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CLRO 9.30.2014 - 10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[x]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
or
[ ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period _______ to _______

Commission file number: 001-33660
CLEARONE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Utah
 
87-0398877
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
5225 Wiley Post Way, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, Utah
 
84116
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(801) 975-7200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Indicate by check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  [x] No [ ]

See the definition of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Larger Accelerated Filer [ ]
Accelerated Filer  [ ]
Non-Accelerated Filer  [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company   [x]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes [ ] No [x]

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 9,143,090 shares issued and outstanding as of October 24, 2014.





CLEARONE, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

INDEX

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2013
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 








Table of Contents



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CLEARONE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
Unaudited
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
8,892

 
$
17,192

Marketable securities
5,785

 
3,200

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $71 and $129, respectively
9,658

 
9,378

Inventories
11,673

 
10,758

Distributor channel inventories
1,607

 
1,520

Deferred income taxes
3,378

 
3,325

Prepaid expenses and other assets
3,270

 
2,693

Total current assets
44,263

 
48,066

Long-term marketable securities
19,666

 
22,326

Long-term inventories, net
992

 
551

Property and equipment, net
2,106

 
1,825

Intangibles, net
8,767

 
3,710

Goodwill
12,596

 
3,472

Deferred income taxes
1,303

 
1,024

Other assets
114

 
87

Total assets
$
89,807

 
$
81,061

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
2,852

 
$
2,730

Accrued liabilities
4,452

 
1,761

Deferred product revenue
4,980

 
4,158

Total current liabilities
12,284

 
8,649

Deferred rent
256

 
286

Other long-term liabilities
2,395

 
1,791

Total liabilities
14,935

 
10,726

Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.001, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 9,163,177 and 8,986,080 shares issued and outstanding
9

 
9

Additional paid-in capital
44,645

 
41,311

Accumulated other comprehensive income
83

 
23

Retained earnings
30,135

 
28,992

Total shareholders' equity
74,872

 
70,335

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
89,807

 
$
81,061


See accompanying notes


1

Table of Contents



CLEARONE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,

2014

2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenue
$
15,739


$
12,366

 
$
42,558

 
$
35,362

Cost of goods sold
6,099


4,921

 
17,152

 
14,054

Gross profit
9,640


7,445

 
25,406

 
21,308





 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:



 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing
2,791


2,220

 
8,504

 
6,575

Research and product development
2,315


1,788

 
6,886

 
5,497

General and administrative
1,487


1,405

 
5,079

 
4,639

Proceeds from litigation, net
—


(272
)
 
—

 
(272
)
Total operating expenses
6,593


5,141

 
20,469

 
16,439





 
 
 
 
Operating income
3,047


2,304

 
4,937

 
4,869

Other income, net
70


85

 
215

 
117

Income before income taxes
3,117


2,389

 
5,152

 
4,986

Provision for income taxes
1,471


726

 
2,082

 
1,548

Net income
$
1,646


$
1,663

 
$
3,070

 
$
3,438





 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.18


$
0.18

 
$
0.33

 
$
0.38

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.17


$
0.18

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.36





 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
9,198,730


9,027,764

 
9,182,875

 
9,090,903

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
9,607,644


9,406,941

 
9,615,878

 
9,485,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,646

 
$
1,663

 
$
3,070

 
$
3,438

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
(78
)
 
55

 
60

 
(33
)
Comprehensive income
$
1,568

 
$
1,718

 
$
3,130

 
$
3,405


See accompanying notes

2

Table of Contents



CLEARONE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
3,070

 
$
3,438

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
1,255

 
979

Amortization of deferred rent
(69
)
 
(77
)
Stock-based compensation expense
266

 
205

Provision for doubtful accounts, net
40

 
61

Inventory valuation reserve adjustments
537

 
524

Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options
(92
)
 
(76
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
(65
)
 
(115
)
Inventories
(1,136
)
 
(1,258
)
Deferred income taxes
(333
)
 
—

Prepaid expenses and other assets
(396
)
 
(262
)
Accounts payable
(298
)
 
1,180

Accrued liabilities
828

 
143

Income taxes payable
1,445

 
(14,782
)
Deferred product revenue
822

 
512

Other long-term liabilities
(62
)
 
—

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
5,812

 
(9,528
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Payment towards business acquisitions
(13,068
)
 
—

Purchase of property and equipment
(496
)
 
(723
)
Purchase of patents
(90
)
 
—

Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable investment securities

6,790

 
—

Purchase of marketable securities
(6,655
)
 
(25,409
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(13,519
)
 
(26,132
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
1,297

 
456

Tax benefit from stock options
92

 
76

Stock registration costs
(55
)
 
—

Treasury stock purchased
(1,927
)
 
(2,191
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(593
)
 
(1,659
)
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(8,300
)
 
(37,319
)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
17,192

 
55,509

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
$
8,892

 
$
18,190





3

Table of Contents



CLEARONE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid for income taxes
$
1,695

 
$
16,987

    Acquisition of property and equipment through accounts payable
$
—

 
$
150

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of business
$
1,679

 
$
—


See accompanying notes


4

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)





1.
Business Description, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description:

ClearOne, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “ClearOne” or the “Company”), is a global company that designs, develops and sells conferencing, collaboration, streaming and digital signage solutions for audio and visual communications. The performance and simplicity of its advanced comprehensive solutions offer unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability and scalability.  

