UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 0-21059
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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| Maryland
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52-1283030 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.) |
| 704 Quince Orchard Road |
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| Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
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20878 |
| (Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (301) 721-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock
$.01 par value
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. YES o NO þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Act. YES o NO þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or
a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act): YES o NO þ
As of December 31, 2005, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant (i.e. persons who are not directors, officers or affiliated therewith) was
approximately $45.4 million (14,446,908 shares of Common Stock at a closing price on the Nasdaq
National Market of $3.14 on such date). Outstanding as of December 31, 2005 were 17,439,029 shares
of Common Stock.
ACE*COMM Corporation
Form 10-K
Year Ended June 30, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I |
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BUSINESS
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RISK FACTORS
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PROPERTIES
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
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PART II |
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MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
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DISCLOSURE OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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OTHER INFORMATION
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PART III |
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DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
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PART IV |
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EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, AND SCHEDULES
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-2-
INTRODUCTION
ACE*COMM Corporation, incorporated in Maryland in 1983, and its wholly owned subsidiaries,
Solutions ACE*COMM Corporation, incorporated in Quebec in 1996, ACE*COMM Solutions UK Limited,
incorporated in the United Kingdom in 2003, ACE*COMM Solutions Australia Pty Limited, incorporated
in Australia in 2004, i3 Mobile, acquired in December 2003, and Double Helix Solutions Limited,
acquired in March 2005, are referred to in this document collectively as ACE*COMM, unless otherwise
noted or the context indicates otherwise.
ACE*COMMs fiscal year ends on June 30. Unless otherwise noted, all references to years in this
document are assumed to be fiscal years. The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of ACE*COMM and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 10-K and the information incorporated by reference in it include
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend the forwarding-looking statements to
be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. These
forward-looking statements relate to future events or the future financial performance of ACE*COMM
(as defined below), some or all of which may involve risk and uncertainty. ACE*COMM often
introduces a forward-looking statement by such words as anticipate, plan, projects,
continuing, ongoing, expects, management (or ACE*COMM) believes, or intend. Investors
should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which involve estimates,
assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those
expressed in this Report or from those indicated by one or more forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they were made and ACE*COMM
undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements. In evaluating
forward-looking statements, the risks and uncertainties investors should specifically consider
include, but are not limited to, demand levels in the relevant markets for ACE*COMMs products, the
ability of ACE*COMMs customers to make timely payment for purchases of its products and services,
the risk of additional losses on accounts receivable, success in marketing ACE*COMMs products and
services internationally, the effectiveness of cost containment strategies, as well as the various
factors identified in this annual report on Form 10-K which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the matters set forth
in Business Backlog, Business Proprietary Rights and Licenses, Selected Financial Data,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Risk
Factors Affecting Future Operating Results. Investors should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date in which
they are made and ACE*COMM undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
-3-
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
ACE*COMM is a global provider of advanced operations support systems (OSS) and network business
intelligence solutions for telecom service providers and enterprises. Our solutions are applicable
to a range of networks, from legacy through next-generation, that include wired, wireless, voice,
data, multimedia, and Internet communications networks. These solutions provide the analytical
tools required for extracting knowledge from operating networks knowledge the customers use for
asset recovery and revenue assurance, cost reduction, improved operational efficiency, acceleration
of time-to-market for new services, and more effective customer care.
Over 300 customers, spanning over 4,000 installations in 70 countries worldwide, have deployed
ACE*COMM solutions.
ACE*COMMs products straddle 2 markets: enterprise and carrier. During the past few years, we
devoted resources to broadening our product portfolio and transitioning from a trusted OSS provider
into a promising developer of value-added services and network business intelligence solutions for
carriers and enterprises. As a result, our product offerings have evolved from back office support
applications to customer-facing, value-added services. In addition, we now possess a scalable
platform that allows us to easily layer on additional products and service modules to the
applications already deployed by customers. We believe that this platform, which supports our new
Parent Patrol and other products, will be important to our growth prospects.
Our core expertise is built around our knowledge of complex and evolving telecommunications
networks and protocols, ranging from the legacy circuit-switched networks to the latest IP and
next-generation networks. We provide products and solutions that make these networks and the
businesses they support work together and offer knowledge and control over multiple aspects of the
networks. Our products and solutions include:
Advanced OSS for Carriers and others
Our new N*VISION®2 (NV2) hyperconvergent platform uses advanced technologies and techniques
to control, moderate, and facilitate the interactive communication between multiple network
technologies and software support systems. This product was designed to offer additional
functionality without sacrificing support for critical legacy network and infrastructure
investments. NV2 products include: Data Collection, Activation Gateway, Intelligent
Charging, and Advanced Mediation.
Enterprise OSS/TMS for Private Networks and Enterprises
ACE*COMMs NetPlus® takes our enterprise telemanagement solutions to a new level EOSS
(enterprise operations support system). NetPlus® EOSS manages enterprise communications as
an integral part of the business: a sophisticated platform that measures usage, maps
transactions to business processes, reduces telecom costs, and enhances functions such as
troubleshooting and capacity planning.
ACE*COMM Network Business Intelligence
We offer a suite of integrated network business intelligence solutions (NBI), including
products for market visualization, revenue assurance, network asset assurance, data quality
management, and performance management. This past year we introduced the Market Maker
network and market visualization tool for cable operators and GSM operators that will enable
these operators to correlate data from across their operations and to visualize their
market, network, and services.
-4-
Patrol Suite (Value-added Services)
ACE*COMMs Patrol suite of products support new, real-time subscriber services and control
capabilities built on ACE*COMMs Convergent Mediation service delivery platform (SDP).
Applications include:
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The core application, Parent Patrol, which provides a simple Web
interface for parents to manage their childrens phone usage. New content
filtering capabilities provide a consistent way for even non-technical
computer users to manage not only voice calls and messaging services, but
also prevent access to inappropriate material. The Patrol suite is designed
to be offered by mobile service providers as part of their subscriber
service plans. The products are optimized for Voice-over-IP (VoIP), 3G, and
IP data transmission. |
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Enterprise Patrol, which allows enterprise communications managers to
specify and control usage of company-owned mobile phones. Control can be
based on individual or group credits, time of day, the type of service used,
specific telephone numbers, and classification of appropriate content. |
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Plan Patrol, which monitors a subscribers usage and warns when the user
is approaching or has exceeded the included-minutes limit. It also
generates a warning when the phone is being used to call outside of the
service plans low-rate or free off-peak timeframes. |
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Expense Patrol, which lets subscribers set up and maintain an automatic
call categorization and sorting scheme for their mobile phone. They can
specify which numbers are for personal calls, which are for business, and
even subcategorize business calls by client. |
Strategy
A Pivotal Product Year
This past year was focused on developing and launching new products and product capabilities to
leverage our technologies and expertise to open new revenue opportunities:
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Parent Patrol. We continued development of our Parent Patrol and related suite of
products. We announced new content filtering capabilities for Parent Patrol, providing
controls that allow parents to curb childrens exposure to unsuitable mobile Web content.
We also launched Enterprise Patrol, a service that mobile operators can offer enterprise
communications managers to manage use of company-owned mobile phones. |
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N*VISION®2 (NV2). We unveiled N*VISION®2 (NV2), the next generation of our award
winning convergent mediation solution, which has evolved dramatically to meet the demands
of carriers mediation and collection environments. |
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Network Business Intelligence. We announced the launch of our new, expanded Network
Business Intelligence (NBI) suite of products and underlying application platform that
collects, correlates, and transforms disparate data into actionable business information
for operators to increase revenues, improve operating margins, and enhance utilization of
network assets. |
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Market Maker for MSOs. We announced the release and general availability of the
ACE*COMM Market Maker network and market visualization tool specifically geared to North
American cable multiple system operators (MSOs). |
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Market Maker for GSM. We launched ACE*COMM Market Maker for wireless GSM operators
which provides mobile operators with the ability to correlate data from across their
operations and to visualize their market, network, and services to optimize resources,
target sales and marketing campaigns and reduce churn. |
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Intelligent Charging. We launched our Intelligent Charging product a hyperconvergent
product for the valuation of network-based charges and services. It provides flexible,
rules-based convergence of legacy applications, network elements, and next-generation
elements. |
New and Expanded Partnerships and Customer Relationships
During the past fiscal year, we continued to build on our technology partnerships and our base of
industry-leading customers in both the carrier and enterprise OSS sectors:
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Parent Patrol. We announced a pivotal partnership with Lucent Technologies to
integrate ACE*COMM technology into Lucents mobile services offerings directed at enabling
global wireless carriers to offer their customers parental control of their mobile
services. The solution consists of Lucents SurePay® real-time rating and charging
solution and ACE*COMMS Parent Patrol software, which provides configurable child-profile
management when it interoperates with the SurePay® solutions policy management function.
The partnership is expected to involve joint marketing by Lucent and us to carriers that
buy other Lucent and ACE*COMM products. |
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We signed a contract with a Tier 1 North American wireless service provider for the first
deployment of Parent Patrol in one of its regional divisions. |
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Market Maker technology partnership. We announced a technology partnership with
Experian, a global leader in consumer-level information, to supply new demographic data
capabilities for our Market Maker market visualization tool. |
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Network Business Intelligence sales. We signed a contract with the Saudi Telecom audit
department to analyze the operators GSM network utilizing our NBI suite of products. This
was also extended for a second phase to evaluate Saudi Telecoms switched voice and GPRS
service to address revenue leakage and improve asset recovery. |
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We also signed a deal with Comcel, a leading Latin American wireless services provider, for
components of our NBI suite to better manage both revenue and margin growth. This contract
marks both the addition of a new customer in Latin America for ACE*COMM and the first sale
of NBI to the region. |
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Advanced OSS. We secured a major contract to provide improved data collection and
mediation capabilities to TurkTel in Turkey for a $2.3 million dollar deployment which
involves collecting and integrating network data from over a thousand switches and varied
data networks. |
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We signed a joint contract with Giza Systems to provide a new subscriber connection and
service activation solution to Telecom Egypt, the largest fixed line telecom provider in the
Middle East with over 10 million subscribers. |
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We extended our engagement with Level 3 Communications to further expand our IP mediation
solution with a new service delivery platform that includes advanced rating capabilities and
new levels of flexibility and configurability. |
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We added Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel), the incumbent telecommunications service
provider for Cameroon, to deploy our advanced OSS solutions, including the APG service
activation and data collection modules, to provide the basis for accurate billing processes
and ensure the seamless integration with their BSS/OSS systems. |
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Enterprise OSS. We continued delivery under our major contract with the U.S. Air Force
to provide our NetPlus® telecommunications management system (TMS) for a global
TMS deployment program. Under the present Department of Defense plan, the program will
encompass more than 100 installations and is expected to total in excess of $22 million of
our products and services over its lifespan. |
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Additionally we signed three new North American customers in the municipal and federal
government sectors for our NetPlus® enterprise OSS and telemanagement product suite. They
included the county government for one of the most populous counties on the United States
west coast, a major western municipal utility supplying basic utilities to millions of
residents, and a congressional agency encompassing thousands of employees in multiple
locations. |
Focus on New Technologies and Continued Sales in Existing Markets
ACE*COMMs strategy is to emphasize growth in new areas, generally where we have introduced new
products and services such as Parent Patrol and other value added services, while maintaining or
building on our current market position in existing areas with the addition of new products and new
customers. This strategy includes the following:
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Penetrate carrier market with new value-added services. We believe we have attractive
value-added services to offer to carriers, either directly or through our new strategic
relationship with Lucent, and intend to pursue growth in this new area of our business. We
are also continuing to add applications as we seek to define customer demand in this area,
such as the recently-introduced content filtering capabilities for Parent Patrol,
providing controls that allow parents to curb childrens exposure to unsuitable mobile Web
content, and the new Enterprise Patrol, which will enable enterprise communications
managers to manage use of company-owned mobile phones. |
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Continue to feature advanced OSS applications. This area of the market continues to
demand new products and features, and we are seeking to maintain or increase our market
share by introducing new generations of our products with additional features and
capabilities. This past year we introduced N*VISION®2 (NV2), the next generation of our
award winning convergent mediation solution, which also supports critical legacy network
and existing infrastructure investments of our customers. |
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Promote our enhanced product portfolio. We are beginning to get traction with our
network business intelligence solutions for telecom service providers and enterprises, with
our first significant orders received during the most recent fiscal year. We also have
introduced a new product which we will be promoting in the coming fiscal year, ACE*COMM
Market Maker network and market visualization tool, specifically geared to North American
cable multiple system operators and GSM providers. |
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Continue to seek and perform under contracts with major customers. Our business has
been dependent for several years on large procurements by major customers. A significant
portion (over 20%) of our revenues for the most recent fiscal year came from our major
contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide our NetPlus® telecommunications
management system (TMS) for a global TMS deployment program, and that contract accounts for
a significant portion of our present backlog. We continue to expect to devote significant
effort during the current fiscal year to delivering products and services and supporting
our customers under this and other major contracts, while seeking additional such
contracts, in Enterprise OSS, Advanced OSS and other areas. |
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Continue to look for synergistic products to broaden product offerings. We believe that
there still are technologies currently available on the market that can expedite our
product development and expand our offerings. We will continue to look for prudent
acquisition opportunities designed to help us enhance our technological standing and
capabilities. |
-7-
Industry Background
Today, service providers are facing ever intensifying challenges as rate plans and services become
more complex, subscribers switch plans frequently, and customer acquisition costs escalate. As
basic services commoditize, service providers are continually seeking service differentiators to
attract and retain customers and mitigate margin compression.
ACE*COMMs products are designed to address these challenges, helping carriers generate incremental
revenue per customer and enhance customer loyalty. Starting by connecting to an operating network,
our products extract data from that network and then monetize that data by turning it into usable
intelligence that helps carriers increase revenue per customer, accelerate time to market for new
services and reduce operating costs.
We believe that as telecommunications carriers and service providers focus on improving their
financial position, increasing operational efficiencies, and adding new services to increase
revenues, they will require more use of the network infrastructure and generate more usage data for
billing and accounting functions. Despite the changes in the telecommunications industry, data
traffic continues to grow, and we believe products designed to enable network users to make use of
the data they generate will become increasingly useful.
Markets and Applications
ACE*COMM provides Advanced OSS, Value-added Services (VAS), and Network Business Intelligence (NBI)
solutions to both carriers and enterprises.
Private Networks (Enterprises)
Our NetPlus® EOSS provides Enterprise OSS telemanagement solutions consisting of software-based
systems that enterprise IT and communications managers can use to monitor and control the
enterprises communications, data, and electronic knowledge. Our Network Business Intelligence
solutions for enterprises solve telecommunications management problems from a holistic perspective
through the integration of network, user, and services data.
Tier 1
Our Network Business Intelligence suite of products and underlying application platform collects,
correlates, and transforms disparate data into actionable business information for operators to
increase revenues, improve operating margins, and enhance utilization of network assets. Network
Business Intelligence builds on our extensive experience in converging information for use by
network operators to support business decision-making and better serve their customers. Our
Advanced OSS NV2 hyperconvergent platform uses advanced technologies and techniques to control,
moderate, and facilitate the interactive communication between multiple network technologies and
software support systems, without sacrificing support for critical legacy network and
infrastructure investments. Our Patrol suite products are value-added services that we believe
will be attractive to the Tier 1 carriers.
IXPs (Triple & Quad Play Players)
For IXPs, our NV2 Advanced OSS platform can lower operational and capital expenditures by reducing
the number of applications deployed and reducing the overall operational complexity of the
carriers systems. It can further lower the cost of product and technology roll-outs and expedite
the time-to-market for new products and technologies by reducing the number of touch
points/interfaces. The NV2 platform offers increased flexibility in the packaging of products and
services across networks and increases customer satisfaction and loyalty through innovation.
VoIP
Our Network Business Intelligence and Advanced OSS solutions help make sense of expanded and
bundled service offerings like VoIP, broadband Internet and other IP services by providing powerful
yet flexible modules for real-time charging, data validation and augmentation, mediation, revenue
assurance and associated OSS tasks.
-8-
Cable
Our Network Business Intelligence product suite provides cable operators with tools to help them
mitigate customer churn and support partner management. Our award-winning Market Maker product
brings together a multitude of operational information for cable operators that previously has not
been available in this form. This information includes customer information, GIS mapping data,
network inventory, coverage topography, and even credit rating and risk analyses. Our Market
Maker product aggregates this multidimensional information into a visual environment and allows
service providers to see where the best prospects are as well as where they are not.
Content
Our Advanced OSS NV2 can be used as the platform for implementing the content identification,
classification, and event charging functionality for next generation services, such as 3G, for both
prepaid and post-paid environments.
Wireless
We provide wireless service providers solutions for service activation and delivery, rating,
advanced mediation, enhanced customer care, and revenue assurance. Our Parent Patrol, Enterprise
Patrol and other products in our Patrol suite offer real-time subscriber services and control
capabilities that are optimized for Voice-over-IP (VoIP), 3G, and IP data transmission.
Traditional/Wireline
Our Network Business Intelligence product suite focuses on the telecommunications business
environment with the goal of enabling customers to increase revenue, improve profit margins and
improve the return on investment in network assets. It is an integrated, yet open platform for
collection, integration, interpretation and presentation of data that is focused on enabling the
customer to take action. It produces real decision-making benefits, not just audits and reports.
Our NV2 Advanced OSS solutions appeal to customers in developing countries, as operators and
service providers in those emerging markets search for ways to take advantage of new technologies
and services without changing their existing infrastructures.
MVNO
Our NV2 solutions provide data management solutions to enable MVNOs to provide new branded services
efficiently and effectively, allowing for accurate and reliable real-time charging and rating to
assure precise billing and service monitoring.
WiFi
Our NV2 Advanced OSS platform provides solutions for customers to perform accurate and reliable
real-time charging and rating to assure precise billing and service monitoring of WiFi data
services.
IPTV
IPTV requires a flexible and reliable technology for real-time charging and rating of IPTV data
that allows service providers to get the most out of this potentially lucrative revenue stream.
Products and Services
For voice, data, fixed, and mobile network operators, ACE*COMM provides an interoperable suite of
network business integration solutions to enable our customers to lower their operating costs,
expedite time-to-market for new services, reduce revenue leakage, provide optimized billing, and
improve overall network performance.
ADVANCED OSS N*VISION®2 (NV2)
Our N*VISION®2 (NV2) Advanced OSS platform is the next generation of ACE*COMMs award winning
convergent mediation solution, which has evolved dramatically to meet the demands of carriers
mediation and collection environments. NV2 uses advanced technologies and techniques to control,
moderate, and facilitate the interactive communication between multiple network technologies and
software support systems, without sacrificing support for critical legacy network and existing
infrastructure investments.
-9-
NV2 is the industrys first hyperconvergent platform designed to address service providers
desires to take advantage of new network technologies without sacrificing existing OSS
infrastructure. Hyperconvergence is the rapid and ongoing merger of many different
telecommunications components and groups that traditionally have been technologically very
different or even incompatible. Many of these components and groups are themselves in a converging
state; for example, converging network technologies (GSM, CDMA, IP, PSTN, etc.), converging support
systems (post and prepaid billing), and converging markets (telecom, cable, broadband, TV).
Hyperconvergence does not respect traditional network boundaries and software applications its
management requires a single control point capable of simultaneous communication with all
components within the service providers back office, coordinating the flow of business-critical
information throughout the enterprise.
Service providers want to tap into new services like MMS, phone-based gaming, IPTV, and VoIP to
increase revenues, expand market share, and increase customer loyalty while still extracting
returns on their existing network investments. NV2 was developed with these challenges in mind.
