UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign issuer

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 


 

For the Month of May 2005

 


 

(Commission File.  No 0-30718).

 


 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC., A CANADA CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name in English)

 

13811 Wireless Way

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 3A4

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code: 604-231-1100

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F o  40-F  ý

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Yes: o  No: ý

 

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

 

Sierra Wireless, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

  /s/ David G. McLennan

 

 

 

  David G. McLennan, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2005

 

 

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SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

FIRST QUARTER REPORT

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005

 

3



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

 

Following the considerable revenue and earnings growth of 2004, we experienced a significant reduction in our business in the first quarter of 2005. The key factors in this change included a reduction in our embedded modules business following completion of our CDMA module shipments to palmOne for their Treo 600 Smartphone, reported channel inventory at some of our channel partners that was sufficient to meet near-term customer demand, and increasing competition.

 

Results for Q1 2005 Compared to Q1 2004

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005, our revenue was $20.2 million, compared to $41.6 million in the first quarter of 2004. The change in revenue primarily reflects a decline in sales of our PC cards and embedded modules.

 

Gross margin decreased to $7.1 million (35.3% of revenue), from $16.8 million (40.3% of revenue) in the first quarter of 2004. First quarter operating expenses were $15.2 million, compared to $11.6 million for the same period in 2004. Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2004 included net funding of $1.1 million attributable to prior periods that was recognized as a reduction of research and development expense.

 

We reported a net loss of $7.6 million (loss per share of $0.30), compared to net earnings of $4.6 million (diluted earnings per share of $0.18) in the first quarter of 2004.

 

Q1 2005 Results Compared to Guidance

 

First quarter revenue of $20.2 million slightly exceeded our guidance range of approximately $18.0 million to $20.0 million. Gross margin of 35.3%, was modestly better than our guidance range of 34.0% to 35.0%. Operating expenses were $15.2 million, better than our guidance range of $16.5 million to $17.0 million. Our net loss of $7.6 million (loss per share of $0.30), was better than our guidance range of a loss of approximately $9.2 million to $9.9 million (loss per share of $0.35 to $0.38). Our cash flow from operations was negative $7.7 million, consistent with our guidance of negative cash flow.

 

Business Developments

 

The first quarter included a number of business and corporate developments:

 

Progress on Products for CDMA 2000 Networks and Channels

 

                  We launched the Sierra Wireless EM5625, an embedded module for CDMA 1xEV-DO networks. Designed for laptop manufacturers and other OEMs, the new module provides a high-speed, high-capacity embedded wireless data solution. The EM5625 has already been selected by Panasonic®, @Road, Itronix and Falcom. Scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2005, the EM5625 is also expected to be available in our customers’ products in the same quarter.

 

                  Together with Sprint, we announced that the Sprint PCS Connection Card by Sierra Wireless (AirCard® 580) is now available for sale through Sprint business sales channels. Designed to operate on CDMA 1xEV-DO and 1xRTT networks, this PC Card will support broadband-like speeds when Sprint launches EV-DO service later this year. It is also backwards compatible to 1xRTT speeds in areas where Sprint EV-DO coverage is not available.

 

                  Intermec Technologies Corp., which designs and provides automatic data collection and mobile computing systems to companies around the world, selected the Sierra Wireless EM3420 embedded module to connect its new Intermec 761 rugged mobile computer to CDMA 1x networks for voice and data transmission.

 

4



 

Progress on Products for GSM/GPRS/EDGE Networks and Channels

 

                  Together with Nokia Networks, we announced our intention to develop and promote an end-to-end High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) solution. HSDPA is the next generation of WCDMA (UMTS) technology, and will offer download speeds that rival high-speed, landline connections. Under this agreement, we will work with Nokia Networks to conduct early technical and market trials for our respective HSDPA products - the Sierra Wireless AirCard 850 and AirCard 860 wireless wide area network cards and Nokia’s HSDPA infrastructure equipment and software - with the purpose of jointly marketing the HSDPA solution to key global network operator customers.

 

                  We selected QUALCOMM’s MSM6275(TM) Mobile Station Modem(TM) chipset and system software solution for the development of our new HSDPA products.

 

                  Together with Nortel and Orange, we provided live HSDPA demonstrations at 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France. We also provided live HSDPA demonstrations with Nortel at CTIA in New Orleans. Using the AirCard 850 wireless wide area network card and commercial UMTS infrastructure equipment from Nortel, our two companies collaborated to demonstrate the increased speed and efficiency of the HSDPA standard in delivering data rich content such as streaming video and audio to mobile users.

 

                  We announced the availability of the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 wireless wide area network card from Bouygues Telecom in France. In addition, we signed a distribution agreement with Leaf Wireless (Pty) Ltd to distribute the AirCard 775 in South Africa and surrounding regions. The AirCard 775 is for use on EDGE networks.

 

                  CellStar Corporation, a value-added wireless logistics services leader, announced it will add three Sierra Wireless products, the AirCard 580, the AirCard 775 and the MP775 GPS to its line up for distribution in North America.

 

Corporate Developments:

 

We appointed Kent Thexton, Co-Chief Executive Officer of SEVEN Networks, Inc., to our Board of Directors. Mr. Thexton has been instrumental in building wireless data solutions and services for business and consumers for some of the world’s leading operators, and this experience will be invaluable to our team.

 

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, our board announced it is separating the roles of Chair and Chief Executive Officer, and replacing the Lead Independent Director Position with a non-executive Chair position. Peter Ciceri, our Lead Independent Director since 2002, became Chair on April 26, 2005. Mr. Ciceri will be responsible for the overall leadership and effectiveness of the board and will be the board’s primary liaison with management. Most recently Chair and Chief Executive Officer, I will resume my previous role as President and Chief Executive Officer. I fully support this decision, and on behalf of the entire board, I congratulate Peter Ciceri on his new role as Chair.

 

Separately, I have also announced my plans to retire as President and CEO around the end of this year. I have served as CEO of Sierra Wireless for ten years and it has been the highlight of my professional career.  I plan to continue to serve as an outside director of the company following my retirement. The board will conduct a comprehensive search process to select our next CEO, considering both internal and external candidates. We expect to appoint my successor later this year. I intend to remain fully engaged in the business until my successor is in place, and to hand over the leadership of a company with a solid foundation, well positioned to go to the next level.

 

Outlook

 

Looking forward, we believe long-term prospects in the wireless communications industry remain strong, driven by advances in wireless network technologies such as the deployment of next generation 3G networks by carriers worldwide. The enhanced speed and functionality of these networks is expected to increase demand for wireless communications products such as those sold by us. However, growing demand will also attract new competitors to our industry. In the months ahead, we expect that increased competition from other wireless communications device manufacturers will continue to negatively impact our share of this growing market, particularly in the CDMA EVDO PC card market in North America.

 

5



 

We have increased our research and development efforts to ensure we are well positioned with new products that will take advantage of market opportunities associated with the deployment of 3G networks. Our product roadmap includes the following new products:

 

                  HSDPA PC cards, expected to launch in the second half of 2005;

 

                  CDMA EVDO Release A PC cards, which bring significant uplink and downlink speed advantages to EVDO. We have established a strong market position in EVDO Release 0 PC cards over the past 18 months. We expect that commercial deployment of EVDO networks will allow the introduction of our EVDO Release A PC cards in mid 2006;

 

                  A new line of mini-PCI embedded modules designed specifically to meet the needs of laptop manufacturers. During the first quarter, we received notification of two design wins for this product, and we have commenced integration support with new prospective customers. Generally, following the award of a design win, the embedded modules sales cycle includes securing supply agreements, assisting in integration and certification, receiving forecasts and orders and proceeding with volume commercial shipments.

 

                  Voq professional phone product line.  We are continuing to seed the corporate enterprise market and are engaged in a number of trial deployments with our current Voq professional phone.  In the short term, product development efforts include improving software features and stability, while business development efforts are focused on developing distribution channels.  We are also developing the next generation Voq platform to take advantage of 3G high speed networks, such as HSDPA.  Our next generation Voq phones will bring significant airlink, feature and ID enhancements to the product line.  We expect the first of these products to be available during the first half of 2006.

 

We are carefully controlling costs while investing in these new products. As these products come online over the next several quarters, we expect they will contribute significantly to a resumption of growth.