Basis of Presentation:

The fiscal year for ClearOne is the 12 months ending on December 31st.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ClearOne and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

These accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and are not audited. Certain information and footnote disclosures that are usually included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been either condensed or omitted in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full-year period.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 20, 2014.

Significant Accounting Policies:

The significant accounting policies were described in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no changes to these policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 that are of significance or potential significance to the Company.

Warranty Costs – The Company accrues for warranty costs based on estimated warranty return rates and estimated costs to repair. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty returns, and repair cost. The Company reviews the adequacy of its recorded warranty accrual on a quarterly basis.

The details of changes in the Company’s warranty accrual are as follows:
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Balance at the beginning of year
$
338

 
$
385

Warranty accruals/additions
374

 
433

Warranty usage
(383
)
 
(480
)
Balance at end of period
$
329

 
$
338



5

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




Earnings Per Share – The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,646

 
$
1,663

 
$
3,070

 
$
3,438

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic weighted average shares outstanding
9,198,730

 
9,027,764

 
9,182,875

 
9,090,903

Dilutive common stock equivalents using treasury stock method
408,914

 
379,177

 
433,003

 
394,905

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
9,607,644

 
9,406,941

 
9,615,878

 
9,485,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.33

 
$
0.38

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.17

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average options outstanding
923,424

 
1,143,283

 
955,606

 
1,131,403

Anti-dilutive options not included in the computations
276,459

 
167,845

 
169,306

 
157,197


2. Business Combinations

Sabine
On March 7, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Sabine, Inc. ("Sabine") through a stock purchase agreement ("SPA"). Sabine manufactures, designs and sells Sacom professional wireless microphone systems for live and installed audio. It also makes FBX Feedback Exterminator for reliable automatic feedback control. With the addition of Sabine, ClearOne will have reliable and exclusive access to the wireless microphones that are a critical component of ClearOne’s complete microphone portfolio.

Pursuant to the SPA, the Company (i) paid initial consideration of $8,141 in cash, which is subject to a final working capital adjustment, (ii) accrued for possible additional earn-out payments over the next three years, estimated to be $667, and (iii) issued 150,000 shares of restricted common stock of the Company, valued at $1,679 (determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company's stock on the acquisition date). The purchase price was paid out of cash on hand. The SPA contains representations, warranties and indemnifications customary for a transaction of this type.

The estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company believes that such information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but the Company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those fair values. The measurement period for purchase price allocation ends as soon as information on the facts and circumstances becomes available, but will not exceed twelve months from the date of acquisition. Adjustments in the purchase price allocation may require a recasting of the amounts allocated to intangible assets and possible allocation to goodwill, retroactive to the period in which the acquisition occurred. Therefore, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are subject to change and such changes could be significant.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for the acquisition:
 
Consideration
Cash
$
8,141

Common stock
1,679

Contingent consideration
667

Total
$
10,487



The fair value of identified assets and liabilities acquired was as follows:

6

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




 
Fair value
Cash
$
125

Accounts receivable
255

Inventories
844

Prepaid and other
116

Intangibles
3,180

Property and equipment
292

Goodwill
6,555

Trade accounts payable
(420
)
Accrued liabilities
(405
)
Stock registration costs
(55
)
Total
$
10,487


The fair value of accounts receivable acquired is $255 which is net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.

The goodwill of $6,555 related to the acquisition of of Sabine is composed of expected synergies in utilizing Sabine technology in ClearOne product offerings, reduction in future combined research and development expenses, and intangible assets including acquired workforce that do not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill balance of $6,555 related to the acquisition of Sabine is deductible for tax purposes.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information:

1) Revenue and net income from the Sabine business from March 8, 2014 to September 30, 2014 was $2,887 and $374 respectively.
2) Revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination occurred as of January 1, 2013 were as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenue
$
15,739

 
$
13,252

 
$
42,827

 
$
37,947

Earnings
1,646

 
1,702

 
2,830

 
3,490

Basic earnings per common share
$
0.18

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.38

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.17

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.37


3) There were no material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition included in this Supplemental Pro Forma Information.

Spontania business of Spain-based Dialcom Networks, S.L.

