as these do not contain exercise prices.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s Common Stock during the period from September 30, 2011 through September 30, 2016, with the cumulative total return on (i) an SIC Index that includes all organizations in the Company’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code 7372-Prepackaged Software (the “SIC Code Index”) and (ii) the Media General Market Weighted Nasdaq Index Return (the “Nasdaq Market Index”). The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on October 1, 2011 in the Company’s Common Stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends, if any.
The stock price performance shown on the graph and in the table above is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. Information used in the graph and table was obtained from Zacks Investment Research, a source believed to be reliable, but the Company is not responsible for any errors or omissions in such information.
Item 6.
Item 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data for and as of the end of the years in the five-year period ended September 30, 2016 are derived from our consolidated financial statements. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 7.
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
GENERAL
Introduction
We are engaged in the design, development, marketing, distribution and support of business computer software primarily for the self-service data preparation and visual data discovery markets to allow organizations to access, analyze and visualize information in a more meaningful fashion. The Datawatch platform is an enterprise solution that bridges the gap between the ease-of-use and agility that business users demand together with the scalability, automation and governance needed by IT.
We offer our enterprise products through perpetual licenses and subscription pricing models. Subscriptions automatically renew unless terminated with 90 days’ notice following the first year of the subscription term. The subscription arrangement includes software, maintenance and unspecified future upgrades including major version upgrades. During fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, subscription revenues were $2.4 million, $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In the preparation of financial statements and other financial data, management applies certain accounting policies to transactions that, depending on judgments made by management, can result in different outcomes. In order for a reader to understand the following information regarding our financial performance and condition, an underlying understanding of those accounting policies is important. Certain of those policies are comparatively more important to our financial results and condition than others. The policies that we believe are most important for a reader’s understanding of the financial information provided in this report are described below.
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Bad Debts
We license our software products directly to end-users and indirectly to end-users, through value-added resellers, strategic partners and distributors. Sales to indirect distribution channels accounted for 35%, 40% and 44%, of total sales for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Revenue from the sale of all software products (when separately sold) is generally recognized at the time of shipment, provided there are no uncertainties surrounding product acceptance, the fee is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, persuasive evidence of the arrangement exists and there are no significant obligations remaining. Our software product offerings do not require customization. Our software products can be installed and used by customers on their own with little or no configuration required. Multi-user licenses marketed by us are sold as a right to use the number of licenses, and the license fee revenue is recognized upon delivery of all software required to satisfy the number of licenses sold. Upon delivery, the licensing fee is payable without further delivery obligations by us.
Our software products are generally sold in multiple element arrangements which may include software licenses, professional services, educational services and customer support. In such multiple element arrangements, we apply the residual method in determining revenue to be allocated to the software license. In applying the residual method, we deduct from the sale proceeds the vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value of the professional services, educational services and customer support in determining the residual fair value of the software license. The VSOE of fair value of the services and customer support is based on the amounts charged for these elements when sold separately. Professional services include advanced modeling, application design, implementation and configuration and process optimization with revenue recognized as the services are performed. These services are generally delivered on a time and materials basis, are billed as the work is performed, and do not involve modification or customization of the software or any other unusual acceptance clauses or terms. Customer support is typically provided under a maintenance agreement which provides technical support and rights to unspecified software maintenance updates and bug fixes on a when-and-if available basis. Revenue from customer support services is deferred and recognized ratably over the period of support (generally one year). Such deferred amounts are recorded as part of deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
We also license our enterprise software using a subscription model. At the time a customer enters into a binding agreement to purchase a subscription, the customer is invoiced annually in advance and an account receivable and deferred revenue are recorded. Beginning on the date the software is installed at the customer site and available for use by the customer, and provided that all other criteria for revenue recognition are met, the deferred revenue amount is recognized ratably over the period the service is provided. The subscription arrangement includes software, maintenance and unspecified future upgrades including major version upgrades on a when-and-if available basis. The subscription renewal rate is the same as the initial subscription rate.
Our software products are sold under warranty against certain defects in material and workmanship for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. We also offer a 30 day money-back guarantee on our Datawatch Monarch product sold directly to end-users.
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. We analyze accounts receivable and the composition of the accounts receivable aging, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Based upon the analysis and estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable, we record an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts when the prospect of collecting a specific account receivable becomes doubtful. Actual results could differ from the allowances for doubtful accounts recorded, and this difference may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $28,000 and $0.1 million as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Income Taxes
We have deferred tax assets primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits that expire at different times through 2036 or have an unlimited carryforward. At September 30, 2016, we had U.S. federal tax loss carryforwards of $50.2 million, expiring at various dates through 2036, including $0.2 million resulting from an acquisition undertaken during 2004 which are subject to additional annual limitations as a result of the changes in ownership, and had $28.5 million in state tax loss carryforwards, which also expire at various dates through 2036. Included in the Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards are $7.6 million of tax deductions from share-based compensation, which will be recorded as additional paid-in capital when realized. An alternative minimum tax credit of $7,000 is available to offset future regular federal taxes. We have federal research and development credits of $1.0 million that begin to expire in 2021 and state credits of $0.5 million that expire at various dates through 2030. In addition, we have the following foreign net operating loss carryforwards: U.K. losses of $9.8 million with no expiration date, Australia losses of $3.5 million with no expiration date, Germany losses of $2.2 million with no expiration date, Singapore losses of $2.9 million with no expiration date, and Sweden losses of $10.6 million with no expiration date.
Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, the carrying value of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. Factors such as future reversals of deferred tax assets and liabilities, projected future taxable income, changes in enacted tax rates and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable are considered in making these determinations. We do not believe the deferred tax assets in all of our jurisdictions are more likely than not to be realized and therefore a full valuation allowance has been provided against the deferred tax assets in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, Singapore, and Sweden at September 30, 2016 and in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, and Singapore at September 30, 2015. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets quarterly and, if current economic conditions change or future results of operations are better than expected, future assessments may result in us concluding that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets are realizable. If this conclusion were reached, the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets would be reduced resulting in a tax benefit being recorded for financial reporting purposes. Total net deferred tax assets subject to the full valuation allowance were $26.7 million as of September 30, 2016.
We follow the accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions. The comprehensive model addresses the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. In accordance with these requirements, we first determine whether a tax authority would “more likely than not” sustain our tax position if it were to audit the position with full knowledge of all the relevant facts and other information. For those tax positions that meet this threshold, we measure the amount of tax benefit based on the largest amount of tax benefit that we have a greater than 50 percent chance of realizing in a final settlement with the relevant authority. Those tax positions failing to qualify for initial recognition are recognized in the first interim period in which they meet the more likely than not standard, or are resolved through negotiation or litigation with the taxing authority, or upon expiration of the statute of limitations. We maintain a cumulative risk portfolio relating to all of our uncertainties in income taxes in order to perform this analysis, but the evaluation of our tax positions requires significant judgment and estimation in part because, in certain cases, tax law is subject to varied interpretation, and whether a tax position will ultimately be sustained may be uncertain. The actual outcome of our tax positions, if significantly different from our estimates, could materially impact the financial statements.
At October 1, 2014, we had a cumulative tax liability of $0.3 million related to U.S. and foreign tax exposure. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, we increased our uncertain tax liability by $18,000. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, we decreased our uncertain tax liability by $0.1 million due to the statute of limitations expiring and the effective settlement of uncertain tax liabilities. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 we decreased our uncertain tax liability by $0.1 million due to the statute of limitations expiring. This results in a cumulative tax liability of $0.2 million at September 30, 2016. These amounts have been recorded in other long-term liabilities in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Software Development Costs
We capitalize certain software development costs as well as purchased software upon achieving technological feasibility of the related products. Software development costs incurred and software purchased prior to achieving technological feasibility are charged to engineering and product development expense as incurred. Commencing upon initial product release, capitalized costs are amortized to cost of software licenses using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the product (which approximates the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product), which is generally nine to eighteen months. During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, no software development costs were capitalized as there were no significant costs incurred during the period after technological feasibility was established and the time in which the product became available for general release. During fiscal year 2014, we capitalized $0.3 million of software development costs.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. Indefinite-lived intangibles are intangible assets whose useful lives are indefinite in that their lives extend beyond the foreseeable horizon - that is, there is no foreseeable limit on the period of time over which they are expected to contribute to the cash flows of the reporting entity. We account for these items in accordance with ASC 350 Intangibles- Goodwill and Other, under which goodwill and intangible assets having indefinite lives are not amortized but instead are reviewed annually, or more frequently as a result of an event or change in circumstances, for possible impairment with impaired assets written down to fair value.