 

 

/s/ David B. Sutcliffe

 

David B. Sutcliffe

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

This report contains forward-looking statements that are not promises or guarantees but are only predictions that relate to future events or our future performance or state other forward-looking information and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our revenue, earnings, plans, objectives and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements concerning strategies, developments, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, projected or future revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits and other statements of expectations, intentions, objectives and plans that are not statements of historical facts. When used in this report, the words “may”, “plan”, “expect”, “believe”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “predicts” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations. The risks and uncertainties that may affect our actual results, performance or achievements are many and include, among others, our ability to develop, manufacture, supply and market new products that we do not produce today and that may gain commercial acceptance, our reliance on the deployment of next generation networks by major wireless operators, and increased competition. These risk factors and others are discussed in our Annual Information Form which may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in our other regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States and the Provincial Securities Commissions in Canada. These factors should be reviewed carefully and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Sierra Wireless disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

6



 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, as of May 2, 2005, has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and, except where otherwise specifically indicated, all amounts are expressed in United States dollars.

 

Additional information related to Sierra Wireless, Inc., including our Annual Information Form, may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

Overview

 

We provide highly differentiated wireless solutions worldwide.  We develop and market a broad range of products that include wireless data modems for portable computers, embedded modules for original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, rugged vehicle-mounted modems and mobile phones.  Our products permit users to access wireless data and voice networks using notebook computers, personal digital assistants, or PDAs, vehicle-based systems and mobile phones.

 

Wireless data communications is an expanding market positioned at the convergence of wireless communications, mobile computing and the Internet, each of which we believe represents a growing market.  Our products are based on open standards, including the Internet protocol, and operate on the networks of major wireless operators around the world.

 

Our products are primarily used by businesses and government organizations to enable their employees to access a wide range of applications, including the Internet, e-mail, messaging, corporate intranet, remote database inquiry and computer aided dispatch.  We sell our products through indirect channels, including wireless operators, resellers and OEMs.

 

Beginning in fiscal 2001, there was a slowdown in enterprise spending and an overall economic slowdown that adversely impacted our business.  The trend intensified during fiscal 2002 and continued into fiscal 2003.  Reasons for the market deterioration included a general economic slowdown, customer bankruptcies, network build-out delays and limited availability of capital.  During the latter part of 2003 and throughout 2004, we experienced stronger than expected demand primarily as a result of our strong market position in EVDO Release 0 PC cards and our CDMA embedded modules sales to palmOne.  Customer concentration increased in our revenue base.  Following our considerable revenue and earnings growth in 2004, we experienced a significant reduction in our business in the first quarter of 2005 as a result of:

 

                  The reduction in our embedded module business volumes as a result of the completion of CDMA module shipments to palmOne for their Treo 600 Smartphone at the end of 2004;

                  Reported channel inventory at some of our channel partners that was already sufficient to meet near term customer demand; and

                  The near term impact of increased competition in EVDO and EDGE PC cards, including a loss of market share at Verizon Wireless.

 

Our revenue decreased 51.5% to $20.2 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $41.6 million in the same period of 2004.  In the first quarter of 2005, our net loss was $7.6 million, or loss per share of $0.30, compared to net earnings of $4.6 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.18, in the same period of 2004.

 

Our balance sheet remains strong, with $120.7 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared to $131.8 million at December 31, 2004.  During the first quarter of 2005, we used $7.7 million in cash from operations, compared to cash generated from operations of $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2004.

 

We believe long-term prospects in the wireless communications industry remain strong, driven by advances in wireless network technologies such as the deployment of next generation 3G networks by carriers worldwide.  We believe the deployment of these networks will be a catalyst to increasing the demand for wireless communications products such as those sold by us.

 

7



 

Key factors that we expect will affect our revenue in the near term are the timing of deployment of 3G high speed wireless data networks by carriers and the rate of adoption by end user customers of this technology.  In addition, we expect that increased competition from other wireless communications device manufacturers will continue to negatively impact our share of this growing market, particularly in the CDMA EVDO PC card market in North America.

 

During 2005 we expect to increase our research and development efforts to ensure we are well positioned with new products that will take advantage of market opportunities associated with the deployment of 3G networks. Specific product development initiatives include:

 

                  HSDPA PC cards: We have accelerated the development of UMTS HSDPA PC cards, which we expect to launch in the second half of 2005.

 

                  CDMA EVDO Release A PC Cards: Release A brings significant uplink and downlink speed advantages to EVDO.  We have established a strong market position in EVDO Release 0 PC cards over the past 18 months.  We intend to follow this with the introduction of EVDO Release A PC cards that we expect to be available mid- 2006.

 

                  Embedded modules for laptop manufacturers and other OEMs:  We intend to capitalize on our embedded modules experience and meet the potential demand from laptop and other manufacturers for embedded 3G capability.  We are in the process of developing a new line of mini-PCI embedded modules designed specifically to meet the needs of laptop manufacturers.  During the first quarter of 2005, we received notification of two design wins and we have commenced integration support with new prospective customers for our mini-PCI embedded modules.  Generally, following the award of a design win, the embedded modules sales cycle includes securing supply agreements, assisting in integration and certification, receiving forecasts and orders and proceeding with commercial volume shipments.

 

In addition, during the first quarter of 2005, we announced design wins to supply our EM5625, an EVDO embedded module, to Panasonic, Itronix, @Road and Falcom.

 

                  Voq professional phone product line:  We are continuing to seed the corporate enterprise market and are engaged in a number of trial deployments with our current Voq professional phone.  In the short term, product development efforts include improving software features and stability, while business development efforts are focused on developing distribution channels.  We are also developing the next generation Voq platform to take advantage of 3G high speed networks, such as HSDPA.  Our next generation Voq phones will bring significant airlink, feature and ID enhancements to the product line.  We expect the first of these products to be available during the first half of 2006.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, expressed as a percentage of revenue:

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of goods sold

 

64.7

 

59.7

 

Gross margin

 

35.3

 

40.3

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

21.3

 

10.0

 

Research and development, net

 

36.0

 

11.4

 

Administration

 

14.5

 

4.9

 

Amortization

 

3.4

 

1.5

 

 

 

75.2

 

27.8

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

 

(39.9

)

12.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

2.7

 

0.2

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

 

(37.2

)

12.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

0.4

 

1.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

(37.6

)%

11.0

%

 

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Our revenue by product, by distribution channel and by geographical region is as follows:

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue by product

 

 

 

 

 

PC card

 

65

%

49

%

Embedded modules

 

11

 

43

 

Mobile

 

21

 

6

 

Voq

 

 

 

Other

 

3

 

2

 

 

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue by distribution channel

 

 

 

 

 

Wireless carriers

 

37

%

33

%

OEM

 

11

 

44

 

Resellers

 

48

 

23

 

Direct and other

 

4

 

 

 

 

100

%

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue by geographical region

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

64

%

91

%

Europe

 

12

 

5

 

Asia-Pacific

 

24

 

4

 

 

 

100

%

100

%

 

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

Revenue

 

Revenue amounted to $20.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $41.6 million in the same period of 2004, a decrease of 51.5%.  The decrease in revenue was due primarily to a decrease in sales of PC cards and embedded modules.  PC card revenue decreased primarily due to reported channel inventory at some of our channel partners that was sufficient to meet near term customer demand and the near term impact of increased competition in EVDO PC cards, including a loss of market share at Verizon Wireless.  Embedded module revenue decreased primarily due to the completion of shipments of embedded modules to palmOne for the Treo 600 at the end of 2004.   In Q1 2005, sales of the Voq professional phone were very modest as we focused on product and business development activities.  In the short term, product development efforts include improving software features and stability while business development efforts are focused on developing distribution channels.

 

Key factors that we expect will affect our revenue in the near term are the timing of deployment of 3G high speed wireless data networks by carriers and the rate of adoption by end user customers of this technology.  In addition, we expect that increased competition from other wireless communications device manufacturers will continue to negatively impact our share of this growing market, particularly in the CDMA EVDO PC card market in North America.