December 20, 2013 ClearOne, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire the Spontania business of Spain-based Dialcom Networks, S.L. The Spontania cloud-based service empowers customers to deploy HD video conferencing, web collaboration, and more with equipment most businesses have and use every day - video-conferencing endpoints, desktops, laptops, web browsers, tablets, and smartphones. With Spontania there is no hardware investment and the service operates off of a reservation-less model, enabling on-demand video communications from virtually anywhere, anytime, with anyone on any device.

The Spontania purchase closed on April 1, 2014. The aggregate purchase price under the terms of the transaction was approximately €3.66 million in cash (approximately US$5.1 million), after certain closing adjustments. ClearOne did not assume any debt or cash. The cash purchase price was paid out of cash on hand. The addition of this technology completes the company’s strategy to build an all-inclusive video collaboration portfolio.

The estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company believes

7

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




that such information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but the Company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those fair values. The measurement period for purchase price allocation ends as soon as information on the facts and circumstances becomes available, but will not exceed twelve months from the date of acquisition. Adjustments in the purchase price allocation may require a recasting of the amounts allocated to intangible assets and possible allocation to goodwill, retroactive to the period in which the acquisition occurred. Therefore, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are subject to change and such changes could be significant.

The fair value of identified assets and liabilities acquired was as follows:
 
Fair value
Property and equipment
$
47

Intangibles
2,488

Goodwill
2,569

Accrued liabilities
(52
)
Total
$
5,052


The goodwill of $2,569 relates to the acquisition of Spontania cloud-based technology and intangible assets including acquired workforce that does not qualify for separate recognition.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information:

1) Revenue and net loss from the Spontania business from April 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014 was $335 and $472 respectively.
2) Revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination occurred as of January 1, 2013 is not available. The Spontania business was part of a business unit of Dialcom Networks, S.L., and thus separate stand-alone financial information for Spontania is not available.

Acquisitions Expenses

The Company incurred $16 and $459 in total acquisition related expenses, all of which are categorized under General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

3. Marketable Securities

The Company has classified its marketable securities as available-for-sale securities. These securities are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders' equity until realized. Gains and losses on marketable security transactions are reported on the specific-identification method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.
The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value for available-for-sale securities by major security type and class of security at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:

 
Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
holding
gains
  
Gross
unrealized
holding
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds and notes
$
19,242

  
$
126

  
$
(39
)
 
$
19,329

 
 
Municipal bonds
6,078

  
44

  
—

 
6,122

 
Total available-for-sale securities
$
25,320

  
$
170

  
$
(39
)
 
$
25,451



8

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




 
Amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
holding
gains
  
Gross
unrealized
holding
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds and notes
$
18,832

  
$
68

  
$
(43
)
 
$
18,857

 
 
Municipal bonds
6,658

  
22

  
(11
)
 
6,669

 
Total available-for-sale securities
$
25,490

  
$
90

  
$
(54
)
 
$
25,526


Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities were as follows at September 30, 2014:
 
 
Amortized
cost
  
Estimated
fair value
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
Due within one year
$
5,783

  
$
5,785

 
 
Due after one year through five years
18,852

  
18,970

 
 
Due after five years through ten years
685

  
696

 
Total available-for-sale securities
$
25,320

  
$
25,451


4. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
 
Estimated useful lives
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Tradename
7 years
 
$
435

 
$
435

Patents and technological know-how
10 years
 
5,310

 
2,070

Proprietary software
3 to 15 years
 
5,449

 
2,961

Other
5 years
 
238

 
208

 
 
 
11,432

 
5,674

Accumulated amortization
 
 
(2,665
)
 
(1,964
)
 
 
 
$
8,767

 
$
3,710


The amortization of intangibles with finite lives for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Amortization of intangibles with finite lives
$
268

 
$
142

 
$
701

 
$
404


The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows:

9

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




Years ending December 31,
Estimated future amortization expense
2014 (remainder)
$
253

2015
1,013

2016
976

2017
887

2018
866

Thereafter
4,772

 
$
8,767


5. Inventories

Inventories, net of reserves, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Current:
 
 
 
Raw materials
$
2,340

 
$
1,362

Finished goods
10,940

 
10,916

 
$
13,280

 
$
12,278

Long-term:
 
 
 
Raw materials
$
329

 
$
227

Finished goods
663

 
324

 
$
992

 
$
551


Long-term inventory represents inventory held in excess of our current (next 12 months) requirements based on our recent sales and forecasted level of sales. We expect to sell the above inventory, net of reserves, at or above the stated cost and believe that no loss will be incurred on its sale.

Current finished goods include consigned inventory in the amounts of approximately $1,607 and $1,520 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Consigned inventory represents inventory at distributors and other customers where revenue recognition criteria have not yet been achieved.