We review goodwill and intangible assets annually during the fourth quarter and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired, such as a significant reduction in cash flows associated with the asset. Should the fair value of our long-lived assets decline because of reduced operating performance, market declines, or other indicators of impairment, a charge to operations for impairment may be necessary. We did not record any impairment charges during fiscal 2016. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we identified several events, that when combined, were determined to require an interim impairment test. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $21.7 million for goodwill and $10.3 million for long-lived assets (other than goodwill). See Note 2 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for information about our impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.
There was no amortization of software development costs for fiscal years 2016 or 2015. The intangible asset amounts amortized to cost of software licenses totaled $0.6 million for fiscal 2014. Intangible asset amounts amortized to sales and marketing expense totaled $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.6 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Intangible asset amounts amortized to general and administrative expense totaled $20,000 for fiscal year 2016 and totaled $48,000 for both fiscal years 2015 and 2014. There were no intangible assets amortized to interest expense for fiscal 2016 or 2015. Intangible asset amounts amortized to interest expense totaled $0.1 million for fiscal 2014.
Share-Based Compensation
We recognize share-based compensation expense in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require that all share-based awards, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock units, be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair value at date of grant.
We recognize the fair value of share-based awards over the requisite service period of the individual awards, which generally equals the vesting period. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, we recorded share-based compensation expense of $2.8 million, of which $0.1 million pertained to options. At September 30, 2016, we had no unrecognized compensation costs related to options.
We periodically grant awards of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to our non-employee directors and employees on a discretionary basis pursuant to our stock compensation plans. Each RSU entitles the holder to receive, at the end of each vesting period, a specified number of shares of our common stock. Each RSU typically vest at the rate of 33.33% on each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date. Additionally, some of the RSUs are subject to a further vesting condition that our common stock must trade at prices greater than certain minimum per share prices on a national securities exchange for a period of twenty consecutive days prior to the fourth or fifth anniversary of the grant date depending on the grant. For such RSUs, we apply the Monte Carlo option-pricing model for determining the fair value on the date of grant. There were no such RSUs issued during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 or 2015. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, we recorded share-based compensation expense of $2.7 million related to RSUs. At September 30, 2016, we had $3.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.91 years.
OVERVIEW
We believe that we have the opportunity to become the leading provider of self-service data preparation solutions. Among our current challenges in realizing that opportunity are the development of a robust channel of distribution partners, finding new customers to capitalize on the self-service data preparation opportunity and expanding license revenue with our largest existing Monarch and data visualization customers.
Our total revenue for fiscal 2016 was $30.5 million, a 1% increase from revenue of $30.2 million in fiscal 2015. While overall we believe that our cash position remains strong, our cash and cash equivalent balance at the end of fiscal 2016 was down $7.1 million to $28.0 million as compared to the end of fiscal year 2015 and was only down $0.8 million from the end of fiscal year 2016 compared to the end of the preceding fiscal quarter.
During the second half of the year, we implemented several new organizational changes, including realigning certain sales team personnel, implementing new sales processes and adding heightened forecast discipline. Such organizational changes enabled the sales team to produce improved results during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016.
Sales execution
Total revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 was $8.6 million, an increase of 17% from the $7.4 million recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, and an increase of 7% from total revenue of $8.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. In addition, we increased our deferred revenue $1.2 million, or 15%, compared to the prior year. The increase in deferred revenue was primarily the result of a shift in our pricing policy to a subscription based model in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015.
Market awareness
During fiscal year 2016, we teamed with IBM to deliver better and faster data access and self-service data preparation to IBM Watson Analytics and IBM Cognos Analytics users. As part of this partnership, IBM agreed to resell Monarch for self-service data preparation. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, Harley Davidson, one of the most recognized brands for custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles, became one of the first joint customers of Datawatch Monarch and IBM Watson Analytics for self-service data preparation and automated data analysis, automatic visualization and predictive analysis.
Innovation to product platform
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, we introduced two major, innovative software releases that allow us to address the evolving Big Data and fast data analytics needs of business analysts, data scientists and IT users. The latest release of Monarch includes expanded support for data sources, including Google Analytics and Salesforce, new export integrations, including Microsoft Power BI, and advanced data preparation features for large data sets. The latest release of Panopticon is the most significant since the original launch of the product, and expands upon Datawatch’s approach to fast data analytics with a Web client architecture that supports the most challenging real-time visualization requirements for data in motion.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain statements of operations data as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated. The data has been derived from our accompanying consolidated financial statements. The operating results for any period should not be considered indicative of the results expected for any future period.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2016 as Compared to
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
Total Revenues
Software license revenue. Software license revenue decreased $0.1 million compared with software license revenue for fiscal year 2015. During the second half of fiscal year 2015, we implemented a change in our pricing practice for Monarch which requires all new or non-current maintenance customers purchasing fewer than ten seats of Monarch, to purchase term licenses instead of perpetual licenses. The decrease in software license revenue for fiscal year 2016 was due to a decrease in perpetual software license revenue of $1.9 million, caused in part by the pricing change, offset by an increase in subscription license revenue of $1.8 million compared to fiscal year 2015. We have observed the continued growth of our deferred revenue related to subscription software, which we believe will translate into software license revenue in future quarters. Overall our deferred revenue increased $1.2 million as of September 30, 2016 compared to September 30, 2015. Of the total deferred revenue increases, deferred license revenue increased $1.0 million, or 104%, as a direct result of the pricing change. The average deal size for perpetual licenses increased 24% from $6,500 in fiscal year 2015 to $8,000 in fiscal year 2016.
Maintenance revenue. Maintenance revenue grew $0.4 million compared to fiscal year 2015 driven primarily by strong renewal bookings of both enterprise and desktop software. Maintenance revenue from renewal business increased $1.4 million offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in maintenance revenue from new business. The renewal rate for fiscal year 2016 was 78% compared to 70% for fiscal year 2015.
Professional services. Professional services revenue remained relatively flat compared to last fiscal year.
Total Costs and Expenses
Cost of software licenses. The $0.2 million decrease was primarily due to lower amortization expense driven by the reduction in carrying value of the Panopticon intellectual property asset as a result of the impairment charge recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2015.
Cost of maintenance and services. The $0.9 million decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in employee related costs and restructuring charges. As a result of workforce reductions that occurred during fiscal 2015, employee related expenses, such as salaries, payroll taxes and benefits decreased $0.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 when compared to fiscal year 2015. In addition, restructuring charges due to the workforce reductions, decreased $0.4 million for fiscal year 2016 when compared to fiscal year 2015. The decrease in employee related costs and restructuring charges were partially offset by a $0.1 million increase in outside consulting services.