 

Our revenue from customers in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region comprised 64%, 12% and 24%, respectively, of our total revenue for the first quarter of 2005 and 91%, 5% and 4%, respectively, in the same period of 2004.  Our North American business has decreased significantly compared to the prior year as a result of a decline in sales of our PC card and embedded module products to North American customers.  As has been the case in the past several years, our business continues to be driven predominantly by short lead time purchase orders from channels and end customers rather than by long-term, large volume commitments from wireless operators. In Europe, the deployment of UMTS networks continue to negatively affect our GSM/GPRS sales in that region.  We do have EDGE products and do not currently have a UMTS product. We expect to introduce our first UMTS/HSDPA product in the second half of 2005.  In the first quarter of 2005, two customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and in aggregate these two customers represented 24% of our revenue.  This compared favourably with the comparable quarter in which one customer individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and this customer represented approximately 31% of our revenue.

 

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Gross margin

 

Gross margin amounted to $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $16.8 million in the first quarter of 2004.  Our gross margin percentage was 35.3% of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to 40.3% of revenue in the same period of 2004.  The decline in margin resulted primarily from lower selling prices and lower volumes, offset slightly by the positive impact of reduced shipments of lower margin embedded module products.

 

We expect our gross margin to continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of changes in product mix, competitive pressures, changes in geographical mix and changes in product cost due to new product introductions.

 

Sales and marketing

 

Sales and marketing expenses remained flat at $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $4.2 million in the same period of 2004.  Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 21.3% in 2005, compared to 10.0% in 2004, due primarily to the decrease in 2005 first quarter revenue.  We expect to continue to make investments in sales and marketing as we market existing products, introduce new products and continue to expand our distribution channels in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Research and development, net

 

Research and development expenses, net of conditionally repayable government research and development funding, amounted to $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 53.2%.

 

Gross research and development expenses, before government research and development funding, were $7.7 million or 38.2% of revenue in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $6.2 million, or 14.8% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2004.  Repayment of TPC funding of $0.2 million was included in our gross research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $0.4 million in 2004.  Gross research and development expenses increased due to the development of new PC cards, embedded modules and the next generation of the Voq professional phone.  We expect our gross research and development expenses to continue to increase as we invest in next generation technology and develop new products.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, we signed a second agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program under which we are eligible to receive conditionally repayable research and development funding up to Cdn. $9.5 million to support the development of a range of third generation wireless technologies.  The agreement is effective for development work commencing April 2003.  Funding of $1.4 million was recognized during the first quarter of 2004, of which $1.1 million relates to the period from April 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003.  Our TPC funding is based on research and development work completed in each quarter.

 

Administration

 

Administration expenses amounted to $2.9 million, or 14.5% of revenue, in the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $2.1 million, or 4.9% of revenue, in the same period of 2004.  The increase of $0.8 million is due primarily to an increase in professional fees.

 

Other income

 

Other income increased to $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to $0.1 million in the same period of 2004.  Other income includes interest income, interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses.  This increase is due to an increase in interest income from increased cash and investment balances and an increase in interest rates.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense was $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2005 and comprised mainly capital taxes, compared to $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2004.  Income tax expense has decreased due to losses incurred during the first quarter of 2005.

 

10



 

Net earnings (loss)

 

Our net loss amounted to $7.6 million, or loss per share of $0.30, in the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to net earnings of $4.6 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.18, in the same period of 2004.

 

The weighted average diluted number of shares outstanding decreased to 25.4 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to 26.0 million in the same period of 2004.

 

Board and Management Changes

 

In April, the Board of Directors announced that it is separating the roles of Chair and Chief Executive Officer and it is replacing the Lead Independent Director position with a non-executive Chair position.  Peter Ciceri, our Lead Independent Director has been selected as Chair.  David Sutcliffe, our current Chair and Chief Executive Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).  These changes reflect the evolution of corporate governance best practices and were effective as of April 26, 2005.

 

Separately, David Sutcliffe, who has served as our CEO and director for ten years, announced that he plans to retire as President and CEO around the end of 2005.  Mr. Sutcliffe plans to continue to serve as an outside director of the Company after his retirement as CEO.  The Board of Directors will conduct a comprehensive search process, considering both external and internal candidates, and expects to announce the next CEO later in 2005.

 

Contingent Liabilities

 

Sierra Wireless America, Inc., as successor to AirPrime, Inc., along with other defendants, has been served with the complaint of Joshua Cohen and David Beardsley on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for alleged violations of federal and state securities laws allegedly occurring prior to the time AirPrime, Inc. was acquired by the Company.  On March 4, 2005, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint, to which plaintiff’s counsel has responded.  The hearing for the motion to dismiss is scheduled for June 2005.  We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, who is disputing its obligations under the policy, however, has agreed to pay our costs of defense that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation.  We have also submitted an escrow claim notice under the escrow agreement dated August 12, 2003 relating to the acquisition of AirPrime and the escrow shareholders are disputing their obligations with respect to this complaint.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome of the dispute would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend them.  The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any.

 

The Company and certain of our officers are named as defendants in several class action complaints filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California for alleged violations of federal securities laws.  We are assessing the complaints and have not yet been required to file our response.  We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, who has agreed to pay our costs of defense that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event that it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the lawsuits.  The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any.

 

On February 8, 2005, Sierra Wireless, Inc. was served with the first amended complaint of MLR, LLC filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division for alleged patent infringement relating to our line of professional phones.  We were added as a defendant in existing civil action no. 04 C 7044 MLR, LLC v. Kyocera Wireless Corporation and Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Since that date, we have reached an agreement with MLR, under which we received non-royalty bearing licenses to use all of MLR’s present and future patents for all of our products and MLR released us from all claims related to their patent portfolio and agreed to dismiss all claims against us in the lawsuit.

 

We are engaged in other legal actions in the ordinary course of business and believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position.

 

11



 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, adequacy of allowance for doubtful accounts, adequacy of inventory reserve, income taxes and adequacy of warranty reserve.  We base our estimates on historical experience and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.  Actual results may differ from our estimates.  Senior management has discussed with our audit committee the development, selection, and disclosure of accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we did not adopt any new accounting policies that have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or make changes to existing accounting policies.

 

The following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements:

 

                  We recognize revenue from sales of products and services upon the later of transfer of title or upon shipment of the product to the customer or rendering of the service, so long as collectibility is reasonably assured. Customers include resellers, original equipment manufacturers, wireless service providers and end-users. We record deferred revenue when we receive cash in advance of the revenue recognition criteria being met.

 

A significant portion of our revenue is generated from sales to resellers.  We recognize revenue on the portion of sales to certain resellers that are subject to provisions allowing various rights of return and stock rotation when the rights have expired or the products have been reported as sold by the resellers.

 

Funding from research and development agreements, other than government research and development arrangements, is recognized as revenue when certain criteria stipulated under the terms of those funding agreements have been met, and when there is reasonable assurance the funding will be received. Certain research and development funding will be repayable only on the occurrence of specified future events.  If such events do not occur, no repayment would be required.  We will recognize the liability to repay research and development funding in the period in which conditions arise that would cause research and development funding to be repayable.

 

Revenues from contracts with multiple-element arrangements, such as those including technical support services, are recognized as each element is earned based on the relative fair value of each element and only when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements.

 

Revenue from licensed software is recognized at the inception of the license term and in accordance with Statement of Position 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition”.  Revenue from software maintenance, unspecified upgrades and technical support contracts is recognized over the period such items are delivered or services are provided.  Technical support contracts extending beyond the current period are recorded as deferred revenue.

 

                  We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may arise if any of our customers are unable to make required payments.   We consider the following factors when determining if collection is reasonably assured:  customer credit-worthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic industry trends and changes in customer payment terms.  If we have no previous experience with the customer, we typically obtain reports from credit organizations to ensure that the customer has a history of paying its creditors.  We may also request financial information, including financial statements, to ensure that the customer has the means of making payment.  If these factors indicate collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash.  If the financial condition of any of our customers deteriorates, we may increase our allowance.

 

12



 

                  We value our inventory at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, and estimated net realizable value. We assess the need for an inventory writedown or an accrual for estimated losses on inventory purchase commitments based on our assessment of estimated market value using assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Our reserve requirements generally increase as our projected demand requirements decrease, due to market conditions, technological and product life cycle changes and longer than previously expected usage periods.  If market conditions are worse than our projections, we may further writedown the value of our inventory or increase the accrual for estimated losses on inventory purchase commitments.