The following table summarizes the losses incurred on valuation of inventory at lower of cost or market value and write-off of obsolete inventory during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Losses incurred on valuation of inventory and write-off of obsolete inventory
$
113

 
$
256

 
$
537

 
$
524


6. Share-based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 has been recorded as follows:

10

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Cost of goods sold
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
6

 
$
7

Sales and marketing
20

 
21

 
60

 
55

Research and product development
12

 
14

 
33

 
37

General and administrative
64

 
42

 
167

 
106

 
$
98

 
$
79

 
$
266

 
$
205


As of September 30, 2014, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, net of forfeitures, was approximately $1,169, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.76 years.

7. Shareholders’ Equity

The following table summarizes the change in shareholders’ equity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at the beginning of the period
$
73,930

 
$
67,655

 
$
70,335

 
$
66,668

Net income during the period
1,646

 
1,663

 
3,070

 
3,438

Treasury stock purchased
(758
)
 
(1,200
)
 
(1,927
)
 
(2,191
)
Share-based compensation
98

 
79

 
266

 
205

Tax benefit - stock option exercises
2

 
55

 
92

 
55

Exercise of stock options
32

 
292

 
1,297

 
456

Stock issued for acquisition
—

 
—

 
1,679

 
—

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

(78
)
 
54

 
60

 
(33
)
Balance at end of the period
$
74,872

 
$
68,598

 
$
74,872

 
$
68,598


8. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value of the Company's financial instruments reflects the amounts that the Company estimates it will receive in connection with the sale of an asset or pay in connection with the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the use of inputs used in valuation techniques into the following three levels:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and 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. This category generally includes U.S. Government and agency securities; municipal securities; mutual funds and securities sold and not yet settled.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs.
The substantial majority of the Company's financial instruments are valued using quoted prices in active markets or based on other observable inputs. The following table sets forth the fair value of the financial instruments re-measured by the Company as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

11

CLEARONE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Unaudited – Dollars in thousands)




 
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
(In thousands)
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
September 30, 2014
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
Corporate bonds and notes
$
—

  
$
19,329

  
$
—

  
$
19,329

Municipal bonds
—

  
6,122

  
—

  
6,122




  


  


  


 
Total
$
—

  
$
25,451

  
$
—

  
$
25,451


 
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
(In thousands)
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
December 31, 2013
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
Corporate bonds and notes
$
—

  
$
18,857

  
$
—

  
$
18,857

Municipal bonds
—

  
6,669

  
—

  
6,669



  

  

  

 
Total
$
—

  
$
25,526

  
$
—

  
$
25,526


9. Income Taxes
The Company's forecasted effective tax rate at September 30, 2014 was 35.7%, a 2.4% increase from the 33.3% effective tax rate recorded at December 31, 2013. The forecasted effective tax rate of 35.7% excludes jurisdictions for which no benefit from forecasted current year losses is anticipated. Including losses from such jurisdictions results in a forecasted effective tax rate of 36.3%. Our forecasted effective tax rate could fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis and could change to the extent that earnings, in countries with tax rates that differ from that of the U.S., differ from amounts anticipated at September 30, 2014.

After discrete tax expense of $24, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 40.4%. The discrete tax expense is primarily attributable to adjustments to prior-year research and development tax credits, offset by tax benefits of share-based compensation.

10. Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated its consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 for subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. The Company is not aware of any subsequent event which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.







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Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  All statements in this report, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements for purposes of these provisions, including any projections of earnings, revenues or other financial items, any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new products or services, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  All forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to us as of such date.  We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.   In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,”  “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such expectations or any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct.  Our actual results will vary, and may vary materially, from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements.  Future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, product recalls and product liability claims; infringement of our technology or assertion that our technology infringes the rights of other parties; termination of supplier relationships, or failure of suppliers to perform; inability to successfully manage growth; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals or the failure to maintain such approvals; concentration of our revenue among a few customers, products or procedures; development of new products and technology that could render our products obsolete; market acceptance of new products; introduction of products in a timely fashion; price and product competition, availability of labor and materials, cost increases, and fluctuations in and obsolescence of inventory; volatility of the market price of our common stock; foreign currency fluctuations; changes in key personnel; work stoppage or transportation risks; and other factors referred to in our press releases and reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.  Additional factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results are discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a global company that designs, develops and sells conferencing, collaboration, streaming and digital signage solutions for voice and visual communications. The performance and simplicity of our advanced comprehensive solutions offer unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability and scalability.

We design, develop, market, and service a comprehensive line of high-quality conferencing products for personal use, as well as traditional tabletop, mid-tier premium and higher-end professional products for both large and small businesses. We occupy the number one global market share position, with nearly 50% market share in the professional audio conferencing market for our products used by large businesses and organizations such as enterprise, healthcare, education and distance learning, government, legal and finance. Our solutions save organizations time and money by creating a natural environment for collaboration and communication.