Sales and marketing expenses. The $6.3 million decrease in sales and marketing expenses was comprised of a decrease in sales expense of $6.1 million and a decrease in marketing expense of $0.2 million. The decrease in sales expenses was primarily driven by workforce reductions which occurred during fiscal year 2015, including a decrease of $2.8 million in employee related expenses, such as salaries, payroll taxes and benefits, and a $0.7 million decrease in travel related expenses. Share-based compensation decreased $1.9 million as a result of numerous factors, including a $1.3 million decrease due to the reduction in headcount, a decrease in expense of $0.3 million due to the departure of our Chief Revenue Officer and a $0.3 million decrease due to the decreased fair value of share-based awards issued to consultants. In addition to the decreased expenses resulting from the workforce reductions and the decreased share-based compensation, we also realized a $0.5 million decrease in spending related to outside consultants and a $0.2 million reduction in amortization expense due to the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets which occurred during fiscal year 2015. The decrease in marketing expenses was primarily driven by workforce reductions which occurred during fiscal year 2015, including a decrease of $0.3 million in employee related expenses, such as salaries, payroll taxes and benefits, and a $0.3 million decrease in restructuring charges. In addition, to the decreased expenses resulting from the workforce reductions, we also realized a $0.5 million decrease in spending related to outside consultants and a $0.2 million decrease in share-based compensation expenses due to workforce reductions, which occurred during the fiscal year 2015. The decreases in marketing expenses were partially offset by an increase of $1.0 million in advertising, public relations and lead generation activities.
Engineering and product development expenses. The $0.7 million decrease was driven primarily by workforce reductions which occurred during fiscal year 2015, including a $0.7 million decrease in employee related expenses such as salaries, payroll taxes and benefits, and a $0.4 million decrease in restructuring charges. The planned decreased headcount was primarily related to resources focused on legacy products. The cost reductions related to the decrease in headcount were partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in consulting expenses related to outside development services during fiscal year 2016.
General and administrative expenses. The $1.0 million increase was driven primarily by a $0.7 million increase in outside consulting and professional services expenses related to the contested election of our directors at our 2016 annual shareholders meeting in April 2016. In addition, there was a $0.3 million increase in share-based compensation for the fiscal year 2016 when compared to fiscal year 2015.
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets. There were no impairment charges related to goodwill and long-lived assets in fiscal year 2016. In fiscal year 2015, we recorded goodwill and long-lived assets impairment charges of $21.7 million and $10.3 million, respectively, as a result of performing an interim impairment review as required under ASC 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.
Other income (expense)
Other income (expense). There was a minimal amount of other income for the fiscal years 2016 and 2015.
Foreign currency transactions loss. The foreign currency loss for the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 was attributable to fluctuation of the British pound sterling and other foreign currencies in which we transact.
Income tax (expense) benefit
Income tax (expense) benefit. Income tax provision for the fiscal year 2016 was $1.5 million as compared to an income tax benefit of $2.7 million for the fiscal year 2015. The income tax provision for the fiscal year 2016 was comprised of a state tax provision of $10,000, a foreign tax provision of $1.6 million, primarily related to establishing a valuation allowance on the Swedish subsidiary’s deferred tax assets, and a benefit for uncertain tax positions relative to U.S., state, and foreign tax of $0.1 million. The income tax benefit for the fiscal year 2015 was comprised primarily of the change in the deferred tax liability in Sweden as a result of impairing non-goodwill intangibles and amortization, losses generated in Sweden, estimated state taxes, return to provision adjustments, reduction to uncertain tax positions, and accruing interest on uncertain tax positions.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015 as Compared to
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
Total Revenues
Software license revenue. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, we transitioned our business and sales approach to one that emphasizes what we view as the higher value differentiation of our complete managed analytics platform and places more focus on the potential offered by our Monarch customer base, investing more in a ‘high velocity’ inside selling model and shifting our partner program to a centralized global model. The disruption associated with this realignment of our focus was the primary driver of the $5.3 million decrease in software license revenue for the fiscal year 2015 as compared to the fiscal year 2014. During the fiscal year 2015, we implemented a new pricing policy which requires a subscription based model for smaller sized Monarch orders. As a result of this policy change, we increased our license deferred revenue by $0.9 million over the fiscal year 2014.
Maintenance revenue. The $0.7 million increase in maintenance revenue was primarily driven by strong renewal bookings of both enterprise and desktop software.
Professional services. Professional services revenue decreased $0.2 million, as a result of changes in selling approach which previously required professional services to be included on all enterprise deals.
Total Costs and Expenses
Cost of software licenses. The $1.0 million decrease was primarily due to lower amortization expense. Our amortization of capitalized development costs pertaining to a prior release of our Datawatch Monarch and Datawatch Server products which were fully amortized as of September 30, 2014 decreased $0.6 million. In addition, amortization of acquired intangibles decreased by $0.6 million due to the reduction in carrying value of the Panopticon intellectual property asset as a result of the impairment charge recorded during the first fiscal quarter. These decreases in amortization expense were offset by a $0.2 million increase in royalties paid.
Cost of maintenance and services. Costs of maintenance and services decreased $0.2 million as a result of a $0.6 million decrease in employee related expenses resulting from a 28% decrease in maintenance and services headcount due to the restructuring efforts that occurred during fiscal year 2015 and a shift to a web enabled, on-line approach to the delivery of training, which were offset by a $0.4 million increase in restructuring charges.
Sales and marketing expenses. The $4.1 million decrease in sales and marketing expenses was comprised of a decrease in sales expense of $0.9 million and a decrease in marketing expense of $3.2 million. The decreased sales expense resulted from decreases of $1.4 million of share-based compensation and $0.5 million in employee-related costs attributable to a 15% decrease in sales headcount resulting from the restructuring efforts, and a $0.2 million decrease in amortization which resulted from the reduction in the carrying value of intangibles due to the impairment charges recorded during the fiscal year. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in professional services and a $0.4 million increase in restructuring charges. The marketing decrease was primarily driven by the restructuring effort which reduced marketing headcount by 36% and resulted in (i) an increase of $0.4 million of restructuring charges offset by a $1.9 million decrease in marketing and promotional expenses compared to fiscal 2014 resulting from expenses incurred during 2014 in connection with the redesign of our website and a decrease in other marketing materials as we refocus our lead generation programs, (ii) a $0.8 million decrease in share-based compensation, and (iii) a $0.5 million decrease in other employee related costs. In addition, consulting costs decreased $0.4 million.
Engineering and product development expenses. The $0.2 million decrease was driven mainly by a $1.2 million decrease in share-based compensation resulting from a 32% decrease in engineering and product development headcount associated with the restructuring efforts, which were offset by an increase of $0.3 million in restructuring costs. In addition, consulting costs increased $0.5 million and facility related expenses increased $0.3 million driven by an increased focus on product development to support ongoing development of our managed analytics platform.
General and administrative expenses. The $0.6 million decrease was mainly the result of a $0.5 million decrease in external consulting costs, offset by a $0.1 million increase in employee related costs as we phased out the use of consultants by hiring employees. In addition, we incurred $0.2 million in restructuring charges, which were offset by a $0.3 million decrease in share-based compensation.
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets. In fiscal year 2015, we recorded goodwill and long-lived assets impairment charges of $21.7 million and $10.3 million, respectively, as a result of performing an interim impairment review as required under ASC 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. The write-down of the long-lived assets will have a favorable effect on the statements of operations from reduced future intangible amortization expense.
Other income (expense)
Interest expense. There was no interest expense for the fiscal year 2015. Interest expense of $0.4 million for the fiscal year 2014 represents primarily interest expense related to our $4.0 million subordinated notes with a private investment company and borrowings under a $2.0 million revolving credit facility with a bank, each of which were paid off in full and terminated during the fiscal year 2014.
Other income (expense). There was a minimal amount of other income for the fiscal year 2015. Other expense for the fiscal year 2014 of $0.8 million was primarily due to a loss on extinguishment of debt recorded as a result of paying down the $2.0 million subordinated note with a private investment company. The loss represented the unamortized debt discount on the subordinated note.
Foreign currency transactions loss. The foreign currency loss for the fiscal years 2015 and 2014 was attributable to fluctuation of the British pound sterling and other foreign currencies in which we transact.