 

                  We currently have intangible assets of $13.9 million and goodwill of $19.2 million generated from our acquisition of AirPrime in August 2003.  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more often, if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss has been incurred.

 

The initial goodwill impairment test was completed during the fourth quarter of 2003, which resulted in no impairment loss.  We assessed the realizability of goodwill related to our reporting unit during the fourth quarter of 2004 and determined that the fair value amount exceeded the carrying amount of the reporting unit by a substantial margin.  Therefore, the second step of the impairment test that measures an impairment loss by comparing the implied fair market value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill is not required.

 

                  We evaluate our deferred income tax assets to assess whether their realization is more likely than not. If their realization is not considered more likely than not, we provide for a valuation allowance. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. We consider projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making our assessment. If our assessment of our ability to realize our deferred tax assets changes, we may make an adjustment to our deferred tax assets that would be charged to income.

 

                  We accrue product warranty costs in accrued liabilities to provide for the repair or replacement of defective products.  Our accrual is based on an assessment of historical experience and management’s estimates.  If we suffer a decrease in the quality of our products, we may increase our accrual.

 

                  Under license agreements, we are committed to royalty payments based on the sales of products using certain technologies.  We recognize royalty obligations as determinable in accordance with agreement terms.  Where agreements are not finalized, we have recognized our current best estimate of the obligation in accrued liabilities.  When the agreements are finalized, the estimate will be revised accordingly.

 

                  We recorded a lease provision during 2002 as a result of our restructuring program by estimating the net present value of the future cash outflows over the remaining lease period.  The estimate was based on various assumptions including the obtainable sublease rates and the time it will take to find a suitable tenant.  These assumptions are influenced by market conditions and the availability of similar space nearby.  If market conditions change, we will adjust our provision.

 

                  We are engaged in certain legal actions. We estimate the range of liability related to pending litigation where the amount and range of loss can be reasonably estimated.  We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable.  As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability relating to our pending litigation and revise our estimates.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating Activities

 

Cash used by operating activities amounted to $7.7 million for the first quarter of 2005, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $5.3 million in the same period of 2004.  The use of cash in the first quarter of 2005 primarily resulted from the loss from operations of $7.6 million adjusted for non-cash items, inventory levels and changes in other operating assets and liabilities of $0.1 million.  Our working capital has decreased from December 31, 2004 as a result of the significant decline in our business.

 

13



 

Investing Activities

 

Cash used by investing activities was $28.8 million for the first quarter of 2005, compared to cash used by investing activities of $15.9 million in the first quarter of 2004.  The use of cash during 2005 was due primarily to the purchase of short-term investments.  Expenditures on intangible assets were $0.5 million and on capital assets were $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in the same period of 2004.  Expenditures on intangible assets were primarily for license fees and patents while capital expenditures were primarily for tooling, research and development equipment, computer equipment and software.

 

We do not have any trading activities that involve any type of commodity contracts that are accounted for at fair value but for which a lack of market price quotations necessitate the use of fair value estimation techniques.

 

Financing Activities

 

Cash used by financing activities was $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $2.8 million during the same period in 2004.  The use of cash in the first quarter of 2005 was primarily for repayment of long-term liabilities.  The source of cash in 2004 was primarily from the issuance of common shares upon the exercise of stock options, offset slightly by repayments of our long-term obligations.

 

As of March 31, 2005, we did not have any off-balance sheet finance or special purpose entities.

 

Cash Requirements

 

Our near-term cash requirements are primarily related to funding our operations, capital expenditures and other obligations discussed below.  In the near term, we expect that our cash flow from operations will be negative.  We believe our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $120.7 million and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our expected working and other capital requirements for at least the next twelve months based on current business plans.  Our capital expenditures during 2005 are expected to be primarily for research and development equipment, tooling, licenses and patents.  However, we cannot provide assurance that our actual cash requirements will not be greater than we currently expect.

 

The following table quantifies our future contractual obligations as of March 31, 2005:

 

In 000s of US $
Payments due in fiscal

 

Operating
Leases

 

Obligations
under
Capital
Leases

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

$

2,099

 

$

781

 

$

2,880

 

2006

 

2,765

 

284

 

3,049

 

2007

 

2,839

 

 

2,839

 

2008

 

2,827

 

 

2,827

 

2009

 

2,147

 

 

2,147

 

2010

 

2,138

 

 

2,138

 

Thereafter

 

1,294

 

 

1,294

 

Total

 

$

16,109

 

$

1,065

 

$

17,174

 

 

We have entered into purchase commitments totaling approximately $13.2 million with certain contract manufacturers under which we have committed to buy a minimum amount of designated products.  In certain of these agreements, we may be required to acquire and pay for such products up to the prescribed minimum or forecasted purchases.  The terms of the commitment may require us to purchase approximately $13.2 million of product from certain contract manufacturers between April 2005 and June 2005.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

During 2004, we had an operating line of credit of $10.0 million, which bore interest at prime plus 1.25% per annum. This line of credit was secured by a general security agreement providing a first charge against all assets.  On December 31, 2004, we renegotiated our line of credit and now have an unsecured revolving demand facility for $10.0 million that bears interest at prime per annum.  The balance at March 31, 2005 was nil (2004 — nil).

 

14



 

In the past, our revenue was dependent on us fulfilling our commitments in accordance with agreements with major customers. We have completed volume shipments on those contracts.  We are now relying on purchase orders with these customers and these customers, like our other customers, will be under no contractual obligation to purchase our products.  If they do not make such purchases, our future operating cash flow will be negatively impacted.  We have a risk of impairment to our liquidity should there be any interruption to our business operations.

 

The source of funds for our future capital expenditures and commitments is cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, research and development funding, borrowings and cash from operations, as follows:

 

                  Net cash and short-term investments amounted to $120.7 million at March 31, 2005, compared to $131.8 million at December 31, 2004.

                  Accounts receivable amounted to $15.6 million at March 31, 2005, compared to $22.5 million at December 31, 2004.

                  We have a $10.0 million unsecured revolving demand facility with a Canadian chartered bank that bears interest at prime.  At March 31, 2005, there were no borrowings under this facility.

 

Market Risk Disclosure

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, 56% of our revenue was earned from United States-based customers. Our risk from currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollar is reduced by purchasing inventory, other costs of sales and many of our services in U.S. dollars.  We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuations because a significant amount of our research and development, marketing, and administration costs are incurred in Canada. We monitor our exposure to fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollars. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have recorded a foreign exchange loss of approximately $0.2 million.  As we have available funds and very little debt, we have not been adversely affected by significant interest rate fluctuations.

 

With our international operations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we are transacting business in additional foreign currencies and the potential for currency fluctuations is increasing.  The risk associated with currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region has been minimal as such transactions have not been material to date.  As our business expands in Europe, we expect that we will be increasingly exposed to Euro transactions. To date we have not entered into any futures contracts. To manage our foreign currency risks, we may enter into such contracts should we consider it to be advisable to reduce our exposure to future foreign exchange fluctuations.

 

Currently, we do not have any hedging activities or derivative instruments.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, there were no material related party transactions.

 

Quarterly Results of Operations

 

The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated statements of operations data for each of the nine most recent quarters that, in management’s opinion, have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in our fiscal 2004 Annual Report.  The unaudited consolidated statements of operations data presented below reflects all adjustments, consisting primarily of normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods.  These operating results are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.  You should not rely on them to predict our future performance.

 

15



 

Amounts are expressed in thousands of United States dollars except per share amounts and number of shares.