We have an established history of product innovation and plan to continue to apply our expertise in audio, video and network engineering to develop and introduce innovative new products and enhance our existing products. Our end-users range from some of the world's largest and most prestigious companies and institutions to small and medium-sized businesses, higher education and government organizations, as well as individual consumers. We sell our commercial products to these end-users primarily through a global network of independent distributors who in turn sell our products to dealers, systems integrators and other value-added resellers.

Our business goals are to:

•
Maintain our leading global market share in professional audio conferencing products for large businesses and organizations;
•
Leverage the media collaboration, enterprise streaming and digital signage technologies we have acquired over the years to enter new growth markets;
•
Focus on the small and medium business (SMB) market with scaled, lower cost and less complex products and solutions;

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•
Capitalize on the increasing adoption of unified communications and introduce new products through information technology channels;
•
Capitalize on emerging market opportunities as audio visual, information technology, unified communications and traditional digital signage converge to meet enterprise and commercial multimedia needs; and
•
Expand and strengthen our sales channels.  

We will continue to improve our existing high-quality products and develop new products for the burgeoning conferencing and collaboration and multimedia streaming markets and focus on strategic initiatives to achieve our business goals.

Our revenues were $15.7 million and $12.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This revenue increase is primarily due to contributions from our acquisitions and from our flagship professional audio products. Our gross profit increased by $2.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Net income decreased by $17 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to increased tax expense resulting from both a higher taxable income and a higher effective tax rate and due to increased investments in sales and marketing and research and development activities in connection with acquisitions and internal investments.

Our revenues were $42.6 million and $35.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This revenue increase is primarily due to increased sales of professional audio products.  Our gross profit increased by $4.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Net income decreased by $368 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to increased investments in sales and marketing and research and development activities in connection with acquisitions and internal investments.

We expect continued growth in revenue from our acquisitions and our professional audio products. However, the prospects of growth and related magnitude in both revenues and profits in the near future will depend on the strength of the global economy and the degree of market penetration of our new products, including products added through acquisitions.

A detailed discussion of our results of operations follows below.

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

The following table sets forth certain items from our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations (dollars in thousands) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, together with the percentage of total revenue which each such item represents:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
% of Revenue
 
2013
 
% of Revenue
 
2014
 
% of Revenue
 
2013
 
% of Revenue
Revenue
$
15,739

 
100
%
 
$
12,366

 
100
 %
 
$
42,558

 
100
%
 
$
35,362

 
100
 %
Cost of goods sold
6,099

 
39
%
 
4,921

 
40
 %
 
17,152

 
40
%
 
14,054

 
40
 %
Gross profit
9,640

 
61
%
 
7,445

 
60
 %
 
25,406

 
60
%
 
21,308

 
60
 %
Sales and marketing
2,791

 
18
%
 
2,220

 
18
 %
 
8,504

 
20
%
 
6,575

 
19
 %
Research and product development
2,315

 
15
%
 
1,788

 
14
 %
 
6,886

 
16
%
 
5,497

 
16
 %
General and administrative
1,487

 
9
%
 
1,405

 
11
 %
 
5,079

 
12
%
 
4,639

 
13
 %
Proceeds from litigation
—

 
—
%
 
(272
)
 
(2
)%
 
—

 
—
%
 
(272
)
 
(1
)%
Operating income
3,047

 
19
%
 
2,304

 
19
 %
 
4,937

 
12
%
 
4,869

 
14
 %
Other income, net
70

 
0
%
 
85

 
1
 %
 
215

 
1
%
 
117

 
0
 %
Income before income taxes
3,117

 
20
%
 
2,389

 
19
 %
 
5,152

 
12
%
 
4,986

 
14
 %
Provision for income taxes
1,471

 
9
%
 
726

 
6
 %
 
2,082

 
5
%
 
1,548

 
4
 %
Net income
$
1,646

 
10
%
 
$
1,663

 
13
 %
 
$
3,070

 
7
%
 
$
3,438

 
10
 %


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Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $15.7 million, an increase of 27% compared to revenue of approximately $12.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in revenue was due to increased demand in all regions and especially in North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The increase is also attributable to contributions of products acquired through acquisitions and growth in demand for our microphone products and other professional audio products partially offset by decline in unified communications and video products revenue.

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $42.6 million, an increase of 20% compared to revenue of approximately $35.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The revenue increase is primarily due to increased demand in North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The increase is also attributable to contributions of products acquired through acquisitions and growth in demand for our microphone products and other professional audio products partially offset by decline in unified communications and video products revenue.

The net change in deferred revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was a net decrease of deferred revenue of approximately $264 thousand and a net decrease of deferred revenue of approximately $195 thousand, respectively. The net change in deferred revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was a net increase of deferred revenue of approximately $822 thousand and a net increase of deferred revenue of approximately $512 thousand, respectively. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” under “Revenue and Associated Allowance for Revenue Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts” below for a detailed discussion of deferred revenue.