Benefit for income taxes
Income tax benefit. During the fiscal year 2015, we recorded a tax benefit of $2.7 million, primarily related to the change in the deferred tax liability in Sweden as a result of impairing non-goodwill intangibles and amortization, losses generated in Sweden, estimated state taxes, return to provision adjustments, reduction to uncertain tax positions, and accruing interest on uncertain tax positions. During the fiscal year 2014, we recorded a tax benefit of $0.5 million, primarily related to losses generated in Sweden, estimated state taxes, return to provision adjustments, and accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
We lease various facilities and equipment in the U.S. and overseas under non-cancelable operating leases that expire through 2022. The lease agreements generally provide for the payment of minimum annual rentals, pro rata share of taxes, and maintenance expenses. Rental expense for all operating leases was $1.1 million for the fiscal year 2016, and $1.0 million for both fiscal years 2015 and 2014. Certain of our facility leases include options to renew.
On June 23, 2015, we entered into a facility lease in Bedford, MA for our corporate headquarters. The lease is for 20,360 square feet commencing January 2016 and ending December 2022 with a monthly expense of $42,000. In conjunction with entering into the lease, we were required to deposit $0.2 million into a restricted cash account as collateral for a Letter of Credit, which is included under the caption “Other long-term assets” in our consolidated balance sheets, for the year ended September 30, 2016. At September 30, 2016, deferred rent totaled $0.4 million, which is included under the caption “Other long-term liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets, for the year ended September 30, 2016. There was no deferred rent for the year ended September 30, 2015.
As of September 30, 2016, our contractual obligations include minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, debt obligations and other long-term liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as follows (in thousands):
Royalty expense included in cost of software licenses was $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Our software products are sold under warranty against certain defects in material and workmanship for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. If necessary, we would provide for the estimated cost of warranties based on specific warranty claims and claim history. However, we have never incurred significant expense under our product or service warranties. As a result, we believe our exposure related to these warranty agreements is minimal. Accordingly, there are no liabilities recorded for warranty claims as of September 30, 2016.
We enter into indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, we generally agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally our customers, in connection with any patent, copyright or other intellectual property infringement claim by any third party with respect to our products. The term of these indemnification agreements is generally perpetual. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. We have never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As a result, we believe our exposure related to these agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we have no liabilities recorded for these potential obligations as of September 30, 2016.
Certain of our agreements also provide for the performance of services at customer sites. These agreements may contain indemnification clauses, whereby we will indemnify the customer from any and all damages, losses, judgments, costs and expenses for acts of our employees or subcontractors resulting in bodily injury or property damage. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, we have general and umbrella insurance policies that would enable us to recover a portion of any amounts paid. We have never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As a result, we believe our exposure related to these agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we have no liabilities recorded for these potential obligations as of September 30, 2016.
As permitted under Delaware law, we have agreements with our directors whereby we will indemnify them for certain events or occurrences while the director is, or was, serving at our request in such capacity. The term of the director indemnification period is for the later of ten years after the date that the director ceases to serve in such capacity or the final termination of proceedings against the director as outlined in the indemnification agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, our director and officer insurance policy would enable us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of our insurance policy coverage, we believe our exposure related to these indemnification agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we have no liabilities recorded for these potential obligations as of September 30, 2016.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We believe that our current cash balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for working capital and anticipated capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. At September 30, 2016, we had $28.0 million of cash and cash equivalents as compared to $35.2 million as of September 30, 2015, a decrease of $7.1 million. $1.2 million of cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2016 was located in foreign banks.
At September 30, 2016, we had working capital of $23.5 million as compared to $31.3 million as of September 30, 2015. We do not anticipate additional cash requirements to fund growth or the acquisition of additional complementary technology or businesses. However, if in the future, such expenditures are anticipated or required, we may seek additional financing by issuing equity or obtaining credit facilities to fund such requirements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to issue additional equity or obtain a new or expanded credit facility at attractive prices or rates, or at all.
We had a net loss of $14.6 million, $49.8 million and $22.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, $6.3 million, $11.9 million and $11.0 million of cash was used in our operating activities, respectively. During fiscal year 2016, the main use of cash in operations was net loss adjusted for depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and deferred income taxes as well as the increase in prepaid expenses and other assets, offset by an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and deferred revenue. During fiscal year 2015, the main use of cash in operations was net loss adjusted for depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, deferred income taxes and the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets as well as the increase in prepaid expenses and other assets, offset by an increase in deferred revenue. During fiscal year 2014, the main use of cash from operations was net loss adjusted for depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense, as well as decreases in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities offset by increases in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other assets.
Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, was related to the purchase of property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended September 30, 2014 of $0.5 million is attributable to increases in capitalized software development costs and purchases of property and equipment.
On February 19, 2014, we completed a public offering of 2,018,250 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $28.50 per share. The number of shares we sold includes the underwriters’ full exercise of their over-allotment option of 263,250 shares. Net proceeds from the offering, after underwriting discounts and expenses, were $53.6 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for both years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of $0.1 million, was related to the proceeds from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of outstanding stock options previously awarded under equity compensation plans. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $49.0 million and was primarily attributable to the public offering completed on February 19, 2014 offset by the repayments of debt and repayments on the line of credit.
We believe that our current operations have not been materially impacted by the effects of inflation.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires entities to estimate all expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The updated guidance also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the potential impacts of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to simplify various aspects of how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in financial statements. The standard is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, leases with a lease terms of greater than twelve months as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The standard is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. As of October 1, 2015, we elected to adopt early the pronouncement on a prospective basis. Adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on our financial position or results of operations, and prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The ASU is the result of a joint project by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that would: remove inconsistencies and weaknesses, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, jurisdictions, industries, and capital markets, improve disclosure requirements and resulting financial statements, and simplify the presentation of financial statements. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU was initially effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. On July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year, but to permit entities to choose to adopt the standard as of the original effective date. We are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
We have considered all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and do not believe the adoption of such pronouncements will have a material impact on our accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Item 7(A). QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Derivative Financial Instruments, Other Financial Instruments, and Derivative Commodity Instruments
At September 30, 2016, we did not participate in or hold any derivative financial instruments or commodity instruments and we did not hold any investment securities that possess significant market risk.
Primary Market Risk Exposures
Our primary market risk exposure is foreign currency exchange rate risk. International revenues and expenses are generally transacted by our foreign subsidiaries and are denominated in local currency. 14%, 21% and 17% of our revenues for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were from our foreign subsidiaries. In addition, 19%, 16% and 22% of our operating expenses for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively, were from our foreign subsidiaries.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in conducting business globally in several currencies, of which the most significant to our operations has historically been the British Pound. Our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations has been and is expected to continue to be modest due to the fact that the operations of our international subsidiaries are almost exclusively conducted in their respective local currencies, and dollar advances to our international subsidiaries, if any, are usually considered to be of a long-term investment nature. Accordingly, the majority of currency movements are reflected in our other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency translation gains arising during fiscal year 2016 were $0.1 million, and foreign currency translation losses arising during fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. There are, however, certain situations where we will invoice customers in currencies other than our own. Such gains or losses from operating activity, whether realized or unrealized, are reflected in foreign currency transaction (losses) gains in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and were losses of $0.1 million for the fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Item 8.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto of Datawatch Corporation and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Datawatch Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Datawatch Corporation and Subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of 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 of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 Datawatch Corporation and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ RSM US LLP
RSM US LLP
Boston, MA
November 10, 2016
DATAWATCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
DATAWATCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
DATAWATCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
DATAWATCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
DATAWATCH CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
DATAWATCH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business
Datawatch Corporation (the “Company” or “Datawatch”) designs, develops, markets and distributes business computer software products. The Company also provides services, including implementation and support of its software products, as well as training on their use and administration. The Company is subject to a number of risks including dependence on key individuals, competition from substitute products and larger companies and the need for successful ongoing development and marketing of products.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Datawatch and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments, which are evaluated on an on-going basis, that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The most significant estimates and judgments include those related to revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns reserve, valuation of share-based compensation awards, useful lives of property and equipment, and the valuation of long term assets including goodwill, intellectual property and intangibles, capitalized software development costs and deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates and judgments.