Based on core ACE*COMM technology and expertise, the NV2 product suite enables the flow of
information in hyperconvergent environments by removing traditional application barriers that delay
or even prevent the incorporation of new products and services.
The NV2 platform is composed of the following core products:
Data Collection is the gateway from the network, collecting all network available information
including events (data, usage), configuration, SS7, metrics, etc., directly from network elements.
Data Collection provides a single and consistent interface with the service providers network for
the collection of all data relating to the elements deployed within that network.
The Activation Gateway provides a single, coherent, convergent platform for the provisioning and
activation of services on the physical network. It enables customers to control and secure network
access so that only authorized individuals are granted access.
Intelligent Charging provides the means to compute values based on current business intelligence.
Computed values may represent charges associated with delivered services, content cost, loyalty
points, or any other unit that represents a value to a service provider or its customers.
Advanced Mediation handles the acquisition, validation, transformation, and transportation of
business intelligence data. Advanced Mediation provides a multi-directional routing mechanism by
which information acquired may be disseminated throughout the carriers enterprise.
ENTERPRISE OSS NETPLUS®
NetPlus® is an advanced enterprise operations support system (EOSS), specifically designed for
enterprise-level convergent communications networks. Using a single-entry, single-image Oracle®
database, NetPlus® reduces telecommunications and data network costs while enabling smooth and
efficient operation, all from the administrators desktop.
Tools for fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security management allow for precise
and effective monitoring, trouble-ticketing, automatic network-element provisioning, cost
allocation, billing, fraud control, and more. The platform independent architecture and open APIs
let the customer shape the system to the enterprises needs.
Everything is fully integrated through our Product Backplane for advanced security and systems
management. This provides the overall architecture and allows the administrator to easily manage
the entire system.
NetPlus® is modular and flexible. With multi-vendor/multi-protocol capabilities, it can replace
several disparate products with one fully integrated system, resulting in dramatic cost savings and
better long-term stability. NetPlus® is installed in hundreds of government, military, and
institutional systems in the U.S. and around the world.
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ACE*COMM Network Business Intelligence (NBI)
The complexity of the service provider environment makes it difficult to solve problems like the
rising cost of customer acquisition, inefficient use of network assets, or revenue leakage.
Network elements, information systems and business processes have been added, modified, integrated
through acquisitions, and extended to manage new needs or services for which they were not
designed. Data is isolated in silos, some data conflicts with what really exists or with what
exists in other systems, and the vast amount of data from the network is difficult to retrieve and
requires special expertise to model and interpret.
Network Business Intelligence (NBI) is a suite of products and underlying application platform that
collects, correlates, and transforms disparate data into actionable business information for
operators to increase revenues, improve operating margins, and enhance utilization of network
assets. Our Network Business Intelligence products builds on our extensive experience in
converging information for use by network operators to support business decision-making and better
serve their customers.
These products are employed to collect data from disparate parts of an operators network and
environment, enable the correlation and analysis of data from many internal and external network
sources, and provide tools for the operator to uncover revenue leakage, improve asset deployment,
optimize marketing expenditures, facilitate network planning, and provide for the efficient
migration of network resources. The Network Business Intelligence products also have the potential
to identify where services need to be improved or new services can be introduced.
Our Network Business Intelligence suite now consists of over 30 distinct products that have been
deployed for wired, cable, mobile, and data operators. All of the products use our Network
Business Intelligence application platform. Key platform applications include solutions for Revenue
Assurance, Asset Recovery, Market Optimization, Performance Management, and Data Quality
Management.
ACE*COMMs Patrol Suite Value-Added Services (VAS)
The competitive environment for todays network operators and service providers has changed.
Mobile technologies have spread throughout the market, bringing a wide range of innovative services
within reach of every user. Consumers are awakening to the possibilities available to them, and
operators and service providers are scrambling to keep up.
In marketing these products, we often rely on a survey conducted for us by online market research
firm Itracks, which polled 2000 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 across the UK, Germany and
North America. The research highlighted the prevalence of teenagers misusing their mobile phone
privileges, and the lack of parental restrictions over how and where the phones are used. For
example, more than 80% of UK and German teenagers surveyed reported that they have no restrictions
or limitations on their mobile phone usage imposed by their parents. Over half of UK teenagers
polled text or talk on their mobiles during school hours, compared with 46% of US teenagers and 32%
of German teenagers surveyed. This type of information is being used to highlight youth mobile
phone usage issues with prospective customers and forms part of the basis of our marketing
campaign.
Built on our Convergent Mediation service delivery platform (SDP), our Patrol suite includes these
new, real-time services that are designed to allow mobile service providers to offer new options
for their subscribers to add to their service plans:
Parent Patrol - Endorsed by Good Housekeeping, Parent Patrol is an access control
application that provides a simple Web interface for parents to manage their childrens
phone usage. New content filtering capabilities provide a consistent way for even
non-technical computer users to manage not only voice calls and messaging services, but also
prevent access to inappropriate material.
Enterprise Patrol is a service that mobile operators can offer to enterprise communications
managers that enables them to specify and control company-owned mobile phone usage. Control
can be based on individual or group credits, time of day, the type of service used, specific
telephone numbers, and classification of appropriate content.
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Plan Patrol monitors a subscribers usage and warns when the user is approaching or has
exceeded the included-minutes limit. It also generates a warning when the phone is being
used to call outside of the service plans low-rate or free off-peak timeframes.
Expense Patrol is a service that lets subscribers set up and maintain an automatic call
categorization and sorting scheme for their mobile phone. They can specify which numbers
are for personal calls, which are for business, and even subcategorize business calls by
client.
In addition to these specific applications, the Convergent Mediation SDP used for these services
can enable service providers to develop and deliver numerous other types of services based on
managing mobile phone usage.
Geographic markets
We market and sell all of our solutions into the geographic regions described below.
Canada & United States
Our corporate headquarters are located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, close to the District of
Columbia, and we operate a development office in Montreal, Canada. North American customers
include Birch Telecom, Level 3 Communications, Nextel, and Bell Mobility. Our North American
enterprise customers include the US government and military organizations and Fortune 500
companies.
Latin America
We have maintained a strong presence in Latin America for more than ten years and have completed
hundreds of installations throughout the region. Through partner relationships in Mexico,
Guatemala, and Colombia, we provide customers with local support in their native language. Our
customers include CODETEL, IUSACELL, Telefonica Moviles Mexico, Comcel, and Telmex.
Europe
We have established a European customer-base through original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
relationships with industry leading equipment manufacturers such as Alcatel and Siemens AG. We are
working with Northrop Grumman (formerly TRW Inc.) and British Telecom (BT) to provide the call
event-processing component of the UKs Airwave mmO2 Public Safety Radio Communications project. We
are providing network business intelligence solutions to operators such as NTL and Telecom Austria.
We have offices in Edinburgh, Scotland, and London, England, with engineering, sales, and customer
care staff.
Middle East and Africa
Since 1995, we have maintained a presence in the Middle East and Africa through regional
partnerships with companies like ACT, Fujitsu Siemens, Giza Systems Engineering, and MOSECO Jordan.
Our systems are installed in various locations in Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, the Palestinian
Territories, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Asia Pacific
With over ten years of experience in the region, we have developed a base of customer and partner
relationships in Asia-Pacific. We are extending our initial focus on the traditional switching
sector to address the needs of complex IP and next-generation mediation technologies, as well as
mobile customer care and billing technologies. Our systems are installed in Australia, Bhutan,
China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan. ACE*COMM
maintains an office in Shanghai with a staff focused on business development activities in China,
and a sales, support, and development office in Bundall, Australia.
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Professional Services and Support
Our services are generally delivered in conjunction with our network management products. Our
professional service team assists customers in implementing its products, educating users, and
providing maintenance and technical support. Implementation services include identification of
technical requirements, solution design, product testing, and installation and integration. Our
systems integration partners often provide additional expertise on international contracts and
orders. We provide comprehensive educational courses to our customers, alliance partners, and
employees so they can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to deploy, use and maintain our
solutions. ACE*COMM also offers train-the-trainer programs that enable our customers to conduct
their own internal end-user training. Our maintenance and technical support services include help
desk support, problem resolution, software maintenance and scheduled software upgrades. We provide
technical support for our products from our Gaithersburg, Maryland, headquarters and utilize the
Web, telephone, electronic mail and, if necessary, on-site assistance to respond to and resolve our
customers technical questions. International customers are supported either directly by ACE*COMM
or by third-party vendors trained by ACE*COMM.
We believe that a high level of customer support is critical to our continuing success in
developing relationships with end-users and our strategic partners.
Quality
ACE*COMM maintains an ISO 9001 standard Quality Management Program to monitor the quality of our
products and also has an internal Quality Management Committee to set quality objectives for
ACE*COMM and a Quality Assurance Department to implement and monitor compliance with the applicable
procedures.
Sales and Marketing
We market and sell productbased solutions directly through our sales force. ACE*COMM concentrates
its sales efforts on a range of service providers, from small start-ups to large established
communication providers that offer voice and data services, including Internet-based services. We
complement our direct sales with indirect sales through our strategic alliances with operators,
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and resellers. These alliance partners give our direct
sales force a global reach and provide significant leads and referrals. We believe that alliances
with companies that are well known in the industry lend credibility and help to gain additional
market acceptance for ACE*COMM products.
We also team with, or serve as the prime contractor, on larger opportunities that require fully
integrated solutions from more than one provider. All forms of sales generally require the efforts
of an ACE*COMM sales representative.
In support of the world-wide selling efforts, ACE*COMM conducts marketing communications programs
intended to position and promote our products within the telecommunications industry. Marketing
personnel coordinate participation in industry trade shows, conduct media relations activities with
trade and general business publications, publish industry white papers and bylined articles and
speak at industry events to promote us and our products, build industry analyst relationships,
increase visibility and generate sales leads.
During the past three years, we have derived greater than one half of our revenues from products
delivered or services performed outside of the United States, consistent with our focus on sales
opportunities outside of North America. Products delivered or services performed outside of the
United States represented approximately 57%, 69%, and 59% of total revenues in fiscal years 2006,
2005, and 2004, respectively. See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a
summary of our revenue by geographic area.
The sales process for new contracts or orders generally requires a significant investment of time
and money and takes from several months to several years. This process involves senior executives,
sales representatives, and support personnel, and typically requires presentations, demonstrations,
field trials, and lengthy negotiations. We spend significant time consulting with strategic
partners and end users to adapt our products to meet end user requirements and to determine their
evolving requirements for updates and enhancements.
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Customers
Revenue for a given period typically reflects products delivered or services performed during the
period with respect to relatively large financial commitments from a small number of customers.
During 2006, we had 27 major customers, which we define as customers generating $250 thousand or
more in revenues during the period and together the major customers represented approximately 88%
of total revenues. Our largest customer, Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor on our large Air
Force contract, contributed approximately 22% of total revenues. During 2005, we had 21 major
customers, and together the major customers represented approximately 81% of total revenues. Our
largest three customers during the year ended June 30, 2005, were Siemens AG, Northrop Grumman and
Giza Systems. Siemens AG contributed approximately 11% of total revenues, Northrop Grumman
contributed approximately 10% of total revenues and Giza Systems contributed approximately 9% of
total revenues. During 2004, the Giza/Telecom Egypt Project represented approximately 20% of total
revenues, Siemens AG represented approximately 8% of our total revenues, and Northrop Grumman
contributed approximately 6% of total revenues.
Strategic Alliances
To assist in developing, marketing, and distributing our products effectively and as part of our
marketing efforts, we have established strategic alliances with several large organizations:
telecommunication and Internet equipment manufacturers, computer equipment manufacturers, telecom
systems integrators, and other organizations. Each alliance is designed to accomplish one or more
of the following: develop products designed to meet the needs of the alliance partner or its
customers, establish a joint marketing relationship to include our products in systems sold by the
partner, create a reseller channel for our products, or jointly provide customer support to end
users. These strategic alliances enable us to leverage relationships within the industry to
enhance our market development.
Each alliance typically involves a formal agreement between ACE*COMM and a strategic alliance
partner, pursuant to which the parties agree that ACE*COMM will develop and sell products for use
by the partner, or by its customers who are in such cases the end users of our products. Each
agreement specifies the terms of the alliance, which may include off-the-shelf products and/or
parameters for product development and product specifications, product pricing, the terms of
intellectual property ownership, and the responsibilities of each partner for system integration,
proposal drafting, sales and marketing. Once the products are developed, the strategic alliance
partner will issue specific orders to us from time to time to purchase products, subject to the
terms of the overall agreement. The products are generally purchased and paid for by the partner
for resale to its customers directly or as part of a larger system installation. Sales to a
strategic alliance partner may vary from period to period, depending on the timing of orders, which
in turn may depend on a number of factors, including the completion of our product development, the
partners marketing and sales efforts to its customers, the timing of orders from the partners
customers, and various internal financial, strategic and other factors specific to a partner or any
of its customers. Accordingly, sales to a partner in one period are not necessarily predictive of
sales to the partner in future periods.
We classify our alliances into OEM, Reseller/SI (systems integrator), and Technology categories.
The following is a list of our current significant strategic alliances:
OEM
Strategic alliance partners in this category encompass original equipment manufacturers that embed
our technologies into their solutions for end-users.
Cisco Systems, Inc. We have developed the Cisco Billing and Measurement Server, or BAMS,
based on our Convergent Mediation products. BAMS is a software application platform designed to
co-exist within the framework of the Cisco products VSC3000, SC2200, and other applications where
the VSC core software application is utilized.
-14-
Compagnie Financiere Alcatel (Alcatel) Our Convergent Mediation solutions collect usage
information from specific Alcatel switches owned and operated by carriers, providing the billing
information carriers need. In addition to being an Alcatel Connected Partner for the provision
of mediation technology to enable usage-sensitive billing for service providers who operate X.25,
frame relay, ATM, and VoIP networks, ACE*COMM was designated Alcatels preferred IP Mediation
vendor in 2005.
Motorola, Inc. We provide Convergent Mediation solutions, integrated into the Mobile Data
Gateway switch, that collect and format call detail records for electronic transmission to a
billing center.
Zhone Technologies, Inc. We provide our Convergent Mediation technology for embedding into
Zhones CLX local switching solution for telecom service providers.
Resellers & Systems Integrators
Strategic alliance partners in this category encompass leading hardware and software vendors or
integrators who are resellers for our products.
General Dynamics Corporation As a General Dynamics subcontractor for network management
products, we install and support NetPlus® at multiple military facilities.
Giza Systems We provide our mediation and OSS solutions to Gizas customers such as Telecom
Egypt. Giza Systems is a leading integrator in the Middle East region.
Huawei Technologies We provide our solutions to Huawei to address customers OSS
requirements. Huawei Technologies is a Chinese high-tech enterprise which specializes in research
and development (R&D), production and marketing of communications equipment, providing customized
network solutions for telecom carriers in optical, fixed, mobile and data communications networks.
Lucent Technologies - We provide our Patrol suite technology to Lucent Technologies to
integrate with Lucents mobile services offerings directed at enabling global wireless carriers to
offer their customers parental control of their mobile services. The solution consists of Lucents
SurePay® real-time rating and charging solution and ACE*COMMS Parent Patrol software, which
provides configurable child-profile management when it interoperates with the SurePay® solutions
policy management function. The partnership is expected to involve joint marketing by Lucent and
us to carriers that buy other Lucent and ACE*COMM products.
MOSECO Jordan Our alliance agreement with MOSECO Jordan covers sales and support activities
to address the operations support systems requirements of the Middle East regions communications
service providers.
NetSource America Inc. We have signed NetSource as a reseller to offer NetPlus®
as part of its suite of software solutions and outsourced services focused on managing
communications and IT infrastructures to large enterprises in the Midwest.
Northrop Grumman Corporation We provide subcontract services for our Convergent Mediation
platform to Northrop Grumman for the real-time usage data management, warehousing, and analysis
requirements of a digital radio service in the United Kingdom. Additionally, we joined Northrop
Grummans Network Centric Solutions (NETCENTS) team as a subcontractor to support the
communications requirements of the US Air Force and other government entities.
Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC We provide mediation expertise to
SAICs broad consulting experience to supply comprehensive mediation solutions to large carriers
particularly in the wireless sector.
Siemens AG We sell our Enterprise telemanagement operations support and Convergent
Mediation solutions outside the United States through Siemens AG, who serves as a prime
contractor.
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Unisys Corporation We have an arrangement with Unisys to collectively design and deploy
NetPlus® as part of an overall Unisys offering to state government customers.
Additionally, we partner with Unisys in Europe for the deployment of our Network Business
Intelligence suite of products.
Verizon - ACE*COMM is a long-time Verizon partner providing its NetPlus® telemanagement system
on a sub-contract basis to US government, government agency, and military customers.
Technology Partners
Alliances in this category encompass leading hardware or software vendors whose products may either
be integrated with ACE*COMM solutions to provide additional value to our customers, or for whom we
provide a third party solution to enhance and extend the functionality of their products to address
customer requirements.
Avaya We are a DeveloperConnection (DevConnect) Program member. Our NetPlus®
EOSS communications management system is interoperable with Avayas platforms.
Business Objects ACE*COMM solutions work with Business Objects. Business Objects solutions
transform corporate data into a valuable resource that employees, partners, and customers can
access, report, and share. The result is enhanced productivity and improved decision-making
capabilities.
Computer Associates ACE*COMM solutions work with CleverPath Forest & Trees (formerly known
as Forest & Trees) a rapid and visual application development environment for creating dynamic,
web-based business intelligence applications.
Experian - ACE*COMM Market Maker now features Experians Mosaic consumer profiling and
demographic data capabilities to help telecom service providers gain additional information and
insights into prospective and existing customers. Experian is a global leader in providing
value-added information solutions to organizations and consumers.
Halcyon ACE*COMM solutions work with the Halcyon Sun Management Center. The Sun Management
Center agent comes directly from Sun Microsystems, and is a superior agent for monitoring and
managing Sun hardware, from the Ultra-5 to the Sun Fire 15K.
Oracle® We are an Oracle® Partner Program (OPP) member and provide
proprietary solutions for integration with Oracle® software.
Remedy We are a Remedy Alliance Advantage partner and provide third-party solutions that can
be integrated with Remedy products to enhance and extend their capabilities.
RuleSpace LLC - In partnership with RuleSpace, the industrys leading provider of content
classification solutions, ACE*COMMs Patrol suite now also offers Web content classification and
filtering for traditional and mobile-formatted Web sites.
Sun Microsystems We are a Sun Microsystems iForce Partner. Suns iForce Initiative brings
together Sun and its best of breed partners worldwide to deliver proven solutions that reduce cost
and time to market.
Veritas ACE*COMM solutions work with Veritas Data Protection and High Availability
products.
Vertel ACE*COMM solutions work with Vertels M*Ware development platform. M*Ware is a
standards-based product specialized to enable rapid development of multi-protocol network
applications.
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Industry Affiliations
We seek to stay at the forefront of rapidly evolving technologies, and to better serve our
customers by participating in the collective efforts of influential industry associations and
forums, and the markets they support. Our industry affiliations include:
ACUTA
the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education is an
international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. ACUTAs
Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of telecommunications vendors who serve the
college/university market.
AeA
(formerly the American Electronics Association), the nations largest high-tech trade
association, is the accepted voice of the U.S. high-tech industry that offers solutions for
improving members competitiveness and bottom-line results by offering management development
programs, executive networking, public policy leadership and other valuable services.