 

Quarter ended

 

March 31
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

20,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

13,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

7,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

4,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development, net

 

7,261

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administration

 

2,935

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

 

691

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(8,051

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(7,516

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(7,594

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.30

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.30

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

25,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

25,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

Year
2004

 

2004

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

Sept. 30

 

Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

41,641

 

$

51,595

 

$

59,149

 

$

58,820

 

$

211,205

 

Cost of goods sold

 

24,839

 

30,680

 

36,107

 

35,974

 

127,600

 

Gross margin

 

16,802

 

20,915

 

23,042

 

22,846

 

83,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

4,173

 

4,386

 

5,604

 

5,866

 

20,029

 

Research and development, net

 

4,739

 

5,991

 

6,566

 

7,231

 

24,527

 

Administration

 

2,064

 

2,534

 

2,354

 

2,041

 

8,993

 

Restructuring and other charges

 

 

 

289

 

 

289

 

Amortization

 

636

 

563

 

588

 

651

 

2,438

 

 

 

11,612

 

13,474

 

15,401

 

15,789

 

56,276

 

Earnings from operations

 

5,190

 

7,441

 

7,641

 

7,057

 

27,329

 

Other income (expense)

 

84

 

(40

)

694

 

1,251

 

1,989

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

5,274

 

7,401

 

8,335

 

8,308

 

29,318

 

Income tax expense

 

704

 

1,384

 

1,268

 

1,042

 

4,398

 

Net earnings

 

$

4,570

 

$

6,017

 

$

7,067

 

$

7,266

 

$

24,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.99

 

Diluted

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

24,986

 

25,221

 

25,301

 

25,339

 

25,212

 

Diluted

 

26,027

 

26,248

 

26,087

 

25,891

 

26,064

 

 

16



 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

Year

 

2003

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

Sept. 30

 

Dec. 31

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

20,150

 

$

20,736

 

$

26,250

 

$

34,573

 

$

101,709

 

Cost of goods sold

 

12,210

 

12,405

 

15,566

 

20,370

 

60,551

 

Gross margin

 

7,940

 

8,331

 

10,684

 

14,203

 

41,158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

2,729

 

2,590

 

2,653

 

3,613

 

11,585

 

Research and development, net

 

2,749

 

2,947

 

4,677

 

5,621

 

15,994

 

Administration

 

1,617

 

1,451

 

1,331

 

2,198

 

6,597

 

Restructuring and other charges

 

 

 

1,220

 

 

1,220

 

Integration costs

 

 

 

1,026

 

921

 

1,947

 

Amortization

 

553

 

546

 

590

 

638

 

2,327

 

 

 

7,648

 

7,534

 

11,497

 

12,991

 

39,670

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

 

292

 

797

 

(813

)

1,212

 

1,488

 

Other income (expense)

 

104

 

167

 

(74

)

768

 

965

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

396

 

964

 

(887

)

1,980

 

2,453

 

Income tax expense

 

35

 

54

 

54

 

55

 

198

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

361

 

$

910

 

$

(941

)

$

1,925

 

$

2,255

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.06

 

$

(0.05

)

$

0.09

 

$

0.12

 

Diluted

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.05

 

$

(0.05

)

$

0.08

 

$

0.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

16,355

 

16,375

 

18,409

 

22,563

 

18,442

 

Diluted

 

16,718

 

16,754

 

18,409

 

23,383

 

18,989

 

 

Our quarterly results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter because our operating expenses are determined based on anticipated sales, are generally fixed and are incurred throughout each fiscal quarter.  The impact of significant items incurred during the first three interim periods of each fiscal year are discussed in more detail and disclosed in our quarterly reports on Form 6-K.  Items affecting our quarterly results were as follows:

 

                  Revenues decreased during the first quarter of 2005 due to a reduction in our embedded module business volumes as a result of the completion of embedded module shipments to palmOne at the end of 2004, reported channel inventory that was already sufficient to meet near term customer demand, and increased competition in EVDO and EDGE PC cards, including a loss of market share at Verizon Wireless.

 

                  Revenues increased during 2004 and 2003 as a result of the introduction of new products, our strong market position in EVDO Release 0 PC cards and our CDMA embedded modules sales to palmOne.

 

                  During the third quarter of 2003, we acquired AirPrime, a supplier of high-speed CDMA wireless products located in Carlsbad, California.  The results of AirPrime’s operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since August 2003.  In connection with the acquisition, we incurred restructuring and other charges in the amount of $1.2 million related to fixed and intangible asset writedowns, workforce reductions and facilities restructuring.  We also incurred integration costs of $1.9 million related to the acquisition and these costs included travel, facilities and costs related to retaining existing employees for the transition period.

 

                  During the first quarter of 2004, we signed a second agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program.  The agreement is effective for development work commencing April 2003.  Funding of $1.4 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2004, of which $1.1 million relates to the period from April 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003.

 

                  During the third quarter of 2004, we incurred restructuring and other charges of $0.3 million as a result of a change in estimate of the facilities restructuring charge that was originally announced in 2002.  The change in estimate reflects the impact of changes in estimated operating costs of the facilities and foreign exchange rates.

 

17


 


 

Selected Annual Information

 

In thousands of US $
Years ended December 31,

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

77,259

 

$

101,709

 

$

211,205

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

(41,663

)

2,255

 

24,920

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

(2.56

)

0.12

 

0.96

 

Total assets

 

71,089

 

175,868

 

215,594

 

Total current and long-term portions of long term liabilities and obligations under capital lease

 

6,590

 

3,735

 

3,456

 

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements that are not promises or guarantees but are only predictions that relate to future events or our future performance or state other forward-looking information and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our revenue, earnings, plans, objectives and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements concerning strategies, developments, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, projected or future revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits and other statements of expectations, intentions, objectives and plans that are not statements of historical facts.  When used in this report, the words “may”, “plan”, “expect”, “believe”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “predicts” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations.  The risks and uncertainties that may affect our actual results, performance or achievements are many and include, among others, our ability to develop, manufacture, supply and market new products that we do not produce today and that may gain commercial acceptance, our reliance on the deployment of next generation networks by major wireless operators, and increased competition.  These risk factors and others are discussed in our Annual Information Form which may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in our other regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States and the Provincial Securities Commissions in Canada.  These factors should be reviewed carefully and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Sierra Wireless disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Risk Factors

 

Our business is subject to significant risks and past performance is no guarantee of future performance.  Some of the risks we face are:

 

We have incurred net losses in the past and may not sustain profitability.

 

We have incurred a loss in Q1 2005 of $7.6 million and our accumulated deficit at March 31, 2005 was $54.0 million.  While we had earnings from operations for each of the last two years ended December 31, 2004, we have incurred a loss from operations in each of the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2002.

 

We expect losses in Q2 2005.  Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability will depend on, among other things, the continued sales of our current products and the successful development and commercialization of new products. If we do not return to profitability, we may need to raise additional capital in the future. Additional financing may not be available, and even if available, may not be on acceptable terms. We may seek to raise additional capital through an offering of common shares, preference shares or debt, which may result in dilution, and/or the issuance of securities with rights senior to the rights, of the holders of common shares.  As a result, our share price may decline.

 

18



 

Our revenues and earnings may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which could affect the market price of our common shares.

 

Our revenues and earnings may vary from quarter to quarter as a result of a number of factors, including:

 

                  The timing of releases of our new products;

 

                  The timing of substantial sales orders;

 

                  Design win cycles in our embedded module business;

 

                  The amount of inventory held by our channel partners;

 

                  Competition from other market participants;

 

                  Possible seasonal fluctuations in demand;

 

                  Possible cyclical fluctuations related to the evolution of wireless technologies;

 

                  Possible delays in the manufacture or shipment of current or new products;

 

                  Concentration in our customer base; and

 

                  Possible delays or shortages in component supplies.

 

Because our operating expenses are determined based on anticipated sales, are generally fixed and are incurred throughout each fiscal quarter, any of the factors listed above could cause significant variations in our revenues and earnings in any given quarter.  Therefore, our quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of our overall business, results of operations and financial condition.  However, quarterly fluctuations in our revenues and earnings may affect the market price of our common shares.

 

We are subject to certain alleged class action lawsuits, which if decided against us, could require us to pay substantial judgments, settlements or other penalties.

 

In addition to being subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business, we are currently, and may in the future be, subject to class actions and other securities litigation and investigations.  Subsequent to our January 26, 2005 announcement of our forward looking financial guidance for Q1 2005, a class action complaint was filed against the Company and certain officers of the Company.  We expect that this litigation will be time consuming, expensive and distracting from the conduct of our daily business.   We are unable at this time to estimate what our ultimate liability in these matters may be, if any.  It is possible, however, that we will be required to pay substantial judgments, settlements or other penalties and incur expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position.  Expenses incurred in connection with these lawsuits, which include substantial fees of lawyers and other professional advisors and our obligations to indemnify officers and directors who may be parties to such actions, could adversely affect our cash position. We do not know if any of this litigation and resulting expenses will be covered by insurance.  In addition, these lawsuits may cause our insurance premiums to increase in future periods.