Revenue Recognition
Datawatch software products are generally sold in multiple element arrangements which may include software licenses, professional services and post-contract customer support. The Company licenses its software products directly to end-users and indirectly to end-users through value added resellers and distributors. Sales to indirect distribution channels accounted for 35%, 40% and 44% of total sales for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s software product offerings do not require customization and can be installed and used by customers on their own with little or no configuration required. Multi-user licenses marketed by the Company are sold as a right to use the number of licenses, and the license fee revenue is recognized upon delivery of the software.
Revenue typically consists of software licenses, post-contract support (“PCS”) and professional services. Revenue from the sale of all software products is generally recognized at the time of shipment, provided there are no uncertainties surrounding product acceptance, the fee is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, persuasive evidence of the arrangement exists and there are no significant obligations remaining. PCS is typically provided under a maintenance agreement which provides technical support and rights to unspecified software maintenance updates and bug fixes on a when-and-if available basis. Revenue from PCS agreements is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the agreements, typically one year. Professional services include advanced modeling, application design, implementation and configuration and process optimization with revenue recognized as the services are performed. These services are generally delivered on a time and materials basis, billed on a current basis as the work is performed, and generally do not involve modification or customization of the software or any unusual acceptance clauses or provisions.
For multiple element arrangements, total fees are allocated to each of the undelivered elements based upon vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of their fair values, with the residual amount recognized as revenue for the delivered elements. The residual method of revenue recognition is used for multi-element arrangements when the VSOE of the fair value does not exist for one of the delivered elements, generally the software license. Under the residual method, the arrangement fee is recognized as follows: (1) the total fair value of the undelivered elements, as supported by VSOE, is deferred and subsequently recognized as such items are delivered or completed and (2) the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount allocated to the undelivered elements is recognized as revenue related to the delivered elements. The Company has established VSOE of fair value of PCS from either contractually stated renewal rates or using the bell-shaped curve method. Additionally, VSOE of fair value of the professional services is based on the amounts charged for these elements when sold separately. VSOE calculations are routinely updated and reviewed.
The Company also licenses its enterprise software using a subscription model. At the time a customer enters into a binding agreement to purchase a subscription, the customer is invoiced annually in advance and an account receivable and deferred revenue are recorded. Beginning on the date the software is installed at the customer site and available for use by the customer, and provided that all other criteria for revenue recognition are met, the deferred revenue amount is recognized ratably over the period the service is provided. The subscription arrangement includes software, maintenance and unspecified future upgrades including major version upgrades on a when-and-if available basis. The subscription renewal rate is the same as the initial subscription rate.
The Company’s software products are sold under warranty against certain defects in material and workmanship for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. Revenue from the sale of software products to distributors and resellers is recognized at the time of shipment providing all other revenue recognition criteria are met and (i) the distributor or reseller is unconditionally obligated to pay for the products, including no contingency as to product resale, (ii) the distributor or reseller has independent economic substance apart from the Company, (iii) the Company is not obligated for future performance to bring about product resale, and (iv) the amount of future returns can be reasonably estimated. The Company’s experience and history with its distributors and resellers allows for reasonable estimates of future returns.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The Company analyzes accounts receivable and the composition of the accounts receivable aging, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from the allowances recorded, and this difference could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Receivables are written off against these allowances in the period they are determined to be uncollectible.
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, changes to and ending balances of the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
Sales Returns Reserve
The Company maintains reserves for potential future product returns from distributors. The Company estimates future product returns based on its experience and history with the Company’s various distributors and resellers as well as by monitoring inventory levels at such companies as described above. Adjustments are recorded as increases or decreases in revenue in the period of adjustment. Actual returns have historically been within the range estimated by management. Actual results could differ from the reserve for sales returns recorded, and this difference could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. The Company’s agreement with its sole distributor, Lifeboat, expired during the year ended September 30, 2015, and as a result, the Company determined that a reserve for future returns was no longer necessary.
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, changes to and ending balances of the sales returns reserve were as follows:
Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes certain software development costs as well as purchased software upon achieving technological feasibility of the related products. Costs that are incurred internally in researching and developing a computer software product are charged to expense until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, software development costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Such capitalized costs are amortized to cost of software licenses straight-line over the estimated life of the product, generally nine to 18 months. The Company evaluates the realizability of the assets and the related periods of amortization on a regular basis. Judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility of a product is established as well as its economic life. During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, there were no significant costs incurred during the period after technological feasibility was established and the time in which the product became available for general release. During fiscal year 2014, the Company capitalized $0.3 million of software development costs.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, amounts related to capitalized and purchased software development costs were as follows:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash deposited with banks and highly liquid securities consisting of money market investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Concentration of Credit Risks and Major Customers
Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash is maintained with what management believes to be a high-credit quality financial institution. At times, deposits held at this bank may exceed the federally insured limits. Management believes that the financial institutions that hold the Company’s deposits are financially sound and have minimal credit risk. Risks associated with cash and cash equivalents are mitigated by the Company’s investment policy, which limits the Company’s investing of excess cash into only money market mutual funds.
The Company licenses its products and services directly to end-users and indirectly to end-users through U.S. and non-U.S. distributors and other software resellers, under customary credit terms. The Company’s agreement with Lifeboat expired in early 2015 and, to manage the transition, the Company has refocused part of its Inside Sales Team to manage and pursue the book of business previously handled by Lifeboat. No customer constituted a significant portion (more than 10%) of revenues or accounts receivable for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Other than Lifeboat, no other customer constitutes a significant portion of revenues or accounts receivable for the year ended September 30, 2014. Lifeboat, accounted for 15% of total revenue for the year ended September 30, 2014. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consisted of the following at September 30:
Deferred maintenance revenue consists primarily of the unearned portion of customer support services provided by the Company to customers who purchased maintenance agreements for the Company’s products. Maintenance revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the maintenance period, generally 12 months. Deferred license revenue consists primarily of the unearned portion of revenue from subscription sales and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the subscription period, generally 12 months.
Other deferred revenue consists of deferred professional services revenue generated from arrangements that are invoiced in accordance with the terms and conditions of the arrangement but do not meet all the criteria for revenue recognition and are, therefore, deferred until all revenue recognition criteria are met.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of office equipment, furniture and fixtures, software and leasehold improvements, all of which are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the related assets or term of the related leases. Useful lives and lease terms range from three to seven years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $0.4. million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Long-Lived Assets
Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable and an impairment loss is recognized when it is probable that the estimated cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset.
During fiscal 2015, as a result of an interim impairment test of goodwill and long-lived assets (see Note 2), the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4.9 million for the intellectual property acquired from Panopticon (now known as Datawatch AB) and $5.4 million for the customer lists acquired from Panopticon.
Long-Lived Assets: Acquired Intellectual Property
Acquired intellectual property consists of software source code acquired through business combinations in prior years. The acquired intellectual property assets are being amortized to cost of software licenses using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the asset, ranging from five to seven and a half years.
Acquired intellectual property, net, were comprised of the following at September 30, 2016 and 2015:
Amortization expense related to the acquired intellectual property assets for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $2.0 million, $2.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
The future amortization expense related to the acquired intellectual property is as follows (in thousands):
Long-Lived Assets: Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets consist of trade names, patents and customer lists acquired through business combinations in prior years. The values allocated to these intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset.
Other intangible assets, net, were comprised of the following at September 30, 2016 and 2015:
There was no amortization related to other intangible assets charged to cost of software licenses expense for fiscal 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense related to other intangible assets charged to cost of software licenses totaled $0.6 million for fiscal 2014. Amortization expense related to other intangible assets charged to sales and marketing totaled $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.6 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense related to other intangible assets charged to general and administrative expense totaled $20,000 for fiscal 2016 and $48,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 and 2014. There was no amortization related to other intangible assets charged to interest expense for fiscal 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense related to other intangible asset charged to interest expense totaled $0.1 million for fiscal 2014.