AFCEA we are a corporate associate member of the Armed Forces Communications and
Electronics Association . AFCEA is a non-profit international association that serves as a bridge
between government requirements and industry capabilities, representing the top government,
industry, and military professionals in the fields of information technology, communications, and
intelligence.
GSA
is a centralized federal procurement and property management agency created by Congress
to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. It acquires,
on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology,
supplies, and services.
GSM Association Founded in 1987, The GSM Association (GSMA) is a global trade
association representing more than 690 GSM mobile phone operators across 213 territories and
countries of the world. ACE*COMM is an Associate member and participates at key GSM forums around
the world.
INAAU The International Alliance of Avaya Users mission is the user group for
customers of Avaya, Inc. products and services. ACE*COMM influences product, service, and policy
direction for the benefit of the membership, and shares value-added global business communications
solutions with the membership through open communications forums.
ISO the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies from some 130 countries whose mission is to promote the
development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating the
international exchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the spheres of
intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity.
Just-US
is an independent, not-for-profit association of Siemens Enterprise Networks Users
established to assist telecommunications and data networking professionals to navigate the maze of
new technologies through access to a users network of experience and influence.
NASTD
the Association for Telecommunications Professionals in State Government, is a
member-driven organization whose purpose is to advance and promote the effective use of
telecommunications technology and services to improve the operation of state government.
NTCA - The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), the voice of
rural telecommunications, is the premiere non-profit association representing more than 560 small
and rural telephone cooperatives and commercial companies. ACE*COMM is an Associate Member.
OMA ACE*COMM is a supporting member of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). The mission
of the OMA is to facilitate global user adoption of mobile data services by specifying market
driven mobile service that ensure service interoperability across devices, geographies, service
providers, operators, and networks, while allowing businesses to compete through innovation and
differentiation.
SIP
Center is a portal for the commercial development of SIP software. The Session
Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol used for establishing sessions in an IP network.
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TIA is a full-service national trade organization with membership of 900 large and small
companies that provide communications and information technology products, materials, systems,
distribution services, and professional services in the United States and around the world.
USTA is the premier trade association representing service providers and suppliers for the
telecom industry. USTAs 1200 member companies offer a wide range of services, including local
exchange, long distance, wireless, Internet, and cable television service.
Backlog
We define backlog as signed contracts or purchase orders for delivery of our products generally
within the next year. We also include in backlog amounts related to already delivered products
where revenue recognition has been deferred. Our backlog at June 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004 equaled
approximately $15.8 million, $23.1 million and $12.1 million, respectively. We estimate that $9.3
million of the backlog at June 30, 2006, will be recognized as revenue during fiscal 2007.
Although we believe that our entire backlog consists of firm orders, our backlog as of any
particular date may not be indicative of actual revenue for any future period because of the
possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules and delays inherent in the delivery of
complex systems. Backlog, as defined, does not include contracts that require the further issuance
of purchase orders.
Our contracts are large and technically complicated and require a significant commitment of
management and financial resources from our customers. The development of a contract is typically
a lengthy process because it must address a customers specific technical requirements and often
requires internal approvals that involve substantial lead-time. Accordingly, we may experience
significant variations in backlog and revenue from quarter to quarter as a result of delays in
contract signing or contract order deliveries, as well as the general level of demand for our
products and services. In addition, contracts that involve software deliveries may involve
customization of the product to specific customer requirements, which can delay final delivery of
the order.
Competition
Competition in the markets for ACE*COMM products is driven by rapidly changing technologies,
evolving industry standards, frequent product introductions and enhancements, and rapid changes in
customer requirements. To maintain and improve our competitive position, we must continue to
develop and introduce value-added, timely and cost-effective new products, features and services
that keep pace with technological developments and emerging industry standards. In addition, we
must consistently address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers. We expect
continued intense competition in the telecommunications, Internet service provider and enterprise
network markets.
We believe that the principal competitive factors in these markets include: product performance
that meets customer expectations, specialized project management capabilities, in-house technical
expertise, compliance with industry quality standards, in-house customer support, product features
that include adaptability, scalability and flexibility, the ability to integrate with other
products, adjustable functionality and ease-of-use, product reputation, responsiveness to customer
needs, and timeliness of implementation. To remain competitive, we will have to respond promptly
and effectively to the challenges of each technological change within our industry, as well as to
our competitors innovations.
We believe that our ability to compete in our markets depends in part on a number of competitive
factors outside our control, including the ability of others to develop technology that is
competitive with our products, the price at which competitors offer comparable products and
services, the extent of competitors responsiveness to customer needs, and the ability of our
competitors to hire, retain and motivate key personnel. We compete with a number of companies that
have substantially greater financial, technical, sales and marketing capabilities in addition to
other resources, as well as greater name recognition. As a result, our competitors may be able to
adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements, or to
devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products than us. There can be no
assurance that our current or potential competitors will not develop products comparable or
superior to those developed by us, or adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies, evolving
industry trends or changing customer requirements.
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In the telecommunications and Internet service provider markets, our current and prospective
competitors include:
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large service providers who develop full-system products internally, tailored to their
particular specifications; |
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other companies, such as Comptel Corporation and Openet, that can provide data
collection, mediation components, and data storage capabilities; |
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vendors that supply more inclusive products, such as Intec Telecom Systems PLC, and EDB
Telesciences; |
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telecommunications equipment manufacturers that provide network products, such as Lucent
Technologies Inc., and Ericsson; |
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companies that provide OSS software applications for carriers, such as MetaSolv Software
Inc.; |
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companies that provide billing and customer care applications, such as Amdocs Limited,
Convergys, Martin-Dawes, UshaComm, and Portal Software Inc.; |
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companies that develop custom solutions, such as EDS Inc. and Computer Sciences
Corporation; |
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companies that provide revenue assurance focused solutions such as Azure, cVidya
Networks Inc., and Elron Telesoft; |
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companies that develop service delivery platforms and/or value-added services such as
Boston Communications Group, Inc. (bcgi), Redknee, and Comverse; and |
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companies that provide products for enterprise telephony networks, such as Paetec
Communications Inc., Veramark Technologies Inc., and Unique, and companies that provide
products for data networks, such as Remedy Corp. and Computer Associates International
Inc.; and system integrators such as Accenture, Capgemini, Ernst & Young, and KPMG. |
Competitive Advantage
We believe that our core competitive advantages are centered on the breadth of our deployment base
with over 4,000 network installations world-wide, our customer base, our reputation for reliable,
flexible and scalable products, and our introduction of new and leading technologies.
For our advanced OSS products, we believe our competitive advantages to be derived from our
considerable experience in and ability to handle multiple protocol system deployments, flexibility
to grow and fulfill wider system needs, switch/OSS vendor independence, and our ability to
integrate advanced OSS functions at the edge of the network where they can be utilized in
real-time. Our modular approach to the market provides our customers with greater flexibility in
choosing a solution appropriate for their requirements. We believe that in todays
telecommunications environment, this allows our customers to grow their capabilities in a
manageable but timely way.
For our enterprise OSS and telemanagement solutions, we believe that the competitive advantages of
the NetPlus® solution lie in its ability to improve IT operations, achieve significant
cost savings by identifying excessive usage patterns or incorrect billing, provide a bridge between
older PBX based voice equipment and newer VoIP based systems, and provide a significant amount of
customization support to enable NetPlus® to interface to existing management and network
infrastructure. We also provide highly integrated capabilities across the FCAPS (fault,
configuration, accounting, performance, and security management) functionality mapping, but do so
from an enterprise perspective.
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For Parent Patrol, we believe our most significant competitive advantages to be centered on its
ability to plug seamlessly into existing network infrastructures, and its rapid deployment
capabilities, ease of management, and small footprint. Further, as Parent Patrol is not our core
product but rather a particular configuration of our service delivery platform, the same platform
can easily be expanded to offer other services with no requirement for additional investments.
For the ACE*COMM Network Business Intelligence suite of products, we believe that our primary
competitive advantage is centered on our traditional expertise at the edge of the network. By
utilizing a common platform for the delivery of all our products and services, we can rapidly
respond to our customers changing market and business environments. Further, our over-all
approach to Network Business Intelligence sets us apart from the competition who typically only
focus on a subset of Network Business Intelligence, such as revenue assurance or asset recovery.
Research and Product Development
Our research and development efforts are focused on developing new products to meet the growing
needs of our customers and on improving existing products by incorporating new features and
technologies. However, we believe that the timely development of new products and enhancements is
essential to maintaining our competitive position in the marketplace. In our research and
development efforts we work closely with customers, end users and leading technology vendors, in
tailoring new features that are subsequently incorporated into future versions of products
available to all customers. We continually review opportunities to license technologies from third
parties when appropriate based on timing and cost considerations. Research and development
expenses for the most recent fiscal year were $3.9 million, or 14% of revenues.
Proprietary Rights and Licenses
We currently hold a patent on our N*USAGE® technology, have a patent pending for our
Parent Patrol product, and rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, contract, and trade
secret laws and statutory and/or common law to maintain our proprietary rights to our other
products. We believe that patent protection is effective for some product technologies, but
because of the rapid pace of technological change in the telecommunication and software industries,
patent protection for other products is a less significant factor in our success than the
knowledge, ability and experience of our employees, the frequency of product enhancements and the
timeliness and quality of support services provided by us.
We generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, customers and
potential customers and limit access to, and distribution of, our proprietary information. Use of
our software products is usually restricted to specified locations and is subject to terms and
conditions prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or transfer of the software products. We also
seek to protect our software, including the source code, as a trade secret and as copyrighted work.
We cannot guarantee that the steps taken to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate to
deter misappropriation of our intellectual property, and we may not be able to detect unauthorized
use and take appropriate steps to enforce our intellectual property rights. If third parties
infringe upon or misappropriate our copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or other proprietary
information, we could be seriously harmed. In addition, although we believe that our proprietary
rights do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others; other parties may assert
infringement claims against us or claim that we have violated their intellectual property rights.
Claims against us, either successful or unsuccessful, could result in significant legal and other
costs that may be a distraction to management. We have primarily focused on intellectual property
protection within the United States but have expanded that scope to selected international markets.
Protection of intellectual property outside the United States will sometimes require additional
filings with local patent, trademark, or copyright offices, as well as the implementation of
contractual or license terms different from those used in the United States. Protection of
intellectual property in many foreign countries is weaker and less reliable than in the United
States. As our business expands into foreign countries, costs and risks associated with protecting
our intellectual property abroad will increase.
-20-
Employees
At June 30, 2006, ACE*COMM employed 128 full and part-time employees. None of our employees are
represented by a labor union. We have experienced no work stoppages and believe that our employee
relations are good.
Executive Officers
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Name of Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Class of |
|
|
| or Nominee |
|
Age |
|
Since |
|
Director |
|
Recent Business Experience |
George T. Jimenez
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
1983 |
|
|
III
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
of the Company since
1996, and Treasurer from
1983 to present.
President from 1983 to
September 1999 and July
2001 to June 2005. Mr.
Jimenez has been Chairman
of the Board of Directors
since 1983. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul G. Casner, Jr.
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
1983 |
|
|
II
|
|
Business management
consultant. Prior to
retirement in April 2005,
was Executive Vice
President and Chief
Operating Officer of DRS
Technologies, Inc., a
defense electronics
corporation starting in
June 2000. Executive
Vice President,
Operations, DRS, from
December 1998 to May
2000; President of DRS
Electronic Systems Group,
a division of DRS
Technologies, from 1994
to 1998; and Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
of Technology
Applications & Service
Company from March 1991
to September 1993. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gilbert A. Wetzel
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
1992 |
|
|
I
|
|
Senior Vice President,
Mayer Leadership Group
(formerly Mayer &
Associates), a human
resources consulting
firm, since 2004 and
Managing Director from
1999 to 2004. Executive
Vice President, Right
Management Consultants,
from 1994 to 1999;
retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
of Bell of Pennsylvania
and Diamond State
Telephone and founder and
retired Chief Executive
Officer of Geographic
Business Publishers, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harry M. Linowes
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
I
|
|
Business management
consultant. Currently an
associate of Business
Mediation Associates.
Senior Partner (1992 to
retirement in 1996) and a
Managing Partner (1986 to
1992) of BDO Seidman,
Accountants and
Consultants. |
-21-
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Name of Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Class of |
|
|
| or Nominee |
|
Age |
|
Since |
|
Director |
|
Recent Business Experience |
J. William Grimes
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
III
|
|
General Partner, BG Media
Investors LLC, a private
equity capital firm
specializing in
investments in media and
telecommunications
companies, since 1996.
President and Interim
Chief Executive Officer
of i3 Mobile, Inc. from
March 2003 to December
2003. Chief Executive
Officer, Zenith Media,
from 1994 to 1996;
President and CEO of
Multimedia, Inc. from
1991 to 1993, and
President and CEO of
Univision Holdings, Inc.
from 1988 to 1991. |
| |
Matthew J. Stover
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
II
|
|
Chairman and CEO of ypOne
Publishing, an
independent publisher of
local yellow pages
shopping directories in
the United States and
Canada, since November
2005. Chairman, LKM
Ventures, LLC, an
investment and advisory
firm, since January 2000.
President and then Chief
Executive Officer,
edu.com, Inc., a
marketing services
company, from May 2000 to
June 2001. Group
President of Bell
Atlantic Directory
Services, and its predecessor, NYNEX
Information Services
Group, from January 1994
to December 1999. |
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risk Factors Affecting Future Operating Results
Because of our reliance on significant customers and large orders, any failure to obtain a
sufficient number of large contracts could have a material adverse effect on our revenues for
one or more periods
A significant portion of our revenue comes from large financial commitments by a small number of
customers, including both telecommunications carriers and large enterprises. We expect to continue
to depend on a limited number of customers in any given period for a significant portion of our
revenue and, in turn, to be dependent on their continuing success and positive financial results
and condition. These large customers may result from one-time competitive procurements or from
repeat purchases from distributors, OEMs or other strategic partners. We may not prevail in one or
more of the procurements, and our distributors may increase or suspend purchases of our products
and services at any time. If we fail to continue to receive orders from such customers, or if any
one or more of these customers suffers a downturn, our financial results will suffer. Our revenues
and liquidity also may vary significantly from quarter to quarter based upon the delivery schedules
of our large contracts, particularly extensions or delays in the delivery schedule arising from
customer decisions or requirements.
-22-
Our products must be continuously updated to work with changing technology and demand for our
products could be impacted by any competitors introducing more advanced technology
To maintain and improve demand for our products, we must continue to develop and introduce
value-added, timely and cost-effective new products, features and services that keep pace with
technological developments and emerging industry standards. Any failure to do this will limit the
market into which we can sell our products and services. We have recently introduced new software
products such as Parent Patrol and are pursuing the development of others. These products have
not yet achieved market acceptance. Further, customers are always looking for the most advanced
technology available, within certain price ranges. To the extent that competitors can offer more
advanced technology within a given price range our sales would be adversely affected. Further,
customer technology upgrades
can lead to sometimes lengthy delays in orders for our products until their system upgrades are
complete and they are in a position to have our products installed as part of their new systems.
The adverse conditions in the telecommunications industry continue despite improvements in the
economy and may continue to do so
Our business and financial results are highly dependent on the telecommunications industry and the
capital spending of our customers. Over the past four or five years capital spending by
telecommunication companies has been at reduced levels. Telecommunications products and services
have increasingly become commodities that cannot easily be distinguished, leading to lower margins
and reduced spending on costly software. The reduction of spending by companies in the
telecommunication industries has caused, and may continue to cause, a significant reduction in our
revenues. Although over the past fiscal year we experienced an increase in demand from certain
types of customers, other areas of our business have experienced continued weakness in demand and
unwillingness of customers to spend significant sums on procuring new Convergent Mediation or OSS
solutions products or services.
Unless we continue to maintain existing strategic alliances and develop new ones, our sales
will suffer
Our results could suffer further if we are unable to maintain existing and develop additional
strategic alliances with leading providers of telecommunications services and network equipment who
serve as distributors for our products. If we are not able to maintain these strategic alliances,
we will not be able to expand our distribution channels and provide additional exposure for our
product offerings. These relationships can take significant periods of time and work to develop,
and may require the development of additional products or features or the offering of support
services we do not presently offer. Failure to maintain particular relationships may limit our
access to certain countries or geographic areas unless we are able to enter into new relationships
with companies that can offer improved access.
Many of our telecommunications customers involve credit risks for us
Many of our customers present potential credit risks, and we are dependent on a small number of
major customers. The majority of our customers are in the telecommunication services industry and
government sector, or are in the early stages of development when financial resources may be
limited. Five customers represented 61% of our gross trade receivables balance as of June 30,
2006. Because we depend on a small number of major customers, and many of our customers present
potential credit risks for different reasons, our results of operations could be adversely affected
by non-payment or slow-payment of receivables. We have also experienced losses from doubtful
accounts. For a more detailed discussion of doubtful accounts please read the section labeled
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Allowance
for Bad Debts. Several of our international customers have negotiated extended payment terms,
further separating the time payment is received from when costs are incurred.
We have experienced liquidity demands as a result of large contracts
We have been experiencing increased costs and liquidity demands during the current fiscal year as
we have devoted significant effort to delivering products and services and supporting our customers
under our existing contracts. Although these increased liquidity demands have started to subside
as we have collected initial amounts generated under these contracts we expect this situation to
continue for a while.
-23-
We are dependent on our ability to borrow
We are dependent on our ability to borrow funds under our lines of credit. Any inability to
borrow could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, our borrowings under our lines of
credit are dependent upon our eligible and approved accounts receivable. In the event of an
inability to borrow, we would require additional financing and the additional financing may not be
available or may not be available on terms acceptable to us. The amounts of
borrowings under our lines of credit have been increasing as a result of our liquidity demands,
discussed in the prior paragraph, to $2.6 million as of June 30, 2006.
We are increasingly subject to the risks and costs of international sales, and failure to
manage these risks would have an adverse effect on us
A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from international sales and are therefore
subject to the risks of conducting business overseas, including the general economic conditions in
each country, the overlap of different tax structures, the difficulty in managing resources in
various countries, changes in regulatory requirements, compliance with a variety of foreign laws
and regulations, foreign currency translations and longer payment cycles. We derived approximately
57%, 69%, and 59% of our total revenue from customers outside of the United States for fiscal years
2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. To the extent that we have increased our international revenue
sources over the last three years, the impact of the risks related to international sales could
have an increasingly larger effect on our financial condition as a whole.
Failure to manage risks of potential acquisitions would have an adverse effect on us
We have completed three significant acquisitions over the past two and half years, and pursuing
additional acquisitions to expand our product line remains part of our growth plan. However,
acquisitions involve a number of potential adverse consequences. In particular, failure to
identify or evaluate risks such as possible loss of major customers, or inability to correctly
evaluate costs of combining businesses or technologies have in the past and in the future could
cost us significant resources, dilution to our stockholders or loss of valuable time. In addition,
recent acquisitions have included expenses associated with in process research and development and
require us to absorb the cost of completion of ongoing product development. Failure to complete
product development on time and within projected cost estimates would have an adverse affect on
operating results and potentially decrease the value of the acquisition. Acquisitions may require
additional financing and the additional financing may not be available or may not be available on
terms acceptable to us.
Continuing market consolidation may reduce the number of potential customers for our products
The North American communications industry has experienced significant consolidation. In the
future, there may be fewer potential customers requiring operations support systems and related
services, increasing the level of competition in the industry. In addition, larger, consolidated
communication companies have strengthened their purchasing power, which could create a decline in
our pricing structure and a decrease of the margins we can realize. These larger consolidated
companies are also striving to streamline their operations by combining different communications
systems and the related operations support systems into one system, reducing the number of vendors
needed. The continuing industry consolidation may cause us to lose more customers, which would
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Market consolidation within the UK service provider market has reduced the number of customers for
our products and has begun to erode our existing customer base within this group. Failure to
replace these customers will have a negative impact upon future operating results.