 

Competition from new or established wireless communication companies or from those with greater resources may prevent us from increasing or maintaining our market share and could result in price reductions and reduced revenues.

 

The wireless industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid technological change. We expect competition to intensify. More established and larger companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources sell products that compete with ours.  We also may introduce new products that will put us in direct competition with major new competitors.  Existing or future competitors may be able to respond more quickly to technological developments and changes or may independently develop and patent technologies and products that are superior to ours or achieve greater acceptance due to factors such as more favorable pricing or more efficient sales channels. If we are unable to compete effectively with our competitors’ pricing strategies, technological advances and other initiatives, our market share and revenues may be reduced.  During the first quarter of 2005, one of the factors that caused a significant decline in EVDO PC card revenue was increased competition and loss of market share.  In the near term, we expect that our revenue will continue to be negatively affected by loss of market share.

 

19



 

If demand for our current products declines and we are unable to launch successful new products, our revenues will decrease.

 

If the markets in which we compete fail to grow, or grow more slowly than we currently anticipate, or if we are unable to establish markets for our new products, it would significantly harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.  In addition, demand for one or all of our current products could decline as a result of competition, technological change or other factors.

 

If we are unable to design and develop new products that gain sufficient commercial acceptance, we may be unable to maintain our market share or to recover our research and development expenses and our revenues could decline.

 

We depend on designing, developing and marketing new products to achieve much of our future growth. Our ability to design, develop and market new products depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to the following:

 

            Our ability to attract and retain skilled technical employees;

 

            The availability of critical components from third parties;

 

            Our ability to successfully complete the development of products in a timely manner; and

 

            Our ability to manufacture products at an acceptable price and quality.

 

A failure by us, or our suppliers, in any of these areas, or a failure of new products, such as the Voq professional phone, to obtain commercial acceptance, could mean we receive less revenue than we anticipate and we are unable to recover our research and development expenses, and could result in a decrease in the market price for our shares.

 

The loss of any of our material customers could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, and therefore shareholder value.

 

We depend on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues.  In the last three fiscal years, there have been four different customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenues.  In the three months ended March 31, 2005, two customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our revenue and in the aggregate these two customers represented 24% of our revenue.  If any of these customers reduce their business with us or suffer from business failure, our revenues and profitability could decline, perhaps materially.

 

We may not be able to continue to design products that meet our customer needs and, as a result, our revenue and profitability may decrease.

 

We develop products to meet our customers’ requirements but, particularly with original equipment manufacturers, current design wins do not guarantee future design wins.  If we are unable or choose not to meet our customers’ future needs, we may not win their future business and our revenue and profitability may decrease.

 

We depend on a few third parties to manufacture our products and supply key components. If they do not manufacture our products properly or cannot meet our needs in a timely manner, we may be unable to fulfill our product delivery obligations and our costs may increase, and our revenue and margins could decrease.

 

We outsource a substantial part of the manufacture of our products to third parties and depend heavily on the ability of these manufacturers to meet our needs in a timely and satisfactory manner. Some components used by us may only be available from a small number of suppliers, in some cases from only one supplier.  We currently rely on two manufacturers, either of which may terminate the manufacturing contract with us at the end of any contract year. Our reliance on third party manufacturers and suppliers subjects us to a number of risks, including the following:

 

            The absence of guaranteed manufacturing capacity;

 

            Reduced control over delivery schedules, production yields and costs; and

 

            Inability to control the amount of time and resources devoted to the manufacture of our products.

 

If we are unable to successfully manage any of these risks or to locate alternative or additional manufacturers or suppliers in a timely and cost-effective manner, we may not be able to deliver products in a timely manner. In addition, our results of operations could be harmed by increased costs, reduced revenues and reduced margins.

 

20



 

We do not have fixed-term employment agreements with our key personnel and the loss of any key personnel may harm our ability to compete effectively.

 

None of our officers or other key employees has entered into a fixed-term employment agreement.  Our success depends in large part on the abilities and experience of our executive officers and other key employees.  Competition for highly skilled management, technical, research and development and other key employees is intense in the wireless communications industry.  We may not be able to retain our current key employees or attract and retain additional key employees as needed.  The loss of key employees could disrupt our operations and impair our ability to compete effectively.

 

We may have difficulty responding to changing technology, industry standards and customer preferences, which could cause us to be unable to recover our research and development expenses and lose revenues.

 

The wireless industry is characterized by rapid technological change.  Our success will depend in part on our ability to develop products that keep pace with the continuing changes in technology, evolving industry standards and changing customer and end-user preferences and requirements. Our products embody complex technology that may not meet those standards, changes and preferences. In addition, wireless communications service providers require that wireless data systems deployed on their networks comply with their own standards, which may differ from the standards of other providers. We may be unable to successfully address these developments in a timely basis or at all. Our failure to respond quickly and cost-effectively to new developments through the development of new products or enhancements to existing products could cause us to be unable to recover significant research and development expenses and reduce our revenues.

 

We depend on third parties to offer wireless data and voice communications services for our products to operate.

 

Our products can only be used over wireless data and voice networks operated by third parties.  In addition, our future growth depends, in part, on the successful deployment of next generation wireless data and voice networks by third parties for which we are developing products.  If these network operators cease to offer effective and reliable service, or fail to market their services effectively, sales of our products will decline and our revenues will decrease.

 

Acquisitions of companies or technologies may result in disruptions to our business or may not achieve the anticipated benefits.

 

As part of our business strategy, we may acquire additional assets and businesses principally relating to or complementary to our current operations.  Any acquisitions and/or mergers by us will be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in acquisitions of companies.  These risks include, among other things:

 

            Exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies, including unknown litigation related to acts or omissions of our acquired company and/or its directors and officers prior to the acquisition;

 

            Higher than anticipated acquisition costs and expenses;

 

            Effects of costs and expenses of acquiring and integrating new businesses on our operating results and financial condition;

 

            The difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the companies;

 

            Disruption of our ongoing business;

 

            Diversion of management’s time and attention away from our remaining business during the integration process;

 

            Failure to maximize our financial and strategic position by the successful incorporation of acquired technology;

 

            The inability to implement uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;

 

            The loss of key employees and customers as a result of changes in management;

 

            The incurrence of amortization expenses; and

 

            Possible dilution to our shareholders.

 

In addition, geographic distances may make integration of businesses more difficult.  We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with any acquisitions.  If realized, these risks could reduce shareholder value.

 

21



 

Others could claim that we infringe on their intellectual property rights, which may result in substantial costs, diversion of resources and management attention and harm to our reputation.

 

It is possible that other parties may claim that we have violated their intellectual property rights. Rights to intellectual property can be difficult to verify. Competitors could assert, for example, that former employees of theirs whom we have hired have misappropriated their proprietary information for our benefit. A successful infringement claim against us could damage us in the following ways:

 

            We may be liable for damages and litigation costs, including attorneys’ fees;

 

            We may be prohibited from further use of the intellectual property;

 

            We may have to license the intellectual property, incurring licensing fees; and

 

            We may have to develop a non-infringing alternative, which could be costly and delay or result in the loss of sales.

 

Regardless of the outcome, an infringement claim could result in substantial costs, diversion of resources and management attention and harm to our reputation.

 

If we are successful in the design and development of our new products, and there is commercial acceptance of our existing or new products, others may claim that we infringe on their intellectual property rights, which may result in substantial costs, diversion of resources and management attention and harm our reputation.

 

Misappropriation of our intellectual property could place us at a competitive disadvantage.

 

Our intellectual property is important to our success. We rely on a combination of patent protection, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, licenses, non-disclosure agreements and other contractual agreements to protect our intellectual property. Third parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products and technology or obtain information we regard as proprietary without our authorization. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property against unauthorized use by others it could have an adverse effect on our competitive position.

 

Our strategies to deter misappropriation could be inadequate due to the following risks:

 

            Non-recognition of the proprietary nature or inadequate protection of our methodologies in the United States, Canada or foreign countries;

 

            Undetected misappropriation of our intellectual property;

 

            The substantial legal and other costs of protecting and enforcing our rights in our intellectual property; and

 

            Development of similar technologies by our competitors.