The future amortization expense related to amortizing other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. Indefinite-lived intangibles are intangible assets whose useful lives are indefinite in that their lives extend beyond the foreseeable horizon - that is there is no foreseeable limit on the period of time over which they are expected to contribute to the cash flows of the reporting entity. The Company accounts for these items in accordance with FASB’s ASC 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. This requires that goodwill and intangible assets having indefinite lives are not amortized but instead are reviewed annually, or more frequently as a result of an event or change in circumstances, for possible impairment with impaired assets written down to fair value. Goodwill and assembled workforce are considered indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company conducts its annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. In 2016, the Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test on July 31, 2016, and concluded that no impairment was indicated. During fiscal year 2015, the Company identified several events, that when combined, were determined to require an interim impairment test. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $21.7 million for the impairment of goodwill in fiscal year 2015(see Note 2).
Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The estimated fair values have been determined through information obtained from market sources and management estimates. The estimated fair value of certain financial instruments including cash equivalents, accounts receivable and account payable, approximate the carrying value due to their short-term maturity.
The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from the three levels of fair value hierarchy which are as follows:
· Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
· Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
· Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The Company classified its cash equivalents, which primarily include money market mutual funds, of $18.8 million and $25.7 million as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s assets that are measured on a recurring basis include the following (in thousands):
Non-financial assets such as goodwill and long-lived assets are also subject to non-recurring fair value measurements if they are deemed to be impaired. The impairment models used for nonfinancial assets depend on the type of asset and are accounted for in accordance with FASB’s guidance on fair value measurement. The fair value measurements for these non-financial assets were calculated using a discounted cash flow approach, which includes unobservable inputs classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the fair value methods used for these assets. The amount and timing of future cash flows was based on the Company’s most recent operational forecasts. The Company uses the assistance of an independent consulting firm to develop valuation assumptions. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.
As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s assets that are measured on a non-recurring basis include the following (in thousands):
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the earnings or losses reported in the consolidated financial statements. The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company follows the accounting guidance for uncertain tax positions. This guidance clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
The following table details the derivation of weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss for each period (in thousands, except share data):
As the Company was in a net loss position in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, all common stock equivalents in the respective periods were anti-dilutive. As a result of being anti-dilutive, 384,312 shares, 259,424 shares and 11,059 shares for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were excluded in the calculation above.
Foreign Currency Translations and Transactions
The Company’s foreign subsidiaries functional currency is their local currency. As a result, assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at rates in effect at each balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated into U.S. dollars at average rates prevailing during the respective period. The related translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity under the heading “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.” Included in comprehensive loss are the foreign currency translation adjustments. Foreign currency translation gains in fiscal year 2016 were $0.1 million Foreign currency translation losses in fiscal years 2015 and 2014 were $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Gains and losses resulting from transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the applicable unit’s functional currency are included in the operating results of the Company and were losses of $0.1 million for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Advertising and Promotional Materials
Advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $0.6 million, $0.1 million and $0.8 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes the fair value of share-based awards over the requisite service period of the individual awards, which generally equals the vesting period. All of the Company’s share-based awards are accounted for as equity instruments and there have been no liability awards granted. See additional share-based compensation disclosure in Note 7.
Segment Information and Revenue by Geographic Location
The Company has determined that it has only one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, does not manage any part of the Company separately, and the allocation of resources and assessment of performance is based solely on the Company’s consolidated operations and operating results. See Note 10 for information about the Company’s revenue by geographic operations.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
The Company’s software products are sold under warranty against certain defects in material and workmanship for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. The Company has never incurred significant expense under its product or service warranties and does not expect to do so in the future. As a result, the Company believes its exposure related to these warranty agreements is minimal. Accordingly, there are no liabilities recorded for warranty claims as of September 30, 2016 or 2015.
The Company enters into indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally its customers, in connection with any patent, copyright or other intellectual property infringement claim by any third party with respect to the Company’s products. The term of these indemnification agreements is generally perpetual. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. The Company has never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As a result, the Company believes its exposure related to these agreements is minimal. Accordingly, the Company has no liabilities recorded for these potential obligations as of September 30, 2016 or 2015.
Certain of the Company’s agreements also provide for the performance of services at customer sites. These agreements may contain indemnification clauses, whereby the Company will indemnify the customer from any and all damages, losses, judgments, costs and expenses for acts of its employees or subcontractors resulting in bodily injury or property damage. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has general and umbrella insurance policies that would enable it to recover a portion of any amounts paid. The Company has never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As a result, the Company believes its exposure related to these agreements is minimal. Accordingly, the Company has no liabilities recorded for these potential obligations as of September 30, 2016 or 2015.
As permitted under Delaware law, the Company has agreements with its directors whereby the Company will indemnify them for certain events or occurrences while the director is, or was, serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. The term of the director indemnification period is for the later of ten years after the date that the director ceases to serve in such capacity or the final termination of proceedings against the director as outlined in the indemnification agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company’s director and officer insurance policy limits the Company’s exposure and would enable it to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of its insurance policy coverage for directors, the Company believes its exposure related to these indemnification agreements is minimal. The Company has no liabilities recorded for these potential obligations as of September 30, 2016 or 2015.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred to the extent the costs do not meet the capitalization requirements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires entities to estimate all expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The updated guidance also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impacts of this new guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to simplify various aspects of how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in financial statements. The standard is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, leases with a lease terms of greater than twelve months as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The standard is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. As of October 1, 2015, the Company elected to adopt early the pronouncement on a prospective basis. Adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations, and prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The ASU is the result of a joint project by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that would: remove inconsistencies and weaknesses, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, jurisdictions, industries, and capital markets, improve disclosure requirements and resulting financial statements, and simplify the presentation of financial statements. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU was initially effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. On July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year, but to permit entities to choose to adopt the standard as of the original effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
The Company has considered all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe the adoption of such pronouncements will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2. IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. Indefinite-lived intangibles are intangible assets whose useful lives are indefinite in that their lives extend beyond the foreseeable horizon - that is there is no foreseeable limit on the period of time over which they are expected to contribute to the cash flows of the reporting entity. The Company accounts for these items in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, which requires that impairment testing for goodwill is performed at least annually at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component). The Company has determined that it is comprised of only one reporting unit. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of July 31st. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Examples of these events or circumstances include:
·A significant adverse long term outlook;
·Unanticipated competition or the introduction of a disruptive technology;
·Failure of an anticipated product or product line;
·The testing for recoverability under the ASC 360-10 Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets of a significant asset group;
·A loss of key personnel; and
·An expectation that a significant portion of the Company will be sold or otherwise disposed of.
The impairment test for goodwill uses a two-step approach. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its implied value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit's assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied value, the excess is recorded as an impairment.
There were no impairment charges recognized during the fiscal year 2016. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company identified several events, that when combined, were determined to require an interim impairment test. These events consisted of a material decrease in revenue compared to prior year and compared to the prior quarter which resulted in a decision to pre-release earnings information; necessary operational changes within the Sales Organization which drove a shift in our sales approach; and a sustained decrease in share price.
Under Step 1 of the impairment test the Company determined fair value based on discounted cash flows using an income approach with the multi-period excess earnings method which estimates the fair value of the asset by discounting the future projected excess earnings associated with the asset to present value as of the valuation date. Based on the analysis, it was determined that the carrying value of the Company including goodwill exceeded the fair value, requiring the Company to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
The Company then performed Step 2 of the impairment test, noting fair value of the long-lived assets (other than goodwill), of $3.0 million, was less than the carrying amount of those assets and, as a result, recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $10.3 million during the first fiscal quarter of 2015. The Company then determined the implied value of goodwill was $6.7 million, which was less than its carrying value and, as a result, the Company recognized a non-cash, pre-tax charge of $21.7 million during the first fiscal quarter of 2015. These impairment charges are included under the caption "Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets" in our consolidated statements of operations.