Failure to estimate accurately the resources necessary to complete fixed-price contracts would
have an adverse effect on our bottom line
Our failure to accurately estimate the resources required for a project or a failure to complete
contractual obligations in a manner consistent with the projected plan may result in lower than
expected project margins or project losses, which would negatively impact operating results. Our
sales are formalized in agreements that may include customization of the underlying software and
services. These agreements require projections related to allocation of employees and other
resources. Additionally, we may fix the price of an arrangement before the final requirements are
finalized. On occasion, we have and may be required in the future to commit unanticipated
additional resources to complete projects, and the estimated fixed price may not include this
unanticipated increase of resources. If our original projections are not met, project losses may
occur that would have a negative impact on our operating results.
-24-
Inability to forecast revenue accurately may result in costs that are out of line with
revenues, leading either to additional losses or downsizing that may not have been necessary
We may not be able to accurately forecast the timing of our revenue recognition due to the
difficulty of anticipating compliance with the accounting requirements for revenue recognition and
to the fact that we historically have generated a disproportionate amount of our operating revenues
toward the end of each quarter. Our operating results historically have varied from fiscal period
to fiscal period. Accordingly, our financial results in any particular fiscal period are not
necessarily indicative of results for future periods.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ACE*COMM leases space at five principal office locations: Gaithersburg, Maryland; Montreal, Canada;
Edinburgh, Scotland; London, England; and Queensland, Australia. We believe that our facilities
are adequate for our current needs and that suitable additional space will be available as
required. The Gaithersburg office is our corporate headquarters and is used for product assembly,
software and engineering development, professional services and support, sales, and administration.
The following sets forth information concerning our significant facilities:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Square |
|
|
|
Current |
| Location |
|
Footage |
|
Lease Expiration |
|
Annual Rent |
Gaithersburg, Maryland
|
|
24,289 |
|
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
$ |
600,000 (subject
to annual increases
of approximately
$17,000 and allocated operating
costs each year)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
|
|
3,415 |
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
$ |
62,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leith Edinburgh, Scotland
|
|
4,171 |
|
|
January 26, 2010
|
|
$ |
114,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
London, England
|
|
2,104 |
|
|
January 31, 2008
|
|
$ |
220,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bundall, Queensland, Australia
|
|
2,119 |
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not a party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matter was submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2006.
-25-
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Common Stock Prices
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Small-Cap Market under the symbol ACEC.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the highest and lowest bid prices at the
4:00 p.m. close for the shares of common stock reported on the Nasdaq Small-Cap Market.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Year Ended June 30, |
| |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
| |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
1st Quarter |
|
$ |
2.66 |
|
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
|
$ |
2.38 |
|
|
$ |
0.96 |
|
2nd Quarter |
|
|
3.14 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
2.42 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
3rd Quarter |
|
|
3.62 |
|
|
|
2.58 |
|
|
|
3.62 |
|
|
|
2.26 |
|
4th Quarter |
|
|
2.83 |
|
|
|
2.55 |
|
|
|
2.77 |
|
|
|
2.05 |
|
As of September 15, 2006 the market price of ACE*COMM common stock was $2.16.
Common Stockholders
As of September 15, 2006 there were 18,505,004 common shares outstanding and held by 139
shareholders of record.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on the Common Stock. ACE*COMM currently intends to
retain earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business and does not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The future payment of cash dividends,
if any, is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the future earnings,
capital requirements, financial condition and future prospects of ACE*COMM and such other factors,
as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. Under the term of our line of credit, ACE*COMM cannot
pay or declare dividends without the approval of our bank.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table shows information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity
compensation plans as of June 30, 2006:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities remaining |
| |
|
Number of securities to |
|
Weighted-average |
|
available for future issuance |
| |
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
exercise price of |
|
under equity compensation plans |
| |
|
of outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
(excluding securities |
| |
|
warrants and rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
reflected in column (a)) |
Equity
compensation plans
approved by
security holders |
|
|
4,175,697 |
|
|
$ |
3.05 |
|
|
|
1,196,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,175,697 |
|
|
$ |
3.05 |
|
|
|
1,196,282 |
|
-26-
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data presented below as of June 30 and for each of our fiscal years in the
five-year period ended June 30, 2006 are derived from the audited financial statements of ACE*COMM.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Year Ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2002 |
|
| |
|
(in thousands except per share data) |
|
Statement of Operations Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
26,671 |
|
|
$ |
19,961 |
|
|
$ |
13671 |
|
|
$ |
13,794 |
|
|
$ |
18,094 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
16,530 |
|
|
|
11,012 |
|
|
|
5,830 |
|
|
|
6,255 |
|
|
|
8,982 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
12,159 |
|
|
|
9,774 |
|
|
|
9,304 |
|
|
|
7,861 |
|
|
|
12,231 |
|
Research and development |
|
|
3,866 |
|
|
|
2,694 |
|
|
|
1,226 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
780 |
|
In process research and development acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,118 |
|
|
|
1,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,982 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,988 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
| |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
| |
|
(in thousands) |
Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
946 |
|
|
$ |
2,683 |
|
|
$ |
2,881 |
|
|
$ |
1,570 |
|
|
$ |
3,530 |
|
Working capital |
|
|
3,107 |
|
|
|
653 |
|
|
|
3,665 |
|
|
|
3,941 |
|
|
|
4,702 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
16,361 |
|
|
|
14,153 |
|
|
|
10,331 |
|
|
|
8,244 |
|
|
|
10,402 |
|
Long-term liabilities |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
10,264 |
|
|
|
8,776 |
|
|
|
4,863 |
|
|
|
3,419 |
|
|
|
4,071 |
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
6,097 |
|
|
|
5,377 |
|
|
|
5,468 |
|
|
|
4,825 |
|
|
|
6,331 |
|
|
|
|
| ITEM 7. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Overview
Sources of Revenue
ACE*COMM delivers enterprise telemanagement applications and advanced Convergent Mediation and
Operations Support Systems solutions to wireline and wireless voice, data, and Internet
communications providers. Our solutions typically consist of hardware, software and related
services that enable the capture, security, validation, correlation, augmentation, and warehousing
of data from network elements and the distribution of this data in appropriate formats to OSS
(Operations Support Systems) and BSS (Business Support Systems) operations. Our solutions also
provide for centralized management and security of enterprise networks.
ACE*COMM derives revenues primarily from the sale of our products, including hardware and software,
and related services. ACE*COMM enters into formal arrangements that provide for single or multiple
deliverables of hardware,
software and services. These arrangements are formalized by either a simple purchase order or by
more complex contracts such as development, reseller or master agreements. These arrangements are
generally U.S. dollar denominated, but as we have increased the percentage of international sales
these arrangements are also denominated in local currencies such as the British Pound, and
typically have an aggregate value of several thousand to several million
dollars and vary in length
from 30 days to several years, as in the case of master agreements. Agreements spanning several
years are normally implemented in smaller statements of work or orders that are typically
deliverable within three to twelve months. Our customers, including resellers, do not possess the
right of return or exchange.
-27-
Revenue for a given period typically reflects products delivered or services performed during the
period with respect to relatively large financial commitments from a small number of customers.
During 2006, we had 27 major customers generating $250 thousand or more in revenue during the year
representing approximately 88% of total revenue. Our largest customer, Northrop Grumman,
contributed approximately 22% of total revenues during the year ended June 30, 2006. During 2005,
we had 21 major customers that together represented approximately 81% of total revenue. Our
largest three customers during the year ended June 30, 2005, were Siemens AG, Northrop Grumman and
Giza Systems. Siemens AG contributed approximately 11% of total revenues, Northrop Grumman
contributed approximately 10% of total revenues and Giza Systems contributed approximately 9% of
total revenues. During 2004, we had 12 major customers that together represented 64% of total
revenues. Giza Systems, our largest customer in fiscal year 2004, represented approximately 20% of
total revenues, and Siemens AG contributed approximately 8% of total revenues.
Trends and Strategy
Revenue growth depends, in part, on the overall demand for our product-based solutions and on sales
to large customers. Because our sales are primarily to telecommunication and Internet service
providers and large enterprises, our ability to generate revenue also depends on specific
conditions affecting those providers and on general economic conditions.
We have been pursuing a growth strategy designed to expand our product line and areas of
distribution to counteract reductions in demand for our traditional products and services. We are
continuing to target sales efforts toward what we believe to be a growing market for our Convergent
Mediation solutions outside of North America. A substantial percentage of our sales over the past
several quarters have been to overseas customers.
We also have been expanding our customer base and offerings through acquisitions. The acquisition
of i3 Mobile and Intasys during fiscal year 2004 and the acquisition of 2helix in March 2005 are
consistent with this strategy. We intend to continue to pursue the acquisition of additional
complementary technologies to broaden our product line and increase our geographic scope.
During the past year we have put more focus on our Patrol Suite of products marketed to carriers on
a global basis. The sales cycle for these type sales are longer than our other products and
services and range from twelve to twenty four months. We recently announced our first sale to a
carrier in North America and have entered into a partnership arrangement with Lucent to resell our
Patrol Suite of products. Additionally, we are offering the 2helix revenue assurance products
included in Operations Support Systems (OSS) revenue under the Network Business Intelligence
product suite. This past year we have introduced our next generation convergent mediation product
NV2. NV2 uses advanced technologies and techniques to control, moderate, and facilitate the
interactive communication between multiple network technologies and software support systems,
without sacrificing support for critical legacy network and infrastructure investments.
Over the last year, we have focused our enterprise sales resources on opportunities for our newest
generation of NetPlus EOSS products. In addition to pursuing our traditional government markets,
sales activities have been increased to large commercial enterprises to expand our NetPlus customer
base.
Even as our newer technologies have been gaining market acceptance, we have experienced some
reductions in demand from existing customers due to the continuing changes in the
telecommunications industry. We experienced a decline in the number of potential customers for our
OSS products and services and a reduction in our existing
customer base in the UK as a result of consolidation within the UK service provider market by
network providers. Our largest customer in this group has given notice that they will be
terminating their service contract with us early in fiscal 2007. This customer accounted for 5% of
our consolidated revenues in fiscal 2006 and 9% for fiscal 2005.
We are continuing to manage our costs and have maintained numerous cost reduction measures which
have kept operating expenses low. We have carried over these cost reduction measures to our
acquisitions as part of the
integration of the acquired companies. During the fourth quarter of
2006 we reduced staff in our UK office as a result of the anticipated loss of a large customer.
-28-
Over the past year, our backlog decreased from $23.1 million to $15.8 million at June 30, 2006
primarily as a result of the reduction of the backlog on our large Air Force contract. We
experienced increased liquidity demands during the current fiscal year as we have devoted
significant effort to delivering products and services and supporting our customers under our
larger contracts. The amounts of our borrowings under our lines of credit increased as a result
from $1.6 million at June 30, 2005 to $2.6 million at June 30, 2006.
Recent Developments
2helix
On October 28, 2005, we and the former owners of the 2helix business we acquired in March 2005
entered into a Deed of Variation and settlement agreement under which 500,000 shares of ACE*COMM
stock issued in the original transaction has been returned to us and one half of the £400,000 of
notes were cancelled in exchange for a new earn-out of 618,084 ACE*COMM shares. The new earn-out
has a graduated payment schedule based upon the revenues generated from the sales of Network
Business Intelligence products and services over the two fiscal years ending on June 30, 2007, as
discussed more fully in Note 10 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The amount
due under the notes of approximately $0.4 million is due on September 30, 2006.
Warrant Exercises Under Revised Private Placement
In October 2005 we renegotiated the additional investment rights issued to investors in March 2005.
Instead of a six-month additional investment right to acquire 1,000,000 shares of ACE*COMM common
stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share, each share of which would come with a five-year
warrant to acquire 0.50 shares of ACE*COMM common stock at an exercise price of $3.53 per share,
the investors were issued warrants to purchase 1.9 million shares at an exercise price of $2.50 per
share for a six month period commencing with effectiveness of the registration statement. In
addition, certain provisions related to the possible payment of liquidated damages were modified to
cap the amount of such damages which could be paid. The registration statement covering the stock
issued to the investors and the shares underlying the warrants was declared effective on March 3,
2006.
Mostly in August 2006, the warrant holders exercised warrants to purchase 839,653 shares (of the
1.9 million shares issuable thereunder) at an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and the
unexercised warrants expired on September 2, 2006.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our
consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and
assumptions upon which we rely are reasonably based upon information available to us at the time
that the estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions
can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented.
To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and
actual results, our financial statements will be affected.
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated
financial statements. However, certain of our accounting policies are particularly important to
the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations or require the application of
significant estimates, judgment or assumptions by our management. The following is a brief
discussion of these critical accounting policies:
Revenue Recognition
ACE*COMM derives revenues primarily from products, where a combination of hardware, proprietary
licensed software, and services are offered to customers. These products are typically formalized
in a multiple element
arrangement involving application of existing software capabilities or
modification of the underlying software, implementation and support services. Our software
licenses to end-users generally provide for an initial license fee to use the product in
perpetuity. Subscription revenue, included in Operational Support Systems revenue, is recognized
on a monthly basis based upon the number of telephone subscribers of our customers.
-29-
We recognize revenue in accordance with current generally accepted accounting principles. ACE*COMM
follows specific and detailed guidelines in measuring revenue; however, certain judgments and
current interpretations of rules and guidelines affect the application of our revenue recognition
policy. Revenue from license fees is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists,
delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is
considered probable under applicable accounting tests. One of the critical judgments we make is
our assessment of the probability of collecting the related accounts receivable balance on a
customer-by-customer basis. As a result, the timing or amount of revenue recognition may have been
different if different assessments of the probability of collection had been made at the time the
transactions were recorded in revenue. In cases where collectibility is not deemed probable,
revenue is recognized upon receipt of cash, assuming all other criteria have been met. We are also
required to exercise judgment in determining whether the fixed and determinable fee criteria have
been met by evaluating the risk of our granting a concession to our customers, particularly when
payment terms are beyond our normal credit period of sixty to ninety days. In addition, when our
contracts contain customer acceptance provisions, management assesses whether uncertainty exists
about such acceptance in determining when to record revenue.
For multiple element arrangements that include software products, we allocate and defer
revenue for the undelivered elements based on their vendor-specific objective evidence of fair
value, which is generally the price charged when that element is sold separately. We are required
to exercise judgment in determining whether sufficient evidence exists for each undelivered element
and to determine whether and when each element has been delivered. If we were to change any of
these assumptions or judgments, it could cause a material increase or decrease in the amount of
revenue that we report in a particular period.
In situations when our products involve significant modification or customization of software, or
when our systems integration and services are essential to the functionality of the software,
revenues relating to the software licenses and services are aggregated and the combined revenues
are recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis. The hardware revenue on these contracts is
recognized upon transfer of title, which generally occurs at the same time the licensed software is
delivered. Revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method is based on the estimated
stage of completion of individual contracts determined on a cost or level of efforts basis.
Approximately 12% and 3% of our revenue for the fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively, was
derived from contracts accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
When our contracts contain extended payment terms, we defer recognition of revenue until amounts
become due pursuant to payment schedules and no other uncertainties exist. We correspondingly
defer a proportionate amount of contract cost which will be matched against the deferred revenue
when recognized. Should management make the determination that previously deferred revenue will
not be recognized, the corresponding amount of deferred contract cost will be charged to expense at
that time.
Allowance for Bad Debts
The allowance for doubtful accounts is established through a charge to general and administrative
expenses. This allowance is for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to
make required payments. It is an estimate and is regularly evaluated by us for adequacy by taking
into consideration factors such as past experience, credit quality of the customer, age of the
receivable balance, individually and in aggregate, and current economic conditions that may affect
a customers ability to pay. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different
allowance balances. Our customer base is highly concentrated in the telecommunications and
Internet service provider industries. Several of the leading companies in these industries have
filed for bankruptcy. In addition, we have experienced delays in receiving payment from certain of
our international customers and certain of these customers have negotiated longer payment terms.
If collection is not probable at the time the transaction is consummated, we do not recognize
revenue until cash collection. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate,
resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be
required.
-30-
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets and intangible assets whenever certain events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
When indicators of impairment exist, the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows associated
with the asset are compared to the assets carrying amount to determine if impairment has occurred.
If such assets are deemed impaired, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying
amount exceeds the fair value of the assets is recognized. If quoted market prices for the assets
are not available, the fair value is calculated using the present value of estimated net cash
flows. We did not record an impairment charge during the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Results of Operations
The following table shows the percentage of revenue of certain items from ACE*COMMs statements of
operations:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years Ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
| |
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
|
38.0 |
% |
|
|
44.8 |
% |
|
|
57.3 |
% |
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
45.6 |
% |
|
|
49.0 |
% |
|
|
68.1 |
% |
Research and development |
|
|
14.5 |
% |
|
|
13.5 |
% |
|
|
9.0 |
% |
In process research and development |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
25.6 |
% |
|
|
8.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
(32.9 |
)% |
|
|
(42.9 |
)% |
Net interest expense |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
0.2 |
% |
Gain from settlement of debt obligation |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
(32.1 |
)% |
|
|
(43.1 |
)% |
Income tax (benefit) provision |
|
|
(0.1 |
)% |
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
(32.4 |
)% |
|
|
(43.1 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The above reflects the results of operations from the purchase of 2helix in March 2005. Previous
periods do not include the revenue and expenses of 2helix.
Revenues
The following summarizes our revenue (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years Ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licenses and hardware |
|
$ |
12,875 |
|
|
$ |
8,734 |
|
|
$ |
6,387 |
|
Services |
|
|
13,796 |
|
|
|
11,227 |
|
|
|
7,284 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
|
$ |
26,671 |
|
|
$ |
19,961 |
|
|
$ |
13,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues in 2006 were $26.7 million compared to $20.0 million in 2005 and $13.7 million in
2004. Total revenues increased $6.7 million or 34% in 2006 and increased $6.3 million or 46% in
2005, as compared to the prior year.
-31-
Licenses and hardware revenue increased by $4.2 million to $12.9 million for the year ended June
30, 2006, when compared to fiscal 2005. This increase was primarily due to revenues of $2.4
million for a software license and hardware related to the Air Force contract, $1.4 million from
five new customers and a software license with one-time revenue of $0.4 million. License and
hardware revenue increased by $2.3 million to $8.7 million for the year ended June 30, 2005,
compared to 2004. This increase was primarily the result of revenues from two new customers in
Asia and one new customer in the Middle East of $1.9 million and $1.5 million from the Air Force
contract offset by a decline in revenues from one customer in the Middle East of $1.0 million as
its large multi year contract completed.
Services revenue increased by $2.6 million from $11.2 million in fiscal 2005 to $13.8 million in
fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily due to revenues of $1.9 million under the Air Force
contract and an increase in maintenance revenue from one of our customers of $0.5 million.