 

In addition, we could be required to spend significant funds and our managerial resources could be diverted in order to defend our rights, which could disrupt our operations.

 

As our business expands internationally, we will be exposed to additional risks relating to international operations.

 

Our expansion into international operations exposes us to additional risks unique to such international markets, including the following:

 

            Increased credit management risks and greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;

 

            Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, wireless communications standards, exchange rates, trading policies, tariffs and other barriers;

 

            Uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the protection of intellectual property;

 

            Language barriers; and

 

            Potential adverse tax consequences.

 

Furthermore, if we are unable to further develop distribution channels in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region we may not be able to grow our international operations and our ability to increase our revenue will be negatively impacted.

 

22



 

Government regulation could result in increased costs and inability to sell our products.

 

Our products are subject to certain mandatory regulatory approvals in the United States, Canada and other countries in which we operate. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission regulates many aspects of communications devices. In Canada, similar regulations are administered by the Ministry of Industry, through Industry Canada. Although we have obtained all the necessary Federal Communications Commission, Industry Canada and other required approvals for the products we currently sell, we may not obtain approvals for future products on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, regulatory requirements may change or we may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals from countries other than the United States and Canada in which we may desire to sell products in the future.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates between the United States dollar and other currencies, including the Canadian dollar may affect our operating results.

 

We are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar through our operations in Canada. To reduce our risk because of currency fluctuations, we purchase inventory, other cost of sales items and many of our services in United States dollars. If the Canadian dollar rises relative to the United States dollar, our operating results may be negatively impacted. To date, we have not entered into any foreign currency futures contracts as part of a hedging policy.  We have entered into distribution agreements in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region that are denominated primarily in U.S. dollars.  We expect that as our business expands in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, we will also be exposed to additional foreign currency transactions and to the associated currency risk.  To date, we have not entered into any futures contracts.

 

23



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)

(Prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP))

(Unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

20,180

 

$

41,641

 

Cost of goods sold

 

13,055

 

24,839

 

Gross margin

 

7,125

 

16,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

4,289

 

4,173

 

Research and development, net

 

7,261

 

4,739

 

Administration

 

2,935

 

2,064

 

Amortization

 

691

 

636

 

 

 

15,176

 

11,612

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

 

(8,051

)

5,190

 

Other income

 

535

 

84

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

(7,516

)

5,274

 

Income tax expense

 

78

 

704

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

(7,594

)

4,570

 

Deficit, beginning of period

 

(46,389

)

(71,309

)

Deficit, end of period

 

$

(53,983

)

$

(66,739

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share for the period:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.30

)

$

0.18

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.30

)

$

0.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

25,358

 

24,986

 

Diluted

 

25,358

 

26,027

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

24



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)

(Unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

(7,594

)

$

4,570

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

(24

)

329

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(7,618

)

$

4,899

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

25



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)

 

 

 

March 31,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

94,898

 

$

131,846

 

Short-term investments (note 3)

 

25,838

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,528 (2004 - $2,468)

 

15,583

 

22,506

 

Inventories

 

18,691

 

11,090

 

Prepaid expenses

 

4,622

 

5,021

 

 

 

159,632

 

170,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets

 

11,176

 

10,044

 

Intangible assets

 

13,920

 

14,208

 

Goodwill

 

19,227

 

19,227

 

Deferred income taxes

 

500

 

500

 

Other

 

1,039

 

1,152

 

 

 

$

205,494

 

$

215,594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,307

 

$

4,122

 

Accrued liabilities

 

31,414

 

33,890

 

Deferred revenue and credits

 

664

 

461

 

Current portion of long-term liabilities

 

559

 

758

 

Current portion of obligations under capital lease

 

619

 

664

 

 

 

37,563

 

39,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities

 

1,680

 

1,747

 

Obligations under capital lease

 

182

 

287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital (note 4)

 

218,827

 

218,805

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

440

 

440

 

Warrants

 

1,538

 

1,538

 

Deficit

 

(53,983

)

(46,389

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(753

)

(729

)

 

 

166,069

 

173,665

 

 

 

$

205,494

 

$

215,594

 

 

Contingencies (note 5)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

26



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)

(Unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

(7,594

)

$

4,570

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities  Amortization

 

2,120

 

1,630

 

Loss on disposal

 

 

(14

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

6,924

 

(998

)

Inventories

 

(7,601

)

(585

)

Prepaid expenses

 

512

 

267

 

Accounts payable

 

185

 

(3,332

)

Accrued liabilities

 

(2,477

)

3,922

 

Deferred revenue and credits

 

203

 

(149

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(7,728

)

5,311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of fixed assets

 

(2,456

)

(1,503

)

Increase in intangible assets

 

(508

)

(1,246

)

Purchase of long-term investments

 

 

(17,011

)

Proceeds on disposal of long-term investments

 

 

3,217

 

Purchase of short-term investments

 

(25,862

)

(7,226

)

Proceeds on maturity of short-term investments

 

 

7,892

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(28,826

)

(15,877

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Issue of common shares, net of share issue costs

 

22

 

3,194

 

Repayment of long-term liabilities

 

(416

)

(385

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(394

)

2,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(36,948

)

(7,757

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

131,846

 

70,358

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

94,898

 

$

62,601

 

 

See supplementary cash flow information (note 6).

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

27



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)

(Prepared in accordance with United States GAAP)

 

1.              Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying interim financial information does not include all disclosures required under United States generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements.  The accompanying financial information is unaudited and reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our fiscal 2004 Annual Report.

 

2.              Significant Accounting Policies

 

These interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as our annual financial statements.

 

(a)       Principles of consolidation

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sierra Wireless, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless (UK) Limited, Sierra Wireless (Asia Pacific) Limited, Sierra Wireless SRL and Sierra Wireless ULC from their respective dates of formation or acquisition.  We have eliminated all significant intercompany balances and transactions.

 

(b)       Use of estimates

 

In preparing the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, particularly the recoverability of fixed assets, intangible assets, goodwill and deferred income taxes, and warranty accruals and other liabilities, and disclosures of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from the estimates.

 

(c)        Stock-based compensation

 

We have elected under FAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation”, to account for employee stock options using the intrinsic value method. This method is described in Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. As we grant all stock options with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of the grant, no compensation expense is required to be recognized under APB 25. FAS No. 123 uses a fair value method of calculating the cost of stock option grants. Had compensation cost for our employee stock option plan been determined by this method, our net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been as follows:

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(7,594

)

$

4,570

 

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards

 

(1,330

)

(1,487

)

Pro forma

 

$

(8,924

)

$

3,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(0.30

)

$

0.18

 

Pro-forma

 

(0.35

)

0.12

 

 

28



 

We recognize the calculated benefit at the date of granting the stock options on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

 

We have estimated the fair value of each option on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected dividend yield

 

 

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

88

%

99

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.51

%

3.32

%

Expected life of options

 

4 years

 

4 years

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted

 

$

5.86

 

$

18.19

 

 

(d)       Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R entitled “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS No. 123R”).  This revised statement addresses accounting for stock-based compensation and results in the fair value of all stock-based compensation arrangements, including options, being recognized as an expense in a company’s financial statements as opposed to supplemental disclosure in the notes to financial statements. The revised Statement eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation transactions using APB Opinion No. 25. FAS No. 123R is effective for public entities that do not file as small business issuers as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005.  We intend to adopt this standard in the period commencing January 1, 2006.

 

3.              Investments

 

Investments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, were comprised as follows:

 

 

 

March 31,
2005

 

Dec 31,
2004

 

Commercial paper

 

$

25,838

 

$

 

 

4.              Share Capital

 

In 2005, we established the Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) for eligible employees and directors to acquire shares of the Company, so as to encourage continued interest in the operation, growth and development of the Company.  There are two ESPPs, one for Canadian and other non-U.S. employees (the “Canadian Plan”) and one for U.S. employees (the “U.S. Plan”).  Effective March 1, 2005, under the Canadian Plan, eligible employees and directors, subject to our insider trading policy, may contribute up to 10% of their eligible compensation to the share purchase plan.  The Company matches 20% of the employee contributions up to a maximum, which is recognized as compensation expense.  There are two six-month acquisition periods each year during which shares are purchased on the open market the week following each payroll period.  Shareholder approval is not required for this plan.