The valuation methods utilized to value the long-lived assets and the goodwill discussed above are based on the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and growth rates and include a determination of an appropriate discount rate. The cash flows utilized in the discounted cash flow analyses were based on financial forecasts developed internally by management. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment and projections may vary from the cash flows eventually realized. Determining the fair value using a discounted cash flow method requires significant estimates and assumptions, including market conditions, discount rates, and long-term projections of cash flows. The Company’s estimates are based upon historical experience, current market trends, projected future volumes and other information. The Company believes that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodology are reasonable; however, different estimates and assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value. In estimating future cash flows, the Company relies on internally generated projections for a defined time period for revenue and operating profits, including capital expenditures, changes in net working capital, and adjustments for non-cash items to arrive at the free cash flow available to invested capital. Where applicable, a terminal value utilizing a constant growth rate of cash flows is used to calculate a terminal value after the explicit projection period. The future projected cash flows for the discrete projection period and the terminal value are discounted at a risk adjusted discount rate to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill (in thousands):
NOTE 3. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of the following at September 30, 2016 and 2015:
NOTE 4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
The Company leases various facilities and equipment in the U.S. and overseas under non-cancelable operating leases which expire at various dates through 2022. The lease agreements generally provide for the payment of minimum annual rentals, pro-rata share of taxes and maintenance expenses. Rental expense for all operating leases was $1.1 million for fiscal year 2016 and $1.0 million for both fiscal years 2015 and 2014. At September 30, 2016, deferred rent totaled $0.4 million, which is included under the caption “Other long-term liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, for the year ended September 30, 2016. There was no deferred rent for the year ended September 30, 2015. Certain of the Company's facility leases include options to renew.
As of September 30, 2016, future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands):
Royalties
Royalty expense included in cost of software licenses was $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Minimum royalty obligations were insignificant for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is subject to claims and may be party to actions that arise in the normal course of business. The Company is not party to any litigation that management believes will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
NOTE 5. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
During fiscal year 2015, the Company undertook restructuring efforts to (i) lower expenses by reducing the investment in legacy solutions and realigning international operations, primarily impacting engineering and product development, and (ii) further reduce the workforce across all functional areas of the Company in an effort to rebalance investments to match the go-to-market model. The restructuring efforts began during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and continued during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, when the remaining employees impacted by the restructuring were notified. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $1.8 million during fiscal year 2015 including severance and related benefit costs related to workforce reductions. The Company completed all restructuring actions associated with these plans during fiscal year 2015. The Company did not undertake any restructuring efforts during fiscal 2016.
The following table presents the changes in the accrual for restructuring charges, which is included under the caption “Accrued expenses” in our consolidated balance sheets, as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands):
The following table presents restructuring charges included in our consolidated statements of operations, for the year ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands):
NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES
Loss from operations before income taxes consists of the following for the years ended September 30:
The (provision) benefit for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended September 30:
At September 30, 2016, the Company had U.S. federal tax loss carryforwards of $50.2 million, expiring at various dates through 2036, including $0.2 million resulting from an acquisition during 2004 which are subject to additional annual limitations as a result of the changes in ownership, and had $28.5 million in state tax loss carryforwards, which also expire at various dates through 2036. Included in the Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards are $7.6 million of tax deductions from share based compensation, which will be recorded as additional paid-in capital when realized. These loss carryforwards are available to reduce future federal, state and foreign taxable income but are subject to review and possible adjustment by the appropriate taxing authorities. The loss carryforwards, which may be utilized in any future period, may be subject to limitations based upon changes in the ownership of the Company’s stock. An alternative minimum tax credit of $7,000 is available to offset future regular federal taxes. Federal research and development credits of $1.0 million expire beginning in 2021. State research and development credits of $0.1 million expire at various years through 2030. In addition, the Company has the following net operating loss carryforwards: U.K. losses of $9.8 million with no expiration date, Australia losses of $3.5 million with no expiration date, Germany losses of $2.2 million with no expiration date, Singapore losses of $2.9 million with no expiration date, and Sweden losses of $10.6 million with no expiration date.
The components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows at September 30:
The valuation allowance relates to the Company’s U.S. and foreign net operating losses and other deferred tax assets and is recorded based upon the uncertainty surrounding their realizability, as these assets can only be realized via profitable operations in the respective tax jurisdictions. The Company records a deferred tax asset or liability based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as measured by enacted tax rates assumed to be in effect when these differences reverse. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence including its past operating results, the existence of cumulative income in the most recent fiscal years, changes in the business in which the Company operates and its forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, the Company is responsible for assumptions utilized including the amount of federal, state and international pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company reassessed its valuation allowance assertion with regards to Datawatch AB, the Company’s subsidiary located in Sweden. The Company analyzed forecasted profits, carryback potential, tax planning strategies, and the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences of the same type in the same period. Factors the Company considered were as follows:
·History of net operating losses in Sweden;
·The Company’s revised forecast indicates that its Sweden subsidiary will not achieve profitability with certainty in the foreseeable future;
·Net operating losses have no expiration period;
·The Swedish subsidiary has no carryback potential;
·The Swedish subsidiary has no tax planning strategies available to recognize its deferred tax assets; and
·Reversal temporary differences in Sweden will not allow the Swedish subsidiary to utilize its existing deferred tax assets.
Although the Swedish subsidiary has no expiration on its net operating loss carryovers, the negative evidence noted above outweighs this positive evidence. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets in Sweden during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
The assumptions underlying the valuation allowance require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates that the Company is using to manage the underlying business. The Company had tax losses in each of the fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2016, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in all of its jurisdictions and a full valuation allowance has been recorded in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, Singapore, and Sweden.
The following table reconciles the Company’s tax (provision) benefit based on its effective tax rate to its tax (provision) benefit based on the federal statutory rate of 34% for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
Provision for Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company applies the accounting requirements for uncertain tax positions which provide a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. In accordance with these requirements, the Company first determines whether a tax authority would “more likely than not” sustain its tax position if it were to audit the position with full knowledge of all the relevant facts and other information. For those tax positions that meet this threshold, the Company measures the amount of tax benefit based on the largest amount of tax benefit that the Company has a greater than 50 percent chance of realizing in a final settlement with the relevant authority. Those tax positions failing to qualify for initial recognition are recognized in the first interim period in which they meet the more likely than not standard, or are resolved through negotiation or litigation with the taxing authority, or upon expiration of the statute of limitations.
At September 30, 2015, the Company had a cumulative tax liability of $0.3 million related to federal, state, and foreign tax exposure that could result in cash payments. The Company decreased the tax liability by $0.1 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The decrease related to the statute of limitations expiring on U.S. and foreign uncertain tax positions. The Company does not expect its tax liability to change significantly during the next twelve months. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company has not accrued interest or penalties associated with this liability for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits (before consideration of any valuation allowance) represent differences between tax positions taken by the Company in its various consolidated and separate worldwide tax returns and the benefits recognized and measured for uncertain tax positions. This amount also represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods. The change in the unrecognized tax benefits during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 was as follows (in thousands):
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such jurisdictions as the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Australia and the United States, and as a result, files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The fiscal years ended September 30, 2013 through September 30, 2015 are generally still open to examination in the jurisdictions listed above. The Company was under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. The audit was completed during the fourth quarter ended September 30,2014 and resulted in the reduction of $0.5 million related to research credits, AMT credits, and NOL carryforwards which had a full valuation. The Company did not have to make any cash payments as a result of this audit.
NOTE 7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company provides its employees, officers, consultants and directors with stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other stock rights for common stock of the Company on a discretionary basis. All option and RSU grants are subject to the terms and conditions determined by the Compensation and Stock Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”), and generally vest over a three-year period and expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant. All awards granted during the year ended September 30, 2016 were granted under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Equity Compensation and Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). At September 30, 2016, a total of 2,275,392 shares were authorized for issuance under the 2011 Plan and 176,904 shares remained available for future issuance thereunder.