Services revenue increased by $3.9 million from $7.3 million in fiscal 2004 to $11.2 million in
fiscal 2005. The majority of this increase was principally the result of the inclusion of the
revenues from the assets purchased from Intasys for all of fiscal 2005 and the revenues from the
acquisition of 2helix for the last quarter of fiscal 2005, which aggregated $3.4 million.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Revenue by Type |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise |
|
$ |
10,179 |
|
|
$ |
6,656 |
|
|
$ |
4,187 |
|
Network Service Provider (NSP) |
|
|
10,069 |
|
|
|
7,554 |
|
|
|
7,092 |
|
Operations Support Systems (OSS) |
|
|
6,423 |
|
|
|
5,732 |
|
|
|
2,358 |
|
IT and Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
|
$ |
26,671 |
|
|
$ |
19,961 |
|
|
$ |
13,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from sales to enterprises increased 52% from $6.7 million to $10.2 million during fiscal
year 2006, and represented approximately 38% of total revenue. Revenues increased primarily as a
result of an increase in revenues of $4.4 million from the Air Force which was offset by a decrease
in purchases from one of our primary customers (U.S. Army) of $0.8 million. Revenue from sales to
enterprises increased 60% from $4.2 million to $6.7 million during fiscal year 2005, and
represented approximately 33% of total revenue. Revenues increased primarily as a result of an
increase in purchases from one of our primary customers (U.S. Army) of $1.1 million and revenues of
$1.5 million from a large contract award from the Air Force.
Revenue from sales to network service providers increased 33% from $7.6 million to $10.1 million
for fiscal year 2006 and represented 38% of total revenue. This increase was primarily the result
of an increase in revenues in Canada and Africa of $0.7 million generated from two new customers,
increase in revenues in Asia and the Middle East from two customers that were new in 2005 of $0.9
million and additional purchases from two existing customers of $0.9 million. Revenue from sales
to network service providers increased 7% from $7.1 million to $7.6 million for fiscal
year 2005 and represented 38% of total revenue. This increase was primarily the result of an
increase in revenues in Asia and the Middle East of $1.9 million generated from three new
customers, offset by a decline in revenues from one customer in the Middle East of $1.0 million as
its large multi year contract completed.
Revenue from sales of Operations Support Systems solutions increased 12% from $5.7 million to $6.4
million during fiscal year 2006 and represents 24% of total revenue. The increase in OSS revenue
is primarily due to a software license with one time revenue of $0.4 million and from a new
customer generating $0.4 million. Revenue from OSS solutions increased 138% from $2.4 million to
$5.7 million during fiscal year 2005 and represents 29% of total revenue. These revenues are
derived principally from our new product line purchased from Intasys in February 2004 and the
acquisition of 2helix in March 2005. Periods prior to March 31, 2004, did not include the revenue
of the Operations Support Systems products. The increases in revenue are the result of the
inclusion of the assets purchased from Intasys for a full year.
Backlog was $15.8 million, as of June 30, 2006, compared to $23.1 million as of June 30, 2005. We
define backlog as future revenue from signed contracts or purchase orders for delivery of hardware
and software products and services to be provided to customers generally within one year. In
addition, we include in backlog amounts related to delivered products where revenue has been
deferred. We estimate that $9.3 million of the backlog at June 30, 2006, will be recognized during
fiscal year 2007. Although we believe that our entire backlog consists of firm orders, our backlog
as of any particular date may not be indicative of actual revenue for any future period because of
the possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules and delays inherent in the contracting
process.
-32-
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenue consists primarily of direct labor costs, direct material costs, and allocable
indirect costs. The expenses for services provided by certain alliance partners in connection with
the installation and integration of our products may also be included.
Cost of revenues has fixed and variable components and includes expenses that are directly related
to the generation of operating revenues. Several cost categories are specifically identifiable as
relating to products versus services including material costs and direct labor charged to a product
job. In many instances, certain expenses related to infrastructure and personnel are often
utilized to generate revenues from the various product and service categories, making it difficult
to determine cost of revenue by product. Commencing with costs incurred in 2003, we developed a
methodology for segregating the product and service components of cost of revenues. Costs directly
related to hardware or software that are identifiable by cost type, such as materials, freight,
direct labor and travel charges were assigned to cost of licenses and hardware. Other charges
including warranty, maintenance and re-work costs were allocated based upon warranty incident
reports. Employee benefits are allocated based on total burden rate and other overhead costs are
allocated on a pro-rata basis.
Our method of allocating these costs may not be comparable to approaches of other companies. Use
of a different method of allocation could change the costs of revenues and margin associated with
products and services. Our overall cost of revenue and gross margin is not affected by this
allocation method.
Cost of revenues were $10.1 million in 2006, $8.9 million in 2005 and $7.8 million in 2004
representing 38%, 45% and 57% of revenues, respectively. Cost of revenues decreased as a
percentage of revenue during this past year because revenues increased significantly while our cost
base remained relatively fixed as a result of our continued cost containment efforts.
Cost of licenses and hardware revenue was $3.0 million in 2006, $3.3 million in 2005 and $3.0
million in 2004, representing 23%, 38% and 47% of licenses and hardware revenue, respectively. The
decrease in the percentage of revenues in 2006 and 2005 was due to lower materials costs associated
with hardware revenue and fixed costs being spread over higher revenues.
Cost of services revenue was $7.2 million in 2006, $5.7 million in 2005 and $4.9 million in 2004,
representing 52%, 51% and 67% of services revenue for those years. Cost of services revenue as a
percentage of services revenue have
decreased from 2004 due to the additional services revenue of $5.8 million and $5.7 million for
fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively, resulting from the acquisition of the assets of Intasys
and 2helix.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses consist of costs to support our sales and
administrative functions. Sales expenses consist primarily of salary, commission, travel, trade
show, bid and proposal, and other related selling and marketing expenses required to sell our
products to target markets. General and administrative expenses consist of provision for doubtful
accounts and unallocated costs related to our information systems infrastructure, facilities,
finance and accounting, legal, human resources and corporate management.
SG&A expenses were $12.2 million in 2006, $9.8 million in 2005, and $9.3 million in 2004,
representing 46%, 49%, and 68% of total revenues in each year, respectively. SG&A expenses
decreased as a percentage of revenue during this past year because revenues increased faster than
the increase in SG&A costs. SG&A increased $2.4 million or 24% in 2006, increased $0.5 million or
5% in 2005 and increased $1.4 million or 18% in 2004, as compared to each prior corresponding
period. The increase in 2006 includes an increase of $1.4 million due to including twelve months
versus three months of the costs associated with the acquisition of 2helix, increased marketing
efforts related to Parent Patrol, and an increase in selling expenses for our existing product
lines. The increase in 2005 includes an increase of $1.0 million due to including twelve months
versus four months of the costs associated with the acquisition of assets from Intasys and the
acquisition of 2helix offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in the provision for doubtful accounts
expense. The increase in 2004 results from the additional SG&A costs associated with the
acquisition of assets from Intasys of $0.5 million, an increase in the allowance for doubtful
accounts of $0.3 million and an increase in selling expenses for our existing product lines.
-33-
We recognized a net provision for doubtful accounts of $0.2 million in 2006, $0.1 million in 2005,
and $0.5 million in 2004, representing an increase of $0.1 million in 2006, a decrease of $0.4
million in 2005 and an increase of $0.4 million in 2004 as compared to the corresponding period of
the prior year. During 2004, two of our customers experienced a significant adverse change in
their financial conditions, leading us to reserve fully against the receivable from these
customers. In the other years our reserve was based on an analysis of our customers and their
payment history. Existing or future customers ability to pay us may be adversely impacted by
unfavorable economic conditions or by other factors. The increase in the provision for 2006 was the
result of the increase in accounts receivable.
During the past several years we have initiated numerous cost reduction measures which have
affected our employees, including their compensation. To promote employee retention, we
accelerated 640,343 previously unvested employee stock options effective in June 2005. While such
options were out of the money, management believes the acceleration will provide flexibility and
therefore possible value to these employees in the future. Under current accounting guidance, no
compensation expense was recorded in our financial statements. However, we reported in Note 2,
Stock Based Compensation, pro forma compensation expense of $689 thousand associated with the
accelerated options. Had we not accelerated the vesting of these options, compensation expense of
$402 thousand, $238 thousand and $49 thousand would have been recorded in the income statement upon
the required adoption of SFAS 123(R) for fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. An
additional 241,154 employee stock options were not accelerated in June 2005, of which 188,333 were
held by our executive officers.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development (R&D) expenses consist of personnel costs and the associated
infrastructure costs required to support the design and development of our products such as Parent
and Enterprise Patrol, NV2 NetPlus and our convergent mediation service delivery platform.
Research and development expenses were $3.9 million in 2006, $2.7 million in 2005, and $1.2 million
in 2004. R&D expenses increased $1.2 million or 44% in 2006 and $1.5 million or 123% in 2005. R&D
expenses represented 14% of revenues in 2006, 14% of revenues in 2005, and 9% of revenues in 2004.
The substantial increase in research and development in 2006 and 2005 results from completing much
of the in-process research and development related to the acquisitions of 2helix and the assets of
Intasys, and increased research and development associated with our Parent
Patrol, Net Plus product and our convergent mediation service delivery platform. These expenses
are expected to continue at or above the current levels for the fiscal year 2007 as we continue to
develop and expand our Patrol Suite, Net Plus and convergent mediation products.
Although research and development expenses have increased and are expected to continue at or above
the current level, we are pursuing several strategies to control costs in this area. We have been
selective in approving new projects and in some instances discontinued projects that were not
related to the development of Convergent Mediation TM solutions. We are also evaluating
alternative development opportunities such as outsourcing or consolidating development activities
to continue to manage our expenses. In instances where we charge our customers for custom
development we include the costs associated with the development in the cost of revenues. Finally,
we have been pursuing opportunities to license or acquire market-ready new technology from third
parties as part of our strategy for expanding our product offerings.
We expensed $5.1 million for acquired in-process research and development associated with the
2helix acquisition during fiscal 2005. 2helix has several software tools that are being developed
into software products that we intend to complete and sell either as stand alone or integrated into
our convergent mediation service delivery platform, as discussed more fully in Note 11 of the Notes
to our Consolidated Financial Statements. That Note also includes a discussion of the Intasys
in-process research and development.
-34-
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Asset and Cash Flow Analysis
At June 30, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million. Cash and cash equivalents were
$2.7 million at June 30, 2005, and $2.9 million at June 30, 2004. The cash and cash equivalents
balance decreased by $1.7 million, or 65%, in 2006 and decreased by $198 thousand, or 7% in 2005,
in each case as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. The decrease in cash
during 2006, a year in which working capital increased $2.4 million versus the prior year, is
attributable to the increase in accounts receivable attributable to the Air Force contract. Cash
and cash equivalents were 6% of total assets at June 30, 2006, compared to 20% of total assets at
June 30, 2005. The percentage decrease results primarily from the increase in accounts receivable.
Our cash flow is dependent upon numerous factors, including the timing of customer orders and
engagements, and related obligations and payments, market acceptance of our products, the resources
we devote to developing, marketing, selling and supporting our products, the timing and extent of
changes in the size of our operations and other factors.
Working
capital was $3.1 million at June 30, 2006, $0.7 million at June 30, 2005, and $3.7 million at
June 30, 2004. Working capital increased $2.4 million or 343% in 2006, decreased $3.0 million or
81% in 2005, and decreased $0.2 million, or 5%, in 2004, in each case as compared to the
corresponding period of the prior year. The increase in working capital in 2006 is due to the
significant increase in accounts receivables, related to increased revenues and the timing of
collections, particularly under the Air Force contract. The decrease in working capital in 2005 is
due to an increase in borrowings which includes notes payable related to the acquisition of 2helix
of $0.7 million, an increase in our line of credit of $1.1 million, and an increase in current
liabilities of $1.2 million primarily as a result of the 2helix acquisition costs and an increase
in accounts payable.
Gross accounts receivables increased $5.7 million, or 102% at June 30, 2006 and increased $0.8
million, or 16% at June 30, 2005. Gross receivables as a percentage of revenues increased from 28%
to 42% as of June 30, 2006, as a result of an increase in revenues and the timing of collections of
accounts receivable. Five customers represented 61% of our gross trade receivables balance as of
June 30, 2006, with amounts payable under our Air Force contract representing 42% of our gross
trade receivables balance as of June 30, 2006.
Our operating activities used $2.6 million in cash during 2006, $1.3 million in cash during 2005
and $5.0 million in cash during 2004. The changes between years in cash flows from operating
activities are principally due to changes in net income (loss) after adjustments for non-cash
charges such as depreciation and in-process research and development costs acquired and due to
changes in working capital amounts. Changes in accounts receivable balances are typically the most
significant component of working capital and fluctuate as a result of the timing and volume of our
revenues and other factors.
Net cash used for investing activities was $1.1 million in 2006, $0.1 million in 2005, and $2.5
million in 2004. The increase in 2006 includes an increase in purchases of computer equipment of
$0.4 million including purchases of equipment of $0.2 million relating to two of our significant
customer contracts and $0.1 million relating to computer software. The increase also includes $0.3
million relating to a software license.
Financing activities generated cash of $1.9 million in 2006, $1.3 million in 2005, and $8.9 million
in 2004. The cash generated in 2006 was primarily from the exercise of stock warrants by
investors. The increase in 2005 is primarily from the private financing on March 31, 2005, net of
expenses, and from borrowings under our bank line of credit, offset by payment of notes related to
the 2helix acquisition of $2.1 million. The 2004 cash generated results primarily from the i3
Mobile transaction, which generated cash of $8.6 million.
-35-
Cost Containment Program
Although revenues increased during fiscal year 2006 and in fiscal year 2005, we have continued our
cost containment measures which we implemented in 2003 and to a lesser extent in 2004 as a result
of significant net losses from
operations. We have maintained or reduced the number of full time employees during the past three
fiscal years. We carried these cost reduction measures to our 2helix acquisition when that company
was integrated. We expect to have increased costs and continuing liquidity demands in the current
fiscal year as we devote significant efforts to delivering products and services, supporting our
customers under existing contracts and investing in new products. We also expect to add some
additional head count in the sales and other areas to market and support our new products.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes contractual obligations and commitments as of June 30, 2006:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Payments Due by Period |
| |
|
(amounts in thousands) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After 5 |
| Contractual Obligation |
|
Total |
|
year |
|
1-3 years |
|
4-5 years |
|
years |
Operating leases |
|
$ |
2,428 |
|
|
$ |
1,065 |
|
|
$ |
1,295 |
|
|
$ |
68 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other commitments |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total commitments |
|
$ |
2,502 |
|
|
$ |
1,122 |
|
|
$ |
1,312 |
|
|
$ |
68 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We have commercial commitments of two accounts receivable backed lines of credit discussed more
fully below. One line of credit was renewed via an amended and restated loan and security
agreement with the Bank on November 14, 2005. The outstanding balance at June 30, 2006, was $2.6
million. The other line of credit was opened on September 27, 2005, and there were no outstanding
balances on this line at June 30, 2006.
We also have issued standby letters of credit for security deposits for office space and to
guarantee service contracts as summarized in the following table. The standby letters of credit
have a one-year term and renew annually.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period |
| |
|
(amounts in thousands) |
| |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Amounts |
|
Less than 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Over 5 |
| Other Commercial Commitments |
|
Committed |
|
year |
|
1-3 years |
|
4-5 years |
|
years |
Standby Letters of Credit |
|
$ |
306 |
|
|
$ |
253 |
|
|
$ |
53 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Lines of Credit
In November 14, 2005, we renewed our loan and security agreement and entered into an amended and
restated loan and security agreement with Silicon Valley Bank. This amended agreement expires and
is subject to renewal on November 13, 2006. Under this agreement, we may borrow based upon the
amount of our approved borrowing base of eligible accounts receivable, up to a maximum of $3.5
million. The line of credit has sub limits of $500 thousand for cash secured letters of credit and
$1.75 million for U.S. Export Import Bank usage. We can draw up to 70% of our eligible accounts
receivable under the master line and 70% of our eligible foreign accounts receivable under the U.S.
Export Import Bank sub limit line. Inclusive to the U.S. Export Import Bank sub limit is a $250
thousand sub limit for UK eligible accounts receivable, thereby providing us the opportunity to
borrow up to the lesser of $250 thousand or 50% of the UK eligible accounts receivable. Amounts
borrowed bear interest at a rate equal to the banks prime rate plus 1.75% per annum, charged on
the average daily balance of advances outstanding, payable monthly and calculated on a 360 days per
year basis. We also pay certain costs and expenses of the bank in administering the line. The
receivables comprising the borrowing base must not be more than 90 days aged, must not be in
dispute, and must conform to other eligibility requirements. The agreement has a monthly quick
ratio covenant which must be complied with on an intra-quarterly basis, and a minimum tangible net
worth covenant which must be complied with on a quarterly basis. The agreement also subjects us to
non-financial covenants, including restrictions over dividends and certain reporting requirements.
-36-
We have an additional loan and security agreement which provides a second line of credit for the
financing of non-standard accounts receivable. This new line expires and is subject to renewal on
September 25, 2006. Under this second line, we may borrow based upon a borrowing base of
specifically-approved accounts receivable not part of the borrowing base for our other line of
credit, up to a maximum of $1.5 million. The line is administered under the specialty finance
division of the Bank and its primary purpose is to allow financing for specific receivables with
extended terms. We can draw up to 70% of approved accounts receivable under this new line.
Amounts borrowed bear interest at a rate equal to the banks prime rate plus 2% per annum, charged
on the outstanding financed gross receivable balance, calculated on a 360 days per year basis, and
payable upon the earlier of when the payment is received for the financed receivable or when the
financed receivable is no longer an eligible receivable. We also pay certain costs and expenses of
the bank in administering the line. The receivables comprising the borrowing base must not be more
than 90 days aged, but financing for accounts receivable up to 180 days is available to the extent
approved on a case-by-case basis by the Bank. All such receivables must not be in dispute, and
must conform to other eligibility requirements. The agreement has no financial covenants, but does
subject us to non-financial maintenance covenants, including restrictions over dividends.
ACE*COMMs obligations under both agreements are secured by a security interest in all of our
assets and intellectual property. Advances made to ACE*COMM are payable in full upon demand in the
event of default under the agreement. As of June 30, 2006, we had borrowings totaling $2.6 million
on the $3.5 million line of credit and there was $0.8 million available for additional borrowing
based on the then-outstanding accounts receivable. As of June 30, 2006, we had no borrowings under
the $1.5 million line of credit and there were no borrowings available based on the
then-outstanding accounts receivable.
Under the terms of our corporate headquarters office lease, we maintain a letter of credit under
our line of credit with our bank, which names the landlord as the sole beneficiary and which may be
drawn on by the landlord in the event of a monetary default by us under the lease. The letter of
credit currently required under the lease is $113 thousand, and will decrease annually each
November through fiscal year 2008. We also maintain other customer related letters of credit
issued by the Bank and secured under our line of credit to support specific terms and conditions of
customer orders. The aggregate of these customer related letters of credit total approximately
$306 thousand at June 30, 2006.
Liquidity Analysis
At June 30, 2006 we had cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million and $0.8 million was available
under the line of credit. We expect to have increased costs and liquidity demands during the
current fiscal year as we devote significant effort to delivering products and services and
supporting our customers under the contracts resulting in our large backlog at June 30, 2006. We
are continuing to manage our expenses to conserve cash and maintain adequate liquidity. We have no
significant commitments for capital expenditures at June 30, 2006. We believe that cash flows from
operations, particularly collection of outstanding accounts receivable, receipt of new contracts,
and the availability of credit under our agreement with the Bank will support our working capital
requirements for the next twelve months, based on our current expectations as to anticipated
revenue, expenses and cash flow.
We are still pursuing a growth strategy that may involve acquisitions. Additional financing likely
would be required for future acquisitions.
|
|
|
| ITEM 7A. |
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
We are exposed to interest rate risk related to any borrowings under our line of credit. As of
June 30, 2006, borrowings outstanding under our line of credit were approximately $2.6 million.