Costs of Goods Sold and Gross Profit

Costs of goods sold include expenses associated with finished goods purchased from electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers, in addition to other operating expenses, which include material and direct labor, our manufacturing and operations organization, property and equipment depreciation, warranty expenses, freight expenses, royalty payments, and the allocation of overhead expenses.

Our Gross Profit Margin (GPM), which is gross profit as a percentage of revenue, was 61% and 60% for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. Our GPM was 60% and 60% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in gross margin for the quarter is primarily due to a reduction in costs of goods sold resulting from reduced overhead costs associated with such inventories sold, as well as increased performance of higher margin products.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses, excluding proceeds from litigation, for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 increased by approximately $1.2 million to $6.6 million compared to $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by approximately $3.8 million to $20.5 million compared to $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Sales and Marketing (“S&M”) Expenses. S&M expenses include sales, customer service, and marketing expenses, such as employee-related costs, allocations of overhead expenses, trade shows, and other advertising and sales expenses.   

S&M expenses of approximately $2.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 increased $571 thousand, or 26%, when compared to S&M expenses of approximately $2.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. S&M expenses of approximately $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $1.9 million, or 29%, when compared to S&M expenses of approximately$6.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The quarterly and year-to-date S&M expenses increased mainly due to increased commissions to sales persons and independent reps, increased headcount, additional expenses due to acquired operations and increase in trade-show related expenses.

Research and Development (“R&D”) Expenses.  R&D expenses include research and development and product line management, including employee-related costs, outside services, expensed materials and depreciation, and an allocation of overhead expenses.  

R&D expenses of approximately $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 increased by $0.5 million, or 29%, when compared to R&D expenses of approximately $1.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. R&D expenses of

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approximately $6.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by $1.4 million, or 25%, when compared to R&D expenses of approximately $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The changes in quarterly and year-to-date expenses were mainly due to increase in R&D project costs and increased expenses related to acquired operations.
 
General and Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses. G&A expenses include employee-related costs, professional service fees, allocations of overhead expenses, litigation costs, and corporate administrative costs, including finance, information technology and human resources costs. 

G&A expenses of approximately $1.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 increased by $82 thousand, or 6%, when compared to G&A expenses of approximately $1.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. G&A expenses of approximately $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by $440 thousand, or 9%, when compared to G&A expenses of approximately $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The quarterly and year-to-date G&A expenses increased mainly due to increased amortization expenses on acquired intangible assets, expenses on acquired operations, acquisition related expenses and accounting and auditing expenses. These increases were partially offset by reduction in legal expenses and recruitment related expenses.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we continued to incur significant legal expenses due to various legal proceedings explained in detail in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net, includes interest income, interest expense, and currency gain (loss).

Provision for income taxes

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we accrued income taxes at the expected annualized rate of 35.7% as compared to an annualized rate of 32.9% used for the accrual made for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.  The 2.8% increase in the expected annualized rate was primarily due to the U.S. research and development tax credit, which was in effect for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, but has not been extended as of September 30, 2014. In addition, a discrete tax expense of $24 thousand related to adjustments to prior-year research and development tax credits, offset by tax benefits of share-based compensation, was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2014, our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were approximately $34.3 million, a decrease of $8.4 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of approximately $42.7 million as of December 31, 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $5.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $15.3 million compared to approximately $9.5 million in cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in cash flow was primarily due to absence of a large tax payment in the first half of 2014. In the first quarter of 2013 we paid income taxes related to arbitration settlement proceeds received in the last quarter of 2012. The increase in cash flow was also due to the timing of receipts and payments of working capital, which include accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, inventories, and prepaid expenses and other assets.

Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $13.5 million, which consisted of the payments for the acquisition of the business of Sabine of $8.0 million, payments related to the acquiring of the Spontania product line of $5.1 million and approximately $496 thousand in payments towards purchases of equipment. Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $26.1 million, which includes proximately $25.4 million in payments towards the purchase of marketable securities and approximately $723 thousand towards the purchase of equipment.

Net cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $593 thousand, which consisted of the acquisition of outstanding stock totaling $1.9 million, offset by $1.3 million in proceeds received through exercise of stock options and a net $37 thousand in tax benefits from the exercise of stock options and stock registration costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net cash used in financing activities was $1,659 thousand, which consisted of the acquisition of outstanding stock totaling $2.2 million, offset by $532 thousand in proceeds and tax benefits received through the exercise of stock options.

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As of September 30, 2014, our working capital was $32.0 million as compared to $39.4 million as of December 31, 2013.