On January 20, 2006, the Company established the Datawatch Corporation 2006 Equity Compensation and Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options and non-qualified options, the award of Company common stock and opportunities to make direct purchases of Company common stock, as determined by the Committee. Options pursuant to this plan were available to be granted through April 26, 2011 and vest as specified by the Committee.
On April 26, 2011, the Company established the 2011 Plan which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options and non-qualified options, the award of restricted stock, RSUs, and any other equity-based interests (collectively, “Stock Rights”), as determined by the Committee. Options pursuant to this plan may be granted through April 25, 2021 and shall vest as specified by the committee.
Under the 2006 Plan and 2011 Plan, stock options are granted at exercise prices not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. All of the Company’s share-based awards are accounted for as equity instruments and there have been no liability awards granted. Share-based compensation expense for share-based payment awards, issued to employees and directors, is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite period of the award. Share-based compensation expense for share-based payment awards, issued to non-employees, is revalued each fiscal quarter based on the current fair value of the award and recognized on over the requisite period of the award.
The following table presents share-based compensation expenses included in our audited consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
Stock Options
The Company estimates the fair value of each share-based award (except RSUs, which are discussed below) using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model incorporates assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of options, a risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. No options were granted by the Company in the fiscal years 2016 and 2015. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $15,000, $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Total cash received from option exercises during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. There was no tax benefit realized from stock option exercised during the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The tax benefit realized from stock options exercised during the fiscal year 2014 was $24,000. As of September 30, 2016, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option arrangements. Many of the assumptions used in the determination of share-based compensation expense are judgmental and highly volatile.
The expected option life is based on historical trends and data. With regard to the expected option life assumption, the Company considers the exercise behavior of past grants and models the pattern of aggregate exercises. Patterns are determined on specific criteria of the aggregate pool of optionees including the reaction to vesting, realizable value and short-time-to-maturity effect. The Company determined the volatility for options granted using the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on a treasury instrument whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Dividend yield of zero is based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends. Based on the Company’s historical voluntary turnover rates, an annualized estimated forfeiture rate of 10% has been used in calculating the estimated cost. Additional expense will be recorded if the actual forfeiture rate is lower than estimated, and a recovery of prior expense will be recorded if the actual forfeiture rate is higher than estimated.
The following table is a summary of combined stock option activity under the 2006 Plan and the 2011 Plan:
The following table presents weighted-average price and life information regarding options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2016:
Restricted Stock Units
The Company periodically grants awards of restricted stock units to its non-employee directors employees on a discretionary basis pursuant to its stock compensation plans. Each RSU entitles the holder to receive, at the end of each vesting period, a specified number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The total number of RSUs unvested at September 30, 2016 was 609,565. Most RSUs vest at the rate of 33.33% on each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date.
The fair value related to the RSUs was calculated based primarily on the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant and is being amortized evenly on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period to sales and marketing, engineering and product development, professional services and general and administrative expense. The fair values of the RSUs granted in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $2.7 million (or $5.36 weighted-average fair value per share), $2.0 million (or $7.59 weighted-average fair value per share) and $6.0 million (or $19.98 weighted-average fair value per share), respectively. The Company recorded compensation expense related to RSUs of $2.7 million, $4.5 million and $8.2 million during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in the total share-based compensation expense disclosed above. As of September 30, 2016, there was $3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.91 years.
The following table presents nonvested RSU information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Note 8. RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) retirement savings plan covering substantially all of the Company’s full-time U.S. employees. Under the provisions of the plan, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation, subject to certain limitations. The Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, may make contributions on behalf of its employees under this plan. Such contributions, if any, become fully vested after five years of continuous service. The Company did not make any contributions to the 401(k) retirement savings plan in fiscal 2016, 2015 or 2014.
Note 9. ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK
On February 19, 2014, the Company completed a public offering of 2,018,250 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $28.50 per share. The number of shares the Company sold included the underwriters’ full exercise of their over-allotment option of 263,250 shares. Net proceeds to the Company from the offering, after underwriting discounts and expenses, were $53.6 million.
Note 10. SEGMENT INFORMATION AND REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
The Company has determined that it has only one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, does not manage any part of the Company separately, and the allocation of resources and assessment of performance is based solely on the Company’s consolidated operations and operating results.
The Company conducts operations in the U.S. and internationally. The following table presents information about the Company’s geographic operations (in thousands):
Note 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated all events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date and through the date that the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued noting none that require recognition or disclosure.
Note 12. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Supplementary Information:
Item 9.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. the principal executive officer and principal financial officer participated in this evaluation. Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) 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 (iii) 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 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.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, management concluded that, as of September 30, 2016, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
(c)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
As a result of the evaluation completed by management, and in which the principal executive officer and principal financial officer participated, we have concluded that there were no changes during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 in our internal control over financial reporting, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information set forth under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Information Concerning Executive Officers” appearing in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information set forth under the captions “Compensation of Directors” and “Executive Compensation” appearing in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information set forth under the caption “Equity Incentive Plan Information” in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and under the caption “Principal Holders of Voting Securities” appearing in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” appearing in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information set forth under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms and Fees” appearing in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or is included in the financial statements or related notes.
3. List of Exhibits
(10) 10.19*
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Equity Compensation and Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.32)
(15) 10.20
Lease, dated June 23, 2015, between DIV Bedford, LLC and The Registrant (Exhibit 10.1)
(14) 10.21*
Executive Agreement dated April 23, 2013 by and between James Eliason and The Registrant (Exhibit 10.1)
(12) 10.23*
Executive Agreement dated October 14, 2014 by and between Sanjay Mistry and The Registrant (Exhibit 10.28)
(13) 10.24*
Severance Agreement dated July 19, 2016 by and between Ken Tacelli and The Registrant (Exhibit 10.1)
(16) 10.25
Cooperation Agreement dated April 21, 2016 by and among Potrero Capital Research, LLC, Potrero Capital Research Partners, LP, Potrero Capital Research Partners II, LP, Jack Ripsteen and The Registrant (Exhibit 10.1)
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith)
23.1
Consent of RSM US LLP (filed herewith)
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith)
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith)
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (furnished herewith)
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (furnished herewith)
The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL).
*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or contract.
Note: The number given in parenthesis next to each item listed above indicates the corresponding exhibit in each filing listed below.
(1)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement 33-46290 on Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(5)
Previously filed as Appendix A to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated January 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
(6)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
(8)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 10, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
(9)
Previously filed as Appendix A to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated January 28, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
(11)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 28, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.
(12)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.
(13)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
(14)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.
(15)
Filed herewith.
(16)
Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 22, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Exhibits
The Company hereby files as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K those exhibits listed in Item 15(a)3 above.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Datawatch Corporation
Date: November 10, 2016 By: /s/ Michael A. Morrison
Michael A. Morrison
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ Michael A. Morrison
Principal Executive Officer and Director
November 10, 2016
Michael A. Morrison
/s/ James L. Eliason
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
November 10, 2016
James L. Eliason
/s/ Richard de J. Osborne
Chairman of the Board
November 10, 2016
Richard de J. Osborne
/s/ David C. Mahoney
Vice Chairman of the Board
November 10, 2016
David C. Mahoney
/s/ Christopher T. Cox
Director
November 10, 2016
Christopher T. Cox
/s/ Thomas H. Kelly
Director
November 10, 2016
Thomas H. Kelly
/s/ Joan McArdle
Director
November 10, 2016
Joan McArdle
/s/ Randy Seidl
Director
November 10, 2016
Randy Seidl
/s/ Charles Gillman
Director
November 10, 2016
Charles Gillman
/s/ Donald Friedman
Director
November 10, 2016
Donald Friedman