Our market risk sensitive instruments do not expose us to material market risk exposures. Should
interest rates increase or decrease 1%, interest expense would increase or decrease $26 thousand
based on our borrowings as of June 30, 2006.
|
|
|
| ITEM 8. |
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
Our Financial Statements, together with the independent accountants reports thereon, appear at
pages F-1 through F-22 of this Form 10-K.
-37-
|
|
|
| ITEM 9. |
|
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None
|
|
|
| ITEM 9A. |
|
DISCLOSURE OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rule 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 report. Based upon that evaluation, our
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There were no significant changes made in our internal controls over financial reporting that
occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
|
| ITEM 9B. |
|
OTHER INFORMATION |
None
PART III
|
|
|
| ITEM 10. |
|
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT |
Directors
The information concerning our Directors required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to Proxy
Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not
later than 120 days after the end of the year covered by this report.
Executive Officers
The information concerning our executive officers required by Item 10 is set forth in Item 1 hereof
under the heading Executive Officers.
|
|
|
| ITEM 11. |
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to Proxy Statement for the 2006
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days
after the end of the year covered by this report.
|
|
|
| ITEM 12. |
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to Proxy Statement for the 2006
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days
after the end of the year covered by this report.
|
|
|
| ITEM 13. |
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS |
The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to Proxy Statement for the 2006
Annual meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days
after the end of the year covered by this report.
|
|
|
| ITEM 14. |
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to Proxy Statement for the 2006
Annual meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days
after the end of the year covered by this report.
-38-
PART IV
|
|
|
| ITEM 15. |
|
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, AND SCHEDULES |
(a)(1) INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The
following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant are filed as part of this report:
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Page |
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 |
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30,
2006, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statements of Stockholders Equity for the years
ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30,
2006, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements |
|
|
F-7 |
|
-39-
(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Except for the schedule listed below, all other schedules are omitted because they are not
applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes
thereto.
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(a)(3) EXHIBITS
| |
|
|
3.1
|
|
Articles of Amendment and Restatement dated August 19, 1996 (Incorporated by
reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed as an exhibit to our
Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-25439). |
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Bylaws of ACE*COMM as amended and restated dated October 23, 2003
(Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed as an
exhibit to our Form 10-Q, filed November 14, 2003). |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Form of Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to
the identically numbered exhibit filed as an exhibit to our Registration
Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-25439). |
|
|
|
10.1*
|
|
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Agreement (certain executive
officers fiscal 1997). |
|
|
|
10.2*
|
|
Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to our
Proxy Statement, dated October 26, 2005). |
|
|
|
10.3*
|
|
2000 Stock Option Plan for Directors (Incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement, dated October 26, 2005). |
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Lease Between New Boston Fund and ACE*COMM as Tenant dated December 30, 2002
(Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed as an
exhibit to our Form 10-K, filed September 29, 2003). |
|
|
|
10.5*
|
|
2006 Incentive Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
filed as an exhibit to our Form 8-K, filed January 30, 2006). |
|
|
|
10.6*
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Performance Based Vesting. |
|
|
|
10.7*
|
|
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Time Based Vesting. |
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
List of Subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer. |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer. |
|
|
|
32
|
|
Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
| * |
|
Identifies exhibit that consists of or includes a management contract or compensatory plan
or arrangement.
Filed herewith. |
-40-
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.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
ACE*COMM CORPORATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ George T. Jimenez
George T. Jimenez
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Date: September 26, 2006 |
|
|
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:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Name |
|
|
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
(George T. Jimenez)
|
|
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
(Steven R. Delmar)
|
|
|
|
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Paul G. Casner, Jr.
(Paul G. Casner, Jr.)
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gilbert A. Wetzel)
(Gilbert A. Wetzel)
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Harry M. Linowes
(Harry M. Linowes)
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Matthew J. Stover
(Matthew J. Stover)
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. William Grimes
(J. William Grimes)
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
September 26, 2006 |
-41-
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant are filed as part of this report:
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Page |
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 |
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30,
2006, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity for the years ended
June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30,
2006, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
|
F-7 |
|
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
ACE*COMM Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ACE*COMM Corporation (a Maryland
Corporation) (the Company), as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
June 30, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys 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 audits 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 over 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 Companys financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of ACE*COMM Corporation as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June
30, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
We have also audited Schedule II for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004. In our opinion,
this schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information therein.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
McLean, Virginia
August 19, 2006
F-2
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except share and per share amounts)
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
946 |
|
|
$ |
2,683 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
10,981 |
|
|
|
5,456 |
|
Inventories, net |
|
|
838 |
|
|
|
532 |
|
Deferred contract costs |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
601 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
13,354 |
|
|
|
9,357 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
636 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
522 |
|
|
|
1,681 |
|
Acquired intangibles, net |
|
|
1,041 |
|
|
|
2,001 |
|
Other non-current assets |
|
|
657 |
|
|
|
478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
16,361 |
|
|
$ |
14,153 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings |
|
$ |
2,970 |
|
|
$ |
2,332 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
|
1,379 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
1,940 |
|
|
|
1,940 |
|
Accrued compensation |
|
|
606 |
|
|
|
1,013 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
3,617 |
|
|
|
2,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
10,247 |
|
|
|
8,704 |
|
Long-term notes payable |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
10,264 |
|
|
|
8,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12 ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none
issued and outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $.01 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized,
17,788,032 and 16,694,330 shares issued and outstanding |
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
35,257 |
|
|
|
34,808 |
|
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
(32 |
) |
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(29,247 |
) |
|
|
(29,566 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
6,097 |
|
|
|
5,377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
16,361 |
|
|
$ |
14,153 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
(ACE*COMM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years Ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licenses and hardware |
|
$ |
12,875 |
|
|
$ |
8,734 |
|
|
$ |
6,387 |
|
Services |
|
|
13,796 |
|
|
|
11,227 |
|
|
|
7,284 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
26,671 |
|
|
|
19,961 |
|
|
|
13,671 |
|
Cost of licenses and hardware revenue |
|
|
2,970 |
|
|
|
3,276 |
|
|
|
2,976 |
|
Cost of services revenue |
|
|
7,171 |
|
|
|
5,673 |
|
|
|
4,865 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
10,141 |
|
|
|
8,949 |
|
|
|
7,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
16,530 |
|
|
|
11,012 |
|
|
|
5,830 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
12,159 |
|
|
|
9,774 |
|
|
|
9,304 |
|
Research and development |
|
|
3,866 |
|
|
|
2,694 |
|
|
|
1,226 |
|
In process research and development acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,118 |
|
|
|
1,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations |
|
|
505 |
|
|
|
(6,574 |
) |
|
|
(5,860 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Gain from settlement of debt obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income tax provision |
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
(6,399 |
) |
|
|
(5,892 |
) |
Income tax (benefit) provision |
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares used in computing net loss per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
16,899 |
|
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
17,442 |
|
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(in thousands)
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Shares |
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance, July 1, 2003 |
|
|
9,807 |
|
|
$ |
98 |
|
|
$ |
21,933 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(17,206 |
) |
|
$ |
4,825 |
|
Exercise of common stock options |
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
192 |
|
Employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51 |
|
Stock repurchases and warrants |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
Issuance of warrants to consultant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164 |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
i3 Mobile merger |
|
|
3,774 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
6,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,223 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,898 |
) |
|
|
(5,898 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2004 |
|
|
13,761 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
28,475 |
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
(23,104 |
) |
|
|
5,468 |
|
Exercise of common stock options |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 |
|
Employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53 |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
Issuance of warrants to consultant |
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private financing |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
2,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,130 |
|
2helix transaction |
|
|
1,740 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
4,128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,146 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,462 |
) |
|
|
(6,462 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2005 |
|
|
16,694 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
34,808 |
|
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
(29,566 |
) |
|
|
5,377 |
|
Exercise of common stock options |
|
|
331 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
588 |
|
Employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64 |
|
Stock option compensation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99 |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
Exercise of warrants |
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
354 |
|
Purchase of software license |
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
790 |
|
Issuance of restricted stock |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84 |
|
2helix re-negotiation |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(1,520 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,519 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, June 30, 2006 |
|
|
17,788 |
|
|
$ |
178 |
|
|
$ |
35,257 |
|
|
$ |
(91) |
|
|
$ |
(29,247 |
) |
|
$ |
6,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,452 |
|
|
|
732 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
Provision for doubtful accounts |
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
538 |
|
Stock option and restricted stock compensation expense |
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from settlement of debt obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(228 |
) |
|
|
|
|
In process research and development costs acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,118 |
|
|
|
1,160 |
|
Non cash compensation issuance of stock warrants to consultant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of merger: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(5,720 |
) |
|
|
(1,131 |
) |
|
|
41 |
|
Inventories, net |
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(270 |
) |
|
|
(294 |
) |
Deferred contract costs |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
(571 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
(265 |
) |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
(1,582 |
) |
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
(570 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
367 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
1,577 |
|
|
|
332 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(2,560 |
) |
|
|
(1,317 |
) |
|
|
(5,025 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash acquired in 2helix acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
392 |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
|
(626 |
) |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(351 |
) |
Purchases of other non-current assets |
|
|
(438 |
) |
|
|
(226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Contract rights acquired from Intasys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
(2,132 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(1,064 |
) |
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
(2,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net borrowings on line of credit |
|
|
997 |
|
|
|
1,060 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
Payment on 2helix notes related to acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,076 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other notes payable |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan and exercise of stock
options |
|
|
652 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
Net proceeds from private financing transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock warrants |
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
Net proceeds from common stock issued in i3 Mobile transaction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
1,946 |
|
|
|
1,274 |
|
|
|
8,860 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(1,678 |
) |
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
1,352 |
|
Effect of exchange rate change on cash |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
2,683 |
|
|
|
2,881 |
|
|
|
1,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
$ |
946 |
|
|
$ |
2,683 |
|
|
$ |
2,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest |
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
$ |
57 |
|
|
$ |
38 |
|
Cash paid during the period for income taxes |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
63 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing
activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock in connection with software purchase |
|
$ |
790 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Issuance of common stock in connection with 2helix purchase |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
5,508 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Return of common stock in connection with the 2helix re-negotiation |
|
$ |
1,519 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2helix re-negotiation reduction of notes payable and accrued
interest |
|
$ |
356 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
ACE*COMM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION
ACE*COMM Corporation (the Company), incorporated in Maryland in 1983, delivers enterprise
telemanagement applications and advanced Convergent Mediation solutions to wired and wireless
voice, data, and Internet communications providers. ACE*COMMs technology enables the capture,
security, validation, correlation, augmentation, and warehousing of data from network elements and
distributes it in appropriate formats to OSS (Operations Support Systems) and BSS (Business
Support Systems) operations. ACE*COMMs products are tailored to each customers needs, providing
the capabilities to extract knowledge from their networksknowledge they use to reduce costs,
accelerate time-to-market for new products and services, generate new sources of revenue, and push
forward with next-generation initiatives.
ACE*COMM Corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Solutions ACE*COMM Corporation,
incorporated in Quebec in 1996, ACE*COMM Solutions UK Limited, incorporated in the United Kingdom
in 2003, ACE*COMM Solutions Australia Pty Limited, incorporated in Australia in 2004, i3 Mobile
acquired in December 2003 and Double Helix Solutions Limited acquired in March 2005, are referred
to in this document collectively as ACE*COMM, unless otherwise noted or the context indicates
otherwise. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual
results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of
the accompanying financial statements include: managements forecasts of contract costs and
progress toward completion, which are used to determine revenue recognition under the
percentage-of-completion method; estimates of allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and
inventory obsolescence; impairment of long-lived assets, and tax valuation allowances.
Earnings (Loss) per Share
The basic net earnings (loss) per share presented in the accompanying financial statements is
computed using weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted net earnings per share
generally includes the effect, if dilutive, of potential dilution that could occur if securities or
other contracts to issue common stock (e.g. stock options) were exercised and converted to common
stock. Because of the reported net losses for fiscal years 2005 and 2004, the effect of including
potentially dilutive securities is anti-dilutive and therefore they have been excluded. If stock
options had been included, shares used in the diluted loss per share calculation would have
increased by 307,283 and 320,380 shares for fiscal years 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
ACE*COMM derives revenues primarily from contracts with telecommunication carriers and large
enterprises for hardware, software license fees, professional services, and maintenance and support
fees. These products and services are formalized in a multiple element arrangement involving
application of existing software capabilities or modification of the underlying software and
implementation services. Our software licenses to end-users generally provide for an initial
license fee to use the product in perpetuity. Under certain contracts, ACE*COMM licenses its
software to resellers for subsequent modification and resale. Our customers, including resellers,
do not possess the right to return or exchange products
. Subscription revenue, included in Operational Support Systems revenue, is recognized on
a monthly basis based upon the number of telephone subscribers of our customers.
F-7
We often enter into multiple element arrangements that do not involve significant modification or
customization of the related software. In these instances, ACE*COMM recognizes revenue in
accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, and allocates
revenue to each element of the arrangement based on vendor specific objective evidence of the
elements fair value. Revenue for software licenses in these instances is recognized upon delivery
when a signed agreement exists, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting
receivable is probable. Maintenance revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the respective
maintenance period.
In situations when our products involve significant modification or customization of software, or
when our systems integration and product development are essential to the functionality of the
software, revenues relating to the software licenses and services are aggregated and the combined
revenues are recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis. Approximately 12% and 3% of our
revenues were calculated under this method for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. The hardware revenue on these contracts is recognized upon transfer of title, which
generally occurs at the same time the licensed software is delivered as the majority of the
hardware is from third parties and the hardware is rarely modified.
Revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method is based on the estimated stage of
completion of individual contracts determined on a cost or level of efforts basis. We compare the
budgeted level of effort to actual level of effort incurred each month. The estimated level of
effort to complete an individual contract is adjusted accordingly. Also, at each month end the
cumulative progress is measured and adjusted so that at each month end the cumulative progress on
each contract matches the then current view of the percentage completed. If the actual level of
effort incurred plus the estimated level of effort to complete exceeds the level of effort
consistent with making a profit on a contract, then the loss on the contract would be recognized in
the month that the loss becomes evident.
When our contracts contain extended payment terms, we defer recognition of revenue until amounts
become due pursuant to payment schedules and no other uncertainties exist. We correspondingly
defer a proportionate amount of contract cost which will be matched against the deferred revenue
when recognized. Should management make the determination that previously deferred revenue will
not be recognized, the corresponding amount of deferred contract cost will be charged to expense at
that time. As of June 30, 2006, we have deferred $18 thousand contract costs in accordance with
this policy.
Our revenue recognition policy takes into consideration the creditworthiness of the customer in
determining the probability of collection as a criterion for revenue recognition. The
determination of creditworthiness requires the exercise of judgment, which affects our revenue
recognition. If a customer is deemed to be not creditworthy, all revenue under arrangements with
that customer is recognized only upon receipt of cash. The creditworthiness of such customers is
re-assessed on a regular basis and revenue is deferred until cash is received. In addition, when
our contracts contain customer acceptance provisions, management assesses whether uncertainty
exists about such acceptance in determining when to record revenue.
Cash and cash equivalents
ACE*COMM considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. Cash held in foreign bank accounts was $47 thousand and $794 thousand at June 30,
2006 and 2005, respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets and intangible assets whenever certain events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
When indicators of impairment exist, the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows associated
with the asset are compared to the assets carrying amount to determine if impairment has occurred.
If such assets are deemed impaired, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying
amount exceeds the fair value of the assets is recognized. If quoted market prices for the assets
are not available, the fair value is calculated using the present value of estimated net cash
flows. We did not record an impairment during the years ended June 30, 2006 or 2005.
F-8
Inventories
Inventories consist principally of purchased materials to be used in the production of finished
goods and are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or
market. We periodically review our inventories against future estimated demand and usage and
either write down or reserve against inventory carrying values.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: equipment and vehicles over five
to seven years; computer equipment over three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized
on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the improvements estimated useful lives or related
remaining lease terms. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to current earnings.
Income taxes
ACE*COMM accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon
differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are
expected to reverse. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than
not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to the current years presentation.
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and
accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. The carrying
amounts of debt issued pursuant to our bank credit agreements approximate fair value because the
interest rates on these instruments change with market interest rates.
Foreign Currency
The Company considers the functional currency of its foreign subsidiaries to be the local currency.
Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the
balance sheet date and revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in
effect during the relevant period. Translation gains and losses are reported within accumulated
other comprehensive loss.
Total other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
Other comprehensive
income (loss) -
Foreign Currency
Translation |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other
comprehensive
income (loss) |
|
$ |
260 |
|
|
$ |
(6,453 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,939 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-9
Share Based Payments
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No.123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment Statement.
SFAS 123(R) provides investors and other users of financial statements with more complete and
neutral financial information by requiring that the compensation cost relating to share-based
payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost is measured based on the fair
value of the equity or liability instruments issued.
Statement 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share
options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee
share purchase plans. Statement 123(R) replaces FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
Statement 123, as originally issued in 1995, established as preferable a fair-value-based method of
accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees which was applied by the Company
through June 30, 2005. That Statement permitted entities the option of continuing to apply the
guidance in Opinion 25, as long as the footnotes to financial statements disclosed what net income
would have been had the preferable fair-value-based method been used.
Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement 123(R) using the
modified-prospective-transition (MPT) method. Under this method, the Companys prior periods do
not reflect any restated amounts. The Company recognized $99 thousand of compensation expense
related to stock options during the year ended June 30, 2006, as a result of the adoption of
Statement 123(R). If Statement 123(R) had not been adopted, basic and diluted net income per share
would have remained at $0.02 for the year ended June 30, 2006. We expect to recognize expense
related to stock options of $71 thousand in fiscal 2007, $20 thousand in fiscal 2008 and $2
thousand in fiscal 2009 associated with unvested awards not yet recognized. During the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2006, we granted restricted stock as disclosed in Note 9. During the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2006, the Company granted 42,000 stock options under the 2000 Stock Option Plan for
Directors with a fair value of $59 thousand and we recognized $28 thousand expense related to these
options during the period. The assumptions included in the fair value calculations are expected
life of 3 years, interest rate of 4.46%, expected volatility of 83% and dividend yield of 0%.
During the past several years the Company has initiated numerous cost reduction measures which have
affected our employees, including their compensation. To promote employee retention, in June 2005,
we accelerated vesting of all out of the money stock options of 640,343 options at price ranges of
$2.08 to $8.50. The Company reported pro forma compensation expense of $689 thousand associated
with the accelerated options. Had we not accelerated the vesting of these options, compensation
expense of $402 thousand, $238 thousand and $49 thousand would have been recorded in the income
statement upon the required adoption of SFAS 123(R) for fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008,
respectively.
Through June 30, 2005, the Company generally applied Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No.
25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations in accounting for stock
options and presented pro forma net income and earnings per share data as if the accounting
prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation, had been applied. The Company also applies the provisions of FIN 44, Accounting
for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation, as required when modifications and other
provisions cause the application of variable accounting which calls for the periodic measurement of
compensation expense based on the difference in the exercise price and the underlying value of the
related stock and the guidance in Emerging Issues Task Force bulletin 96-18, Accounting for Equity
Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling,
Goods or Services.