We believe that our current cash balance, future income from operations and effective management of working capital will provide the liquidity needed to meet our short-term and long-term operating requirements and finance our growth plans. We also believe that our strong financial position and sound business structure will enable us to raise additional capital when needed to meet our short and long-term financing needs. In addition to capital expenditures, we may use cash in the near future for selective infusions of technology, sales & marketing, infrastructure, and other investments to fuel our growth, as well as acquisitions that may strategically fit our business and are accretive to our performance. We may also use cash to finance the repurchase of our outstanding stock.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial position are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We review the accounting policies used in reporting our financial results on a regular basis. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in our evaluations. We believe that the estimates we use are reasonable; however, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item I herein. We believe the policies described below identify our most critical accounting policies, which are the policies that are both important to the representation of our financial condition and results and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
 
Revenue and Associated Allowances for Revenue Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts 
Included in continuing operations is product revenue, primarily from product sales to distributors, dealers, and end-users. Product revenue is recognized when (i) the products are shipped and any right of return expires, (ii) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (iii) the price is fixed and determinable, and (iv) collection is reasonably assured.

We provide a right of return on product sales to major distributors under a product rotation program. Under this seldom-used program, once a quarter, a distributor is allowed to return products purchased during the prior quarter for a total value generally not exceeding 15% of the distributor’s net purchases during the preceding quarter. The distributor is, however, required to place a new purchase order for an amount not less than the value of products returned under the product rotation program. When products are returned, the associated revenue, cost of goods sold, inventory and accounts receivable originally recorded are reversed. When the new order is placed, the revenue, associated cost of goods sold, inventory and accounts receivable are recorded and the product revenue is subject to the deferral analysis described below. In a small number of cases, the distributors are also permitted to return the products for other business reasons.

Revenue from product sales to distributors is not recognized until the return privilege has expired or until it can be determined with reasonable certainty that the return privilege has expired, which approximates when the product is sold-through to customers of our distributors (dealers, system integrators, value-added resellers, and end-users), rather than when the product is initially shipped to a distributor. At each quarter-end, we evaluate the inventory in the distribution channel through information provided by our distributors. The level of inventory in the channel will fluctuate up or down each quarter based upon our distributors’ individual operations. Accordingly, each quarter-end deferral of revenue and associated cost of goods sold are calculated and recorded based upon the actual channel inventory reported at quarter-end. Further, with respect to distributors and other channel partners not reporting the channel inventory, the revenue and associated cost of goods sold are deferred until we receive payment for the product sales made to such distributors or channel partners.

The accuracy of the deferred revenue and costs depend to a large extent on the accuracy of the inventory reports provided by our distributors and other resellers and any material error in those reports would affect our revenue deferral. However, we

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believe that the controls we have in place, including periodic physical inventory verifications and analytical reviews, would help us identify and prevent any material errors in such reports.

The amount of deferred cost of goods sold was included in consigned inventory. The following table details the amount of deferred revenue, cost of goods sold, and gross profit as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
As of September 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
Deferred revenue
$
4,980

 
$
4,158

Deferred cost of goods sold
1,607

 
1,520

Deferred gross profit
$
3,373

 
$
2,638


We offer rebates and market development funds to certain of our distributors, dealers/resellers, and end-users based upon volume of product purchased by them. We record rebates as a reduction of revenue in accordance with GAAP.
 
We offer credit terms on the sale of our products to a majority of our customers and perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments based upon our historical collection experience and expected collectability of all accounts receivable. Our actual bad debts in future periods may differ from our current estimates and the differences may be material, which may have an adverse impact on our future accounts receivable and cash position.
 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of acquisition over the sum of the amounts assigned to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed. We perform impairment tests of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives on an annual basis in the fourth fiscal quarter, or sooner if a triggering event occurs suggesting possible impairment of the values of these assets. There were no impairments recorded in 2014 and 2013 as no impairment indicators existed. However, due to uncertainty in the industrial, technological, and competitive environments in which we operate, we might be required to exit or dispose of the assets acquired through our acquisitions, which could result in an impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and definite-lived intangibles subject to amortization, annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent of other groups of assets. The impairment of long-lived assets requires judgments and estimates. If circumstances change, such estimates could also change. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less the estimated costs to sell.
 
Accounting for Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and in certain foreign jurisdictions. We estimate our current tax position together with our future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, depreciation, and other reserves for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, prior-year carryback, or future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. To the extent we believe that recovery is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets.
 
To the extent we establish a valuation allowance in a period, we must include and expense the allowance within the tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, "Accounting for Income Taxes", we analyzed our valuation allowance at December 31, 2013 and determined that based upon available evidence it is more likely than not that certain of our deferred tax assets related to capital loss carryovers, state research and development credits, and

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foreign net operating loss carryovers will not be realized and, accordingly, we have recorded a valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets in the amount of $378 thousand.

Lower-of-Cost or Market Adjustments and Reserves for Excess and Obsolete Inventory
We account for our inventory on a first-in, first-out basis, and make appropriate adjustments on a quarterly basis to write down the value of inventory to the lower-of-cost or market. In addition to the price of the product purchased, the cost of inventory includes our internal manufacturing costs, including warehousing, material purchasing, quality and product planning expenses.

We perform a quarterly analysis of obsolete and slow-moving inventory to determine if any inventory needs to be written down. In general, we write down our excess and obsolete inventory by an amount that is equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated market value if market value is less than cost, based upon assumptions about future product life-cycles, product demand, shelf life of the product, inter-changeability of the product and market conditions. Those items that are found to have a supply in excess of our estimated current demand are considered to be slow-moving or obsolete and classified as long-term. An appropriate reserve is made to write down the value of that inventory to its expected realizable value. These charges are recorded in cost of goods sold. The reserve against slow-moving or obsolete inventory is increased or reduced based on several factors which, among other things, require us to make an estimate of a product’s life-cycle, potential demand and our ability to sell these products at estimated price levels. While we make considerable efforts to calculate reasonable estimates of these variables, actual results may vary. If there were to be a sudden and significant decrease in demand for our products, or if there were a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of changing technology and customer requirements, we could be required to increase our inventory allowances and our gross profit could be adversely affected.

Share-Based Compensation
In December 2004, the FASB issued guidelines now contained under FASB ASC Topic 718, "Compensation – Stock Compensation". ASC Topic 718 establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. Primarily, ASC Topic 718 focuses on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.

Under ASC Topic 718, we measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the awards – the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. Therefore, if an employee does not ultimately render the requisite service, the costs associated with the unvested options will not be recognized cumulatively.

Under ASC Topic 718, we recognize compensation cost net of an anticipated forfeiture rate and recognize the associated compensation cost for those awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We use judgment in determining the fair value of the share-based payments on the date of grant using an option-pricing model with assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the risk-free interest rate of the awards, the expected life of the awards, the expected volatility over the term of the awards, the expected dividends of the awards, and an estimate of the amount of awards that are expected to be forfeited. If assumptions change in the application of ASC Topic 718 and its fair value recognition provisions in future periods, the stock-based compensation cost ultimately recorded under the guidelines of ASC Topic 718 may differ significantly from what was recorded in the current period.

Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2014 was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer.  Based on this evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as

19

Table of Contents
CLEARONE, INC.

of September 30, 2014 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that materially affected, or that we believe is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


20

Table of Contents
CLEARONE, INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For the quarter ending September 30, 2014, there were no new updates to the status of legal proceedings or commitments and contingencies reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 under Part I, Item 3 Legal Proceedings and Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8) since the last reported update.

Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS

Not applicable.

Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below summarizes information about our purchases of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014.
Period
 
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
(b)
Average Price Paid per Share (2)
 
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
 
(d)
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Program
July 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014
 
20,660

 
$
9.87

 
20,660

 
$
5,824,759

August 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014
 
38,047

 
9.52

 
38,047

 
5,462,460

September 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014
 
22,152

 
8.66

 
22,152

 
5,270,661

Total
 
80,859

 
$
9.37

 
80,859

 
$
5,270,661


(1)
In May 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program.  Under the program, we were originally authorized to repurchase up to $2 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time over the following 12 months.  Any stock repurchases may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions, at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate, including pursuant to one or more Rule 10b5-1 trading plans.  Rule 10b5-1 permits us to establish, while not in possession of material nonpublic information, prearranged plans to buy stock at a specific price in the future, regardless of any subsequent possession of material nonpublic information. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and other factors. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. On July 30, 2012, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase amount to $3 million from the original $2 million. On February 20, 2013, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase amount to $10 million from $3 million.

(2)
The price paid per share of common stock includes the related transaction costs.

Item 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

Item 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Title of Document
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32.1
 
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2
 
Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
  

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CLEARONE, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
ClearOne, Inc.,
(Registrant)
 
 
 
October 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Zeynep Hakimoglu
 
 
Zeynep Hakimoglu
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
October 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Narsi Narayanan
 
 
Narsi Narayanan
Senior Vice President of Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)







22

EXHIBIT 31.1 09.30.14


EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Zeynep Hakimoglu, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report of ClearOne, Inc. on Form 10-Q;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
 
 
October 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Zeynep Hakimoglu
 
 
 
Zeynep Hakimoglu
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)



EXHIBIT 31.2 09.30.14


EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Narsi Narayanan, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report of ClearOne, Inc. on Form 10-Q;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
 
 
October 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Narsi Narayanan
 
 
 
Narsi Narayanan
Senior Vice President of Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



EXHIBIT 32.1 09.30.14


EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Zeynep Hakimoglu, certify, to my best knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report of ClearOne, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ClearOne, Inc.

 
 
 
 
October 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Zeynep Hakimoglu
 
 
 
Zeynep Hakimoglu
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)



EXHIBIT 32.2 09.30.14


EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Narsi Narayanan, certify, to my best knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report of ClearOne, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ClearOne, Inc.

 
 
 
 
October 31, 2014
By:
/s/ Narsi Narayanan
 
 
 
Narsi Narayanan
Senior Vice President of Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)