Transactions for which non-employees are issued equity instruments for goods or services received
are recorded by the Company based upon the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair
value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more readily measured. In September 2005, we issued
325,625 shares of common stock for a non-exclusive perpetual software license to be utilized to
enhance our flexible mediation product and rating capabilities. The license is valued at $1.3
million. This is based on the fair value of common stock we issued
for $791 thousand, $500 thousand paid in cash and $50 thousand to be paid in one year. The stock value is based on the
weighted average for the two days prior and two days subsequent to the measurement date of August
17, 2005, which is the date we formally received the source code. The cost of the license is being
amortized over 36 months beginning in October 2005, which is the date sales efforts began.
F-10
For the purposes of the pro forma amounts shown, the fair value of each option grant is estimated
on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. Had compensation cost been recognized based on
the fair values of options at the grant dates consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the
Companys net loss and basic and diluted net loss per common share would have been changed to pro
forma amounts in the following table for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) effective July 1, 2005, and accordingly has included
compensation expense in results of operations; therefore, pro-forma information is only presented
for fiscal years 2005 and 2004.
Amounts are in thousands except per share amounts.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
For the year |
|
|
For the year |
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
| |
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
Add: Total stock-based compensation expense reported in net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined
under fair value based method for all awards* |
|
|
(1,227 |
) |
|
|
(755 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net loss |
|
$ |
(7,689 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,653 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted as reported |
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
Basic and diluted Pro forma |
|
$ |
(0.53 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * |
|
All awards refers to awards granted, modified or settled in fiscal periods beginning after
December 15, 1994 awards for which the fair value was required to be measured under Statement
123. |
For the purposes of the pro forma amounts shown in Note 2, the fair value of each option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The weighted-average assumptions
included in our fair value calculations for the year ended June 30, 2005 are expected life of 3
years, interest rate of 3.1%, expected volatility of 109.5% and dividend yield of 0%. The
assumptions included in the fair value calculations for the year ended June 30, 2004 are expected
life of 3 years, interest rate of 2.6% to 3.2%, expected volatility of 109.0% to 119.0%, and
dividend yield of 0%. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted under the stock option plans during the years ended June 30,
2005 and 2004 were $1.35 and $1.74, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty of Income Taxes, which is an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.
The FASB issued FIN No. 48 to address concerns about the diversity in financial reporting to tax
positions with uncertainty. The regulation requires that the Company cannot record tax benefits of
a transaction unless it is more-than-likely-not to be entitled to the benefits from a tax position
in the financial statements. FIN No. 48 becomes effective as of July 1, 2007. The Company
currently anticipates that the adoption of FIN No. 48 will not have a material impact on the
consolidated financial results of the Company.
F-11
NOTE 3 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consist of the following (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Billed receivables |
|
$ |
8,517 |
|
|
$ |
4,832 |
|
Unbilled and other receivables |
|
|
2,697 |
|
|
|
713 |
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
(233 |
) |
|
|
(89 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,981 |
|
|
$ |
5,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Billed
At June 30, 2006, one domestic customer comprised $3.0 million, or 35% of total billed receivables
and four international customers comprised $2.1 million or 24% of the total billed receivables.
Unbilled
Unbilled receivables include costs and estimated profit on contracts in progress that have been
recognized as revenue but not yet billed to customers under the provisions of specific contracts.
Substantially all unbilled receivables are expected to be billed and collected within one year.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company recorded an increase in the provision for doubtful accounts of $195 thousand, credited
the allowance for recoveries of $2 thousand, and wrote off $53 thousand in uncollected accounts
during the year ended June 30, 2006. We recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of $126
thousand, credited the allowance for recoveries of $32 thousand, and wrote off $604 thousand in
uncollected accounts during the year ended June 30, 2005. The allowance for doubtful accounts
represents 2% of gross accounts receivable at June 30, 2006 and 2005.
Management continuously assesses the collectibility of accounts receivable and establishes reserves
when necessary based on factors considered which include customer creditworthiness and past payment
history.
NOTE 4 INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Inventories |
|
$ |
1,196 |
|
|
$ |
857 |
|
Allowance for obsolescence |
|
|
(358 |
) |
|
|
(325 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
838 |
|
|
$ |
532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company increased the provision for obsolescence by $37 thousand, $126 thousand and $155
thousand in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, including such increases in cost of revenue.
Inventory write-offs during the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $0, $0 and $150
thousand, respectively.
F-12
NOTE 5 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Computer equipment |
|
$ |
5,272 |
|
|
$ |
4,913 |
|
Lab test equipment |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
Office equipment |
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
560 |
|
|
|
560 |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,747 |
|
|
|
6,388 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(5,960 |
) |
|
|
(5,752 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
787 |
|
|
$ |
636 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $476 thousand, $360 thousand and
$634 thousand, respectively.
NOTE 6 BORROWINGS
Line of Credit
In November 14, 2005, we renewed our loan and security agreement and entered into an amended and
restated loan and security agreement with Silicon Valley Bank. This amended agreement expires and
is subject to renewal on November 13, 2006. Under this agreement, we may borrow based upon the
amount of our approved borrowing base of eligible accounts receivable, up to a maximum of $3.5
million. The line of credit has sub limits of $500 thousand for cash secured letters of credit and
$1.75 million for U.S. Export Import Bank usage. We can draw up to 70% of our eligible accounts
receivable under the master line and 70% of our eligible foreign accounts receivable under the U.S.
Export Import Bank sub limit line. Inclusive to the U.S. Export Import Bank sub limit is a $250
thousand sub limit for UK eligible accounts receivable, thereby providing us the opportunity to
borrow up to the lesser of $250 thousand or 50% of the UK eligible accounts receivable. Amounts
borrowed bear interest at a rate equal to the banks prime rate (10% at June 30, 2006) plus 1.75%
per annum, charged on the average daily balance of advances outstanding, payable monthly and
calculated on a 360 days per year basis. We also pay certain costs and expenses of the bank in
administering the line. The receivables comprising the borrowing base must not be more than 90
days aged, must not be in dispute, and must conform to other eligibility requirements. The
agreement has a monthly quick ratio covenant which must be complied with on an intra-quarterly
basis, and a minimum tangible net worth covenant which must be complied with on a quarterly basis.
The agreement also subjects the Company to non-financial covenants, including restrictions over
dividends and certain reporting requirements. As of June 30, 2006, ACE*COMM was in compliance with
those covenants.
We have an additional loan and security agreement which provides a second line of credit for the
financing of non-standard accounts receivable. This new line expires and is subject to renewal on
September 25, 2006. Under this second line, we may borrow based upon a borrowing base of
specifically-approved accounts receivable not part of the borrowing base for our other line of
credit, up to a maximum of $1.5 million. The line is administered under the specialty finance
division of the Bank and its primary purpose is to allow financing for specific receivables with
extended terms. We can draw up to 70% of approved accounts receivable under this new line.
Amounts borrowed bear interest at a rate equal to the banks prime rate plus 2% per annum, charged
on the outstanding financed gross receivable balance, calculated on a 360 days per year basis, and
payable upon the earlier of when the payment is received for the financed receivable or when the
financed receivable is no longer an eligible receivable. We also pay certain costs and expenses of
the bank in administering the line. The receivables comprising the borrowing base must not be more
than 90 days aged, but financing for accounts receivable up to 180 days is available to the extent approved on a case-by-case basis by the Bank. All such receivables must
not be in dispute, and must conform to other eligibility requirements. The agreement has no
financial covenants, but does subject the Company to non-financial maintenance covenants, including
restrictions over dividends.
F-13
ACE*COMMs obligations under both agreements are secured by a security interest in all of our
assets and intellectual property. Advances made to ACE*COMM are payable in full upon demand in the
event of default under the agreement. As of June 30, 2006, we had borrowings totaling $2.6 million
on the $3.5 million line of credit and there was $0.8 million available for additional borrowing
based on then-outstanding accounts receivable. As of June 30, 2006, we had no borrowings under the
$1.5 million line of credit, there were no borrowings available based on the then-outstanding
accounts receivable.
Under the terms of our corporate headquarters office lease, we maintain a letter of credit under
our line of credit with our bank, which names the landlord as the sole beneficiary and which may be
drawn on by the landlord in the event of a monetary default by us under the lease. The letter of
credit currently required under the lease is $113 thousand, and will decrease annually each
November through fiscal year 2008. We also maintain other customer related letters of credit
issued by the Bank and secured under our line of credit to support specific terms and conditions of
customer orders. The aggregate of these customer related letters of credit total approximately
$306 thousand at June 30, 2006.
2helix Notes Payable
ACE*COMM has two notes payable related to the acquisition of 2helix. The notes are £100,000 each
(approximately $363 thousand in total), accrue interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum, mature on
September 30, 2006, and are payable in either cash or ACE*COMM stock. If paid in ACE*COMM stock
the number of shares will be equal to the principle amount of the note plus accrued interest
divided by the volume weighted average price of ACE*COMM shares for the 10 trading days prior to
the maturity date.
NOTE 7 RETIREMENT PLANS
ACE*COMM has a 401(k) plan available to employees the first full month after commencement of their
employment, provided they are at least 21 years of age. ACE*COMM may make contributions to the
plan at its discretion. There were no contributions expensed by ACE*COMM during the years ended
June 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004.
ACE*COMM Solutions UK Limited administers a stakeholder pension scheme. All staff who have been
with the Company for three months or more are eligible to join. The Company makes a contribution
to the scheme on behalf of the employee which is equivalent to 4% of the employees gross salary.
The total Company contributions were $72 thousand, $75 thousand and $30 thousand for the years
ended June 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES
The primary components of our net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in
thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
88 |
|
|
$ |
34 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
292 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
2,377 |
|
|
|
2,407 |
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
|
14,254 |
|
|
|
13,392 |
|
Tax credit carryforwards |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
Other |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax assets |
|
|
17,487 |
|
|
|
16,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income on contracts |
|
|
(1,023 |
) |
|
|
(270 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
|
(88 |
) |
|
|
(88 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(1,111 |
) |
|
|
(358 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax asset |
|
|
16,376 |
|
|
|
15,927 |
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
(16,376 |
) |
|
|
(15,927 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-14
At June 30, 2006, ACE*COMM had net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable
income of approximately $25.6 million federal and $10.5 million in Canada, which will expire from
2010 through 2025. As of June 30, 2006, ACE*COMM also had an alternative minimum tax credit
carryforward of approximately $26 thousand available to reduce future tax liabilities. These tax
credits do not expire.
At June 30, 2005, ACE*COMM had net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable
income of approximately $27.4 million federal and $6.2 million in Canada, which will expire from
2010 through 2024. As of June 30, 2005, ACE*COMM also had an alternative minimum tax credit
carryforward of approximately $26 thousand available to reduce future tax liabilities. These tax
credits do not expire.
Realization of the net deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income
prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards. Based on historical net operating losses and no
assurance that ACE*COMM will generate any earnings or any specific level of earnings in future
years, ACE*COMM established a valuation allowance on the net deferred assets at June 30, 2006 and
2005. Approximately $5.5 million of the valuation allowance as of June 30, 2006, and $5.4 million
as of June 30, 2005, resulted from the tax benefit of non-qualified stock options that is included
within the deferred tax benefit related to net operating loss carryforwards. If the related
valuation allowance is released, this portion of the tax benefit will be credited directly to
equity.
ACE*COMM recorded an income tax benefit of $37 thousand, and an income tax expense of $63 thousand
and $6 thousand during 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
The differences between the tax provision calculated at the statutory federal income tax rate and
the actual tax provision recorded for each year are as follows (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Income tax benefit at statutory rate |
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
(2,197 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,005 |
) |
State income taxes net of Federal benefit |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(236 |
) |
|
|
(233 |
) |
Nondeductible expenses |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Foreign taxes paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Impact of foreign operations |
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to deferred tax assets |
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
449 |
|
|
|
2,396 |
|
|
|
2,211 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual (benefit) provision |
|
$ |
(37 |
) |
|
$ |
63 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 9 STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 1999, ACE*COMM adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the Plan) to provide a method
whereby all employees have an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in ACE*COMM through the
purchase of shares of common stock. The Plan is implemented through common stock offerings in
consecutive offering periods, each constituting a calendar quarter. The option price of the common
stock, purchased with payroll deductions made during an offering period, is the lower of 85% of the
closing price of the common stock on the first eligible trading day of an offering period or 85% of
the closing price of the common stock on the last eligible trading day of an offering period. The
maximum number of shares of common stock, which may be issued under the Plan, is 480,000 shares.
We issued 29,958 shares, 40,741 shares and 42,048 shares of common stock under the plan in 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively.
F-15
Issuance of Common Stock
During
fiscal year 2006 we issued 152,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock
warrants and 331,368 shares of common stock through the exercise of common stock options issued
under the Omnibus Stock Plan. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the Company issued
148,667 shares as restricted stock grants of which 12,000 shares were cancelled due to employee
terminations. These grants vest over four years. The Company recognized $83 thousand expense
during the period related to these stock grants.
Mostly in August 2006, the warrant holders exercised warrants to purchase 839,653 (of the 1.9
million shares issuable thereunder) at an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and the unexercised
warrants expired on September 2, 2006.
During September 2005, we issued 325,625 shares of common stock for a non-exclusive perpetual
software license to be utilized to enhance our flexible mediation product and rating capabilities.
The license is valued at $1.3 million. This is based on stock with a market value of $791
thousand, $500 thousand paid in cash, and $50 thousand to be paid in one year. The stock value is
based on the weighted average for the two days prior and two days subsequent to the measurement
date of August 17, 2005, which is the date we formally received the source code. The cost of the
license is being amortized over 36 months beginning in October 2005, which is the date sales
efforts began.
During fiscal year 2005, we issued 122,761 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock
warrants, 29,352 shares of common stock through the exercise of common stock options issued under
the Omnibus Stock Plan, 1,740,294 shares in conjunction with the acquisition of 2helix and
1,000,000 shares from a private placement at $2.50 per unit.
Issuance of Warrants
On March 31, 2005, we completed a private placement of 1,000,000 units at $2.50 per unit, resulting
in aggregate gross proceeds to ACE*COMM of $2,500,000. Each unit sold in the private placement
consisted of one share of ACE*COMMs common stock and a warrant to acquire 0.50 shares of ACE*COMM
common stock at an exercise price of $3.53 per share. Together with each unit we granted an
additional investment right for a six month period commencing with effectiveness of the
registration statement to acquire one share of ACE*COMM common stock at an exercise price of $2.50
per share and a three-year warrant to acquire 0.50 shares of ACE*COMM common stock at an exercise
price of $3.53 per share. The closing price of ACE*COMMs common stock on March 31, 2005 was
$3.18.
We renegotiated the additional investment right with the investors in October 2005. Instead of a
six-month additional investment right to acquire 1,000,000 shares of ACE*COMM common stock at an
exercise price of $2.50 per share, each share of which would come with a five-year warrant to
acquire 0.50 shares of ACE*COMM common stock at an exercise price of $3.53 per share, the investors
now hold warrants to purchase 1.9 million shares at an exercise price of $2.50 per share for a six
month period commencing with effectiveness of the registration statement. The registration
statement covering the stock issued to the investors and the shares underlying the warrants was
declared effective on March 3, 2006. In addition, certain provisions related to the possible
payment of liquidated damages were modified to cap the amount of such damages which could be paid.
Management has considered the provisions of EITF 00-19 and determined the warrants to be properly
classified as equity instruments.
Stock Repurchases
During fiscal 2006 and 2005 there were no stock repurchases. During fiscal 2004, we
repurchased 20,000 shares of common stock from a former executive officer at $2.40 per share.
F-16
Stock Options
Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan (Omnibus Plan)
In connection with the Shareholder-approved Omnibus Plan, ACE*COMM may grant nonqualified and
incentive stock options to officers and employees. The exercise price of each option granted under
the Omnibus Plan is determined by the Compensation Committee, and is limited to a minimum of the
fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. The Omnibus Plan also provides for the
issuance of restricted or unrestricted stock, stock appreciation rights and phantom stock options.
ACE*COMM may grant options under the Omnibus Plan until September 2015.
The terms of option grants and issuances of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and phantom
stock options, including vesting and exerciseability, are determined by the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors. Options and phantom stock options granted to date vest either
immediately or over a period of one to eight years from the date of grant, subject to accelerated
vesting in certain events such as a change of control, and expire upon the earlier of the
employees termination or five or ten years from the date of grant. During the year ended June 30,
2004, ACE*COMM did not grant any performance-based options.
During the past several years the Company has initiated numerous cost reduction measures which have
affected our employees, including their compensation. To promote employee retention, we
accelerated 640,343 previously unvested employee stock options effective in June 2005. While such
options were out of the money, management believes the acceleration will provide flexibility and
therefore possible value to these employees in the future. Under current accounting guidance at
that time, no compensation expense was recorded in our financial statements. However, we reported
in Note 2, Stock Based Compensation, pro forma compensation expense of $689 thousand associated
with the accelerated options. Had we not accelerated the vesting of these options, compensation
expense of $402 thousand, $238 thousand and $49 thousand would have been recorded in the income
statement upon the required adoption of SFAS 123(R) for fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008,
respectively. An additional 241,154 employee stock options were not accelerated as of June 30,
2005, of which 188,333 were held by executive officers of the Company.
Vested options and phantom stock options become exercisable immediately upon vesting or within
three years from the date of grant. There were outstanding phantom stock options totaling 6,800,
as of June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and no stock appreciation rights had been granted.
Compensation cost associated with the phantom stock options was immaterial.
2000 Stock Option Plan for Directors (Directors Plan)
The Shareholder-approved Directors Plan provides for ACE*COMM to grant nonqualified stock options
to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. The exercise price of each option granted under
the Directors Plan is limited to a minimum of the fair market value of our Common Stock on the
date of grant.
Options granted starting November 2000 vest 3,000 shares each year (4,000 shares in the case of the
Chairman of the Audit Committee) from the date of grant. Options become exercisable immediately
upon vesting. Options granted under the Directors Plan generally expire five years from the date
of grant. In December 2004, the Board approved an amendment to the Directors Plan, subject to
approval of the stockholders at the 2005 Annual Meeting that would permit discretionary grants to
outside directors, from time-to-time. The amendment was approved by the stockholders in December
2005 at the Annual Meeting. Each outside director received a discretionary grant of 10,000 option
shares (13,000 shares in the case of the Chairman of the Audit Committee), such grant being
effective as of December 3, 2004 (the
date the grant was approved by the Board), with the shares vesting one-third per year after the
date of grant.
F-17
Information relating to all the plans is summarized as follows:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Omnibus Plan |
|
|
Directors Plan |
|
|
i3 Mobile |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Avg. |
|
|
Number |
|
|
Avg. |
|
|
Number |
|
|
Avg. |
|
| |
|
Number of |
|
|
Share |
|
|
of |
|
|
Share |
|
|
of |
|
|
Share |
|
| |
|
Shares |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Price |
|
Outstanding Options at
June 30, 2003 |
|
|
1,524,094 |
|
|
$ |
2.96 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
6.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
471,000 |
|
|
|
2.60 |
|
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
|
2.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(139,905 |
) |
|
|
1.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,997 |
|
|
|
24.76 |
|
Expired |
|
|
(146,289 |
) |
|
|
4.27 |
|
|
|
(12,000 |
) |
|
|
4.61 |
|
|
|
(25,007 |
) |
|
|
5.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Options at
June 30, 2004 |
|
|
1,708,900 |
|
|
|
2.88 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
5.41 |
|
|
|
55,990 |
|
|
|
33.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
397,000 |
|
|
|
1.99 |
|
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
|
2.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(29,352 |
) |
|
|
1.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
(57,755 |
) |
|
|
2.78 |
|
|
|
(33,000 |
) |
|
|
9.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Options at
June 30, 2005 |
|
|
2,018,793 |
|
|
|
2.73 |
|
|
|
78,000 |
|
|
|
2.68 |
|
|
|
55,990 |
|
|
|
33.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
148,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,000 |
|
|
|
2.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(331,368 |
) |
|
|
1.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
(51,943 |
) |
|
|
1.62 |
|
|
|
(21,000 |
) |
|
|
3.84 |
|
|
|
(11,442 |
) |
|
|
30.49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Options
at June 30, 2006 |
|
|
1,784,149 |
|
|
|
2.71 |
|
|
|
99,000 |
|
|
|
2.21 |
|
|
|
44,548 |
|
|
|
34.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
exercisable at |
June 30, 2004 |
|
|
825,036 |
|
|
$ |
3.40 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
6.83 |
|
|
|
55,990 |
|
|
$ |
33.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2005 |
|
|
1,777,639 |
|
|
$ |
2.92 |
|
|
|
39,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.98 |
|
|
|
55,990 |
|
|
$ |
33.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
|
1,536,649 |
|
|
$ |
3.02 |
|
|
|
45,002 |
|
|
$ |
2.16 |
|
|
|
44,548 |
|
|
$ |
34.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options available for granting |
|
|
895,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
301,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 2006:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Options Outstanding |
|
|
Options Exercisable |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Number |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Number |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
| Range of |
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Average |
|
| Exercise Prices |
|
at June 30, 2006 |
|
|
Life (yrs) |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
at June 30, 2006 |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
$ 0.00 - $ 2.00 |
|
|
805,138 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
$ |
1.19 |
|
|
|
557,638 |
|
|
$ |
1.37 |
|
$ 2.01 - $ 4.00 |
|
|
776,009 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
|
2.62 |
|
|
|
722,011 |
|
|
|
2.65 |
|
$ 4.01 - $ 6.00 |
|
|
69,966 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
5.00 |
|
|
|
69,966 |
|
|
|
5.00 |
|
$ 6.01 - $ 8.00 |
|
|
206,278 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
6.51 |
|
|
|
206,278 |
|
|
|
6.51 |
|
$ 8.01 - $ 10.00 |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
$10.01 -
$ 15.00 |
|
|
40,141 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
12.19 |
|
|
|
40,141 |
|
|
|
12.19 |
|
$15.01 - $100.00 |
|
|
27,665 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
49.80 |
|
|
|
27,665 |
|
|
|
49.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,927,697 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,626,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-18
The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options was $0 at June 30, 2006. The total intrinsic
value of stock options exercised was $403 thousand, $52 thousand and $167 thousand during the years
ended June, 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
NOTE 10 MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
Fiscal 2005
Double Helix Solutions Limited
On March 24, 2005, we completed the acquisition of Double Helix Solutions Limited, a company based
in London that operates under the name 2helix, a provider of network asset assurance, revenue
optimization, and business intelligence solutions to Tier 1 carriers, primarily in Europe. This
acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and our financial statements include the results of
operations from the purchase date forward.
The total purchase price for the acquisition was £4.4 million, or approximately $8.3 million, plus
additional consideration under an earn-out equal to the excess of 2helix revenues during the next
12 months over £3.5 million. The purchase price consisted of 1,740,294 shares of ACE*COMM common
stock valued at a per share price of $3.1648, the 10 day volume weighted average price of ACE*COMM
common stock, and notes with a six month maturity in the aggregate principal amount of
approximately $2.8 million. On April 8, 2005, $2.1 million of the notes were paid.
On October 28, 2005 the Company and the former owners of 2helix entered into a Deed of Variation
and settlement amendment relating to the sale and purchase of the entire issued share capital of
Double Helix Solutions Limited. Under the terms of the agreement, 500,000 shares of ACE*COMM stock
issued in the original transaction were returned to the Company, the remaining notes and accrued
interest of $745 thousand were reduced to $373 thousand and the maturity dates were extended to
September 30, 2006. This was in exchange for a new earn-out of 618,084 ACE*COMM shares with a
graduated payment schedule based upon the revenues generated from the sales of Network Business
Intelligence products and services over the next two fiscal years ending on June 30, 2007.
The original purchase price of approximately $8.3 million plus costs incurred of $800 thousand for
a total purchase price of $9.1 million has been reduced by approximately $1.9 million. The
decrease includes 500,000 shares returned valued at $1.5 million based on the average stock price
two days before and after the transaction, the reduction in notes payable of $357 thousand offset
by costs incurred of approximately $160 thousand, plus accumulated amortization expense of $220
thousand for a revised purchase price of $7.2 million.
The new earn-out will be based upon a revenue target of Network Business Intelligence and will be
paid on a graduated scale starting at 75% achievement of the revenue target and for achievement
above 100% an additional 30,904 shares are earned for each 5% increase in revenues. At 100% of the
revenue target, the 618,084 shares that will be held in escrow will be earned and released. The
earn-out has not been recorded because the achievement of the revenue target, which is for the two
fiscal years endings on June 30, 2007, is not probable at this time. Should the earn-out become
probable, the additional consideration then payable will be recorded as an adjustment to the
purchase price in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The effects of the
amendment are reflected in our financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal 2006.
F-19
As part of the acquisition of 2helix, ACE*COMM acquired three software tools (Network Inspector,
Network Visualization and Discrepancy Inspector) that were in the process of being developed into
new products.
Network Inspector is a data collection, enhancement and reporting tool. Network Visualization is
used for network planning and allows operators an accurate representation of the physical network
in relation to existing customers, prospective customers, network infrastructure and the available
spare capacity. Discrepancy Inspector is an analysis and reporting tool that allows users to
identify and investigate discrepancies in data between the network, OSS and upstream business
systems. The fair value of each project at the date of acquisition was $2.3 million for Network
Inspector, $1.7 million for Network Visualization and $1.1 million for Discrepancy Inspector.
On the date of the purchase the projects were approximately 50% completed and as of June 30, 2006,
development was essentially complete for our initial projects. The Company has expanded its
development efforts and is developing a series of products centered around the 2helix products and
will include other ACE*COMM and third party products under the title of Network Business
Intelligence. This new effort is in development and incurred costs are included in research and
development.
Delays with these projects and with additional development efforts could adversely impact future
revenues and could make the Companys products less competitive in the marketplace. Our ability to
realize the full value of the acquisition of 2helix is dependent upon the completion of these
projects. To complete the projects we must be able to maintain our existing development team and
recruit additional resources to complete projects on time. Any failure to do this will limit the
market into which we can sell our products and services. Further, customers are always looking for
the most advanced technology available. To the extent that competitors can offer more advanced
technology within a given price range our sales would be adversely affected.
To value the in process research and development (IPR&D), we applied the Fair Value standard and
calculated the value by discounting the estimated cash flow streams that would be generated. This
analysis involved several key assumptions to calculate the estimated fair value of IPR&D. The key
assumptions were:
Timing of Cash Flows and Profits The timing of cash flows and profit margins are based on
managements detailed forecast of its IPR&D projects for fiscal years ending June 30, 2006 through
2011. We forecasted cost of sales of 55% and general and administrative costs of 20% consistent
with 2helixs other operations. Additionally, an income tax rate of 35% was applied.
Contributory Charges Contributory charges for working capital, fixed assets and assembled
workforce were taken into account. Historical balances were used to estimate the contributory
balances, when available.
Discount Rate The discount rate is specific to the intangible assets that are being valued, and
are effectively based on the risk profile of the acquired company. A weighted average cost of
capital was used for discounted cash flow calculations that were based on free cash flow to
invested capital economic earnings streams. We considered the cost of debt, the risk-free rate,
the equity risk premium and the size risk premium in establishing the weighted average cost of
capital. A discount rate of 21% was used in the IPR&D calculation.
F-20
Fiscal 2004
Intasys
On February 12, 2004, ACE*COMM completed its previously announced purchase of certain operations
support systems solutions assets of Intasys from Mamma.com, Inc. This was accounted for as a
purchase and the accompanying financial statements include the results of operations from the purchase date
forward. We paid cash of $2.0 million for the purchase of the intellectual property (including in
process research and development), customers, fixed assets and transaction related expenses. There
was an additional $250 thousand of consideration to be paid based upon certain earn out provisions
of the asset purchase agreement. At March 31, 2005, $100 thousand was earned and paid. The
remaining $150 thousand was not earned since the earn-out provisions were not met.
In accordance with FAS 141, the Company allocated the purchase price of the Intasys assets based on
an economic valuation of the purchased assets as follows (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
In process research and development |
|
$ |
1,160 |
|
Contract rights and related technology |
|
|
972 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
The $1.2 million associated with the purchase of in process research and development was recorded
as a charge in the third quarter of 2004. Contract rights and technology will be amortized over
sixty months. Through June 30, 2005, amortization expense totaled $230 thousand.
The tax benefits associated with the future tax deductions associated with this acquisition have
been fully reserved due to doubt as to whether they will be realized. Upon release of the
valuation allowance associated with these tax benefits in the future, the related tax benefit will
be applied first against recorded intangible assets.
As part of the asset purchase of Intasys, ACE*COMM acquired software (JBill Global) that was in the
process of being developed into a new product. JBill is a billing and customer care solution for
certain network operator and service provider markets which we valued at $1.2 million. On the date
of the asset purchase the project was approximately 65% complete. At the time of valuation the
cost to complete the development was estimated at $400 thousand and this specific project was
scheduled to be completed by the end of calendar 2004. The project was completed in early 2005 and
at slightly higher costs than originally projected.
To value the IPR&D we applied the Fair Value standard and calculated the value by discounting the
estimated cash flow streams that would be generated using the same method as applied to the
calculation described in the 2helix IPR&D calculation described above.
i3 Mobile
On December 5, 2003, ACE*COMM consummated its acquisition of i3 Mobile, Inc. under a merger
agreement executed in September 2003. The acquisition was effected through the issuance of
approximately 3.8 million shares of our common stock. ACE*COMM accounted for the Merger as a
financing transaction and recorded the issuance of its common stock at the negotiated value and i3
Mobiles cash on hand net of liabilities assumed. Because i3 Mobile ceased all revenue producing
operations in March 2003 and we have no intention to revive i3 Mobiles business subsequent to the
Merger, the Merger does not possess the characteristics of a business combination found in
Regulation S-X and Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, Business Combinations, and EITF Issue
98-3 Determining Whether a Non-monetary Transaction Involves Receipt of Productive Assets of a
Business. As such, no goodwill resulted from this transaction.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2005, we negotiated a settlement with a former i3 Mobile
vendor. The settlement resulted in a reduction of a liability by $228 thousand which the Company
recorded as a reduction of current liabilities and a gain which comprises other income. The
remaining balance of $163 thousand is being paid over a twelve month period.
F-21
NOTE 11 EARNINGS PER SHARE (in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic net income (loss) per
common share (Basic EPS) and diluted net income (loss) per common share (Diluted EPS):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Years ended June 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Basic EPS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) (numerator): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders |
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (denominator): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares |
|
|
16,899 |
|
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic EPS |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted EPS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)(numerator): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders |
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
$ |
(6,462 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,898 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (denominator): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares |
|
|
16,899 |
|
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
Stock options * |
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total weighted shares and equivalents |
|
|
17,442 |
|
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
|
12,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted EPS |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * |
|
Due to the loss incurred during the years ended June 30, 2005 and
2004, zero incremental shares related to stock options are included in the
calculation of Diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. The total
number of potentially dilutive shares not included in the EPS calculation at
June 30, 2005 due to anti-dilution was 307,283. |
NOTE 12 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
ACE*COMM leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases. Lease terms range from six
months to four years and include renewal options for additional periods. Management expects that
in the normal course of business, leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases.
Additionally, ACE*COMM leases equipment under operating leases that, in the aggregate, are not
significant.
We are committed for the payment of minimum rentals under operating lease agreements through the
year 2011 in the following amounts (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
| Year ending June 30, |
|
Amount |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
1,065 |
|
2008 |
|
|
905 |
|
2009 |
|
|
391 |
|
2010 |
|
|
67 |
|
2011 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,429 |
|
|
|
|
|
The total rental expense under operating leases was $1.2 million, $953 thousand and $796 thousand
for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
F-22
NOTE 13 SEGMENT INFORMATION AND BUSINESS CONCENTRATION
The Company is managed as one segment and results are measured based on revenue type and not
business unit. However, we do not measure operating profit by revenue source. The following table
reflects revenues by type and geographic area (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Revenue by Type |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise |
|
$ |
10,179 |
|
|
$ |
6,656 |
|
|
$ |
4,187 |
|
Network Service Provider (NSP) |
|
|
10,069 |
|
|
|
7,554 |
|
|
|
7,092 |
|
Operations Support Systems (OSS) |
|
|
6,423 |
|
|
|
5,732 |
|
|
|
2,358 |
|
IT and Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
|
$ |
26,671 |
|
|
$ |
19,961 |
|
|
$ |
13,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue by Location |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. |
|
$ |
11,447 |
|
|
$ |
6,241 |
|
|
$ |
5,572 |
|
Canada and Mexico |
|
|
1,226 |
|
|
|
734 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
Asia |
|
|
3,054 |
|
|
|
3,049 |
|
|
|
1,392 |
|
Europe |
|
|
7,049 |
|
|
|
7,418 |
|
|
|
3,217 |
|
South America |
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
Africa and Middle East |
|
|
3,468 |
|
|
|
2,481 |
|
|
|
2,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
26,671 |
|
|
$ |
19,961 |
|
|
$ |
13,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We purchased 2helix in March 2005. Accordingly, the results of 2helix revenues are included in our
results of operations beginning in March 2005. Previous periods do not include the revenue of
2helix. As part of the integration of 2helix, we have implemented cost reduction and efficiency
actions consistent with our prior efforts to maintain costs.
During the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, one customer comprised 22%, 10% and 6% of
total revenue, respectively. Another customer comprised 5%, 11% and 8% of ACE*COMMs total
revenues during the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Total revenues earned
outside of the US represents 57% of total revenue earned for the year ended June 30, 2006.
Five customers represented approximately 61% of ACE*COMMs gross accounts receivable balances as of
June 30, 2006. One customer accounted for 42% of the gross accounts receivable balance at June
30, 2006. To reduce credit risk, ACE*COMM conducts ongoing credit evaluations of its customers
and, based upon the results of those evaluations, requires letters of credit or other pre-payment
arrangements. ACE*COMM maintains accounts receivable allowances to provide for potential credit
losses.
Operations in various geographical areas are summarized as follows (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
June 30, |
| |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
North America: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
19,882 |
|
|
$ |
14,353 |
|
|
$ |
11,363 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
$ |
14,169 |
|
|
$ |
10,733 |
|
|
$ |
8,256 |
|
United Kingdom: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
5,447 |
|
|
$ |
4,694 |
|
|
$ |
1,724 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
$ |
2,046 |
|
|
$ |
2,283 |
|
|
$ |
1,493 |
|
Australia: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
1,342 |
|
|
$ |
914 |
|
|
$ |
584 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
$ |
146 |
|
|
$ |
515 |
|
|
$ |
582 |
|
F-23
NOTE 14: SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents certain unaudited statement of operations data for each quarter of
2006 and 2005. This data has been derived from our unaudited financial statements and has been
prepared on the same basis as our audited financial statements, which appear in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. In the opinion of our management, this data includes all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such data. Such
quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. This information
is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Fiscal Three Months Ended |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
| |
|
June 30, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
| |
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2004 |
|
| |
|
(in thousands except per share data) |
|
Statement of Operations
Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
6,545 |
|
|
$ |
6,703 |
|
|
$ |
6,737 |
|
|
$ |
6,686 |
|
|
$ |
6,765 |
|
|
$ |
3,760 |
|
|
$ |
4,778 |
|
|
$ |
4,661 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
3,481 |
|
|
|
4,408 |
|
|
|
4,636 |
|
|
|
4,005 |
|
|
|
3,926 |
|
|
|
1,764 |
|
|
|
2,806 |
|
|
|
2,516 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
(492 |
) |
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
(6,592 |
) |
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
(383 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.47 |
) |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.47 |
) |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our quarterly operating results have in the past and will in the future vary significantly as
a result of the timing of contract execution, receipt of purchase orders, and performance of the
work or completion of delivery. Large contracts or orders are typically preceded by long sales
cycles and, accordingly, the timing of such a contract or order has been and will continue to be
difficult to predict. Certain contracts or orders require additional tailoring to customer
requirements and, accordingly, vary in timing of delivery. The failure to obtain or delays in the
completion of one or more large contracts or orders, for any reason, could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
The timing of large contracts or orders depends on a variety of factors affecting the capital
spending decisions of our customers, which in turn can affect our quarterly operating results.
These factors include changes in governmental regulation, changes in the customers competitive
environment, changes in industry-specific economic conditions, pricing policies by ACE*COMM or its
competitors, personnel changes, demand for our solutions, the number, timing and significance of
new technologies developed by either ACE*COMM or our competitors, the ability of ACE*COMM to
develop, introduce and market new and enhanced versions of our products on a timely basis, and the
mix of direct and indirect sales and general economic factors.
Our sales cycle, from initial contact to contract execution, order and delivery, also varies
substantially from customer-to-customer and from project-to-project. The purchase of our products
generally involves a significant commitment of customer capital and management time. The sales
cycle associated with the purchases of our products is subject to a number of additional
significant risks, including customers budgetary constraints and internal acceptance reviews, over
which we have little or no control. The delivery cycle varies depending on the extent to which the
contract or order requires tailoring to a
customers requirements and the extent to which such requirements are fixed in advance or developed
over time.
F-24
Our revenues in any quarter are substantially dependent on orders booked, products delivered, and
services performed. Because our operating expenses are based, in part, on anticipated revenue
levels and because a high percentage of our expenses are relatively fixed, a delay in the
recognition of revenue from even a limited number of contracts, or the absence of anticipated
orders, or a delay in adjusting operating expenses to lower actual or anticipated revenues could
cause significant variation in operating results from quarter-to-quarter and could cause net income
to fall significantly short of anticipated levels.
Based upon all of the foregoing, we believe that quarterly revenue and operating results are likely
to continue to vary significantly in the future and 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. Further, it is likely that in some future quarter our revenue or operating
results will be below the expectation of public market analysts and investors. In such event, the
price of the Common Stock could be materially adversely affected.
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands):
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recoveries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Beginning |
|
Charged |
|
of Prior |
|
|
|
|
|
Ending |
| Description |
|
Balance |
|
to Expenses |
|
Write-offs |
|
Write-offs |
|
Balance |
Year ended June 30, 2006: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
89 |
|
|
$ |
195 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
53 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
Reserve for obsolete inventory |
|
$ |
325 |
|
|
$ |
37 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
358 |
|
Tax valuation allowance |
|
$ |
15,927 |
|
|
$ |
450 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
16,377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended June 30, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
535 |
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
|
$ |
604 |
|
|
$ |
89 |
|
Reserve for obsolete inventory |
|
$ |
199 |
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
325 |
|
Tax valuation allowance |
|
$ |
13,826 |
|
|
$ |
2,101 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
15,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended June 30, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
218 |
|
|
$ |
538 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
|
$ |
249 |
|
|
$ |
535 |
|
Reserve for obsolete inventory |
|
$ |
194 |
|
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
150 |
|
|
$ |
199 |
|
Tax valuation allowance |
|
$ |
9,898 |
|
|
$ |
3,928 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
13,826 |
|
F-25