 

Under the U.S. Plan, that was approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2005, eligible employees and directors can contribute up to 10% of their eligible compensation to the plan.  Shares of our common stock are purchased at three-month intervals at 85% of the fair market value on the last day of each offering period.  At March 31, 2005, 50,000 shares were reserved for future issuance.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005, 936 shares were purchased under the ESPPs at a weighted-average price per share of $8.34.  Employer contributions under the ESPP of $2 were recognized as compensation expense during the period.

 

29



 

Changes in the issued and outstanding common shares are as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

25,357,231

 

$

218,805

 

Stock option exercises

 

3,952

 

22

 

Balance at March 31, 2005

 

25,361,183

 

$

218,827

 

 

The following table summarizes the stock options outstanding at March 31, 2005:

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

Number
of Shares

 

Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Number
Exercisable

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

In years

 

Cdn.$

 

U.S.$

 

 

 

Cdn.$

 

U.S.$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0.74 - $1.24 (Cdn.$0.90 - Cdn.$1.50)

 

33,164

 

2.5

 

$

1.30

 

$

1.08

 

33,164

 

$

1.30

 

$

1.08

 

$1.25 - $2.89 (Cdn.$1.51 - Cdn.$3.50)

 

309,363

 

2.4

 

3.33

 

2.75

 

178,662

 

3.30

 

2.72

 

$2.90 - $9.92 (Cdn.$3.51 - Cdn.$12.00)

 

709,765

 

4.3

 

10.23

 

8.45

 

107,640

 

8.82

 

7.29

 

$9.93 - $16.53 (Cdn.$12.01 - Cdn.$20.00)

 

127,131

 

2.9

 

16.27

 

13.45

 

75,125

 

15.16

 

12.53

 

$16.54 - $24.79 (Cdn.$20.01 - Cdn.$30.00)

 

494,883

 

3.5

 

22.14

 

18.30

 

160,281

 

22.48

 

18.58

 

$24.80 - $61.98 (Cdn.$30.01 - Cdn.$75.00)

 

432,780

 

3.6

 

36.39

 

30.07

 

158,529

 

45.04

 

37.22

 

 

 

2,107,086

 

3.6

 

17.61

 

14.55

 

713,401

 

18.87

 

15.60

 

 

The options outstanding at March 31, 2005 expire between April 28, 2005 and March 10, 2010.

 

Warrants

 

There are outstanding warrants to purchase 138,696 of our common shares at Cdn $20.49 per share.  The warrants are exercisable for a term of five years from December 30, 2003.  The warrants were issued under our agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program (note 5(a)).

 

5.              Contingencies

 

(a)  Contingent liability on sale of products

 

(i)

Under license agreements, we are committed to royalty payments based on the sales of products using certain technologies. We recognize royalty obligations as determinable in accordance with agreement terms. Where agreements are not finalized, we have recognized our current best estimate of the obligation. When the agreements are finalized, the estimate will be revised accordingly.

 

 

(ii)

We are a party to a variety of agreements in the ordinary course of business under which we may be obligated to indemnify a third party with respect to certain matters. Typically, these obligations arise as a result of contracts for sale of our products to customers where we provide indemnification against losses arising from matters such as potential intellectual property infringements and product liabilities. The impact on our future financial results is not subject to reasonable estimation because considerable uncertainty exists as to whether claims will be made and the final outcome of potential claims. To date, we have not incurred material costs related to these types of indemnifications.

 

 

(iii)

Under certain research and development funding agreements, we are contingently liable to repay up to $3,262. Repayment for certain of the research and development funding agreements is contingent upon reaching certain revenue levels for specified products.

 

30



 

(iv)            Under an agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program, we have received Cdn. $9,999 to support the development of a range of third generation wireless technologies.  Under the terms of the agreement, an amount up to a maximum of Cdn. $13,000 is to be repaid based on annual sales, in excess of certain minimum amounts, of specified products commencing in 2004.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have recorded, in research and development expense, the repayment of  $202 (2004 – $365).  In addition, we issued warrants to TPC to purchase 138,696 common shares on December 30, 2003, valued at Cdn. $2,000 based on the Black-Scholes pricing model.  The warrants are exercisable at Cdn $20.49 per share for a term of five years from December 30, 2003.  As of March 31, 2005, no warrants have been exercised.

 

In March 2004, we entered into a second agreement with TPC under which we are eligible to receive conditionally repayable research and development funding up to Cdn. $9,540 to support the development of a range of third generation wireless technologies.   The agreement is effective April 2003.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have claimed $440 (2004 – $1,428), which has been recorded as a reduction of research and development expense.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005, we have recorded, in research and development expense, the repayment of  $16 (2004 – nil).  Under the terms of the agreement, repayment based on a percentage of annual sales, in excess of certain minimum amounts, will be made over the period from April 2003 to December 2011.  If the payments during this period are less than Cdn. $16,455, payments will continue subsequent to December 2011 until the earlier of when the amount is reached or December 2014.

 

(v)               We accrue product warranty costs, when we sell the related products, to provide for the repair or replacement of defective products.  Our accrual is based on an assessment of historical experience and on management’s estimates.  An analysis of changes in the liability for product warranties follows:

 

Balance, December 31, 2003

 

$

2,341

 

Provisions

 

2,785

 

Expenditures

 

(2,185

)

Balance, December 31, 2004

 

2,941

 

Provisions

 

390

 

Expenditures

 

(471

)

Balance, March 31, 2005

 

$

2,860

 

 

(b) Other commitments

 

We have entered into purchase commitments totaling approximately $13,200 with certain contract manufacturers under which we have committed to buy a minimum amount of designated products between April 2005 and June 2005.  In certain of these agreements, we may be required to acquire and pay for such products up to the prescribed minimum or forecasted purchases.

 

(c) Legal proceedings

 

(i)                   Sierra Wireless America, Inc., as successor to AirPrime, Inc., along with other defendants, has been served with the complaint of Joshua Cohen and David Beardsley on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for alleged violations of federal and state securities laws allegedly occurring prior to the time AirPrime, Inc. was acquired by the Company.  On March 4, 2005, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint, to which plaintiff’s counsel has responded.  The hearing for the motion to dismiss is scheduled for June 2005.  We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, who is disputing its obligations under the policy, however, has agreed to pay our costs of defense that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation.  We have also submitted an escrow claim notice under the escrow agreement dated August 12, 2003 relating to the acquisition of AirPrime and the escrow shareholders are disputing their obligations with respect to this complaint.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome of the dispute would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend them.  The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any.

 

31



 

(ii)                The Company and certain of our officers are named as defendants in several class action complaints filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California for alleged violations of federal securities laws.  We are assessing the complaints and have not yet been required to file our response.  We have given notice to our liability insurance carrier, who has agreed to pay our costs of defense that exceed the policy’s retention amount, subject to a reservation of rights in the event that it is determined that the carrier has no liability for this litigation.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavourable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the lawsuits.  The Company has determined that it is not possible to establish a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of possible loss, if any.

 

(iii)             On February 8, 2005, Sierra Wireless, Inc. was served with the first amended complaint of MLR, LLC filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division for alleged patent infringement relating to our line of professional phones.  We were added as a defendant in existing civil action no. 04 C 7044 MLR, LLC v. Kyocera Wireless Corporation and Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Since that date, we have reached an agreement with MLR, under which we received non-royalty bearing licenses to use all of MLR’s present and future patents for all of our products and MLR released us from all claims related to their patent portfolio and agreed to dismiss all claims against us in the lawsuit.

 

(iv)            We are engaged in certain legal actions in the ordinary course of business and believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position.

 

6.              Supplementary Information

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash received for interest

 

$

663

 

$

334

 

Cash paid for 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

14

 

3

 

Income taxes

 

315

 

56

 

 

7.              Differences Between United States and Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

 

New Canadian securities regulations provide that financial statements filed by an SEC issuer may be prepared in accordance with United States GAAP provided that, if the SEC issuer previously filed or included in a prospectus financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, the issuer complies with certain disclosure requirements.  Those requirements include explaining and quantifying the differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP for the current and comparative periods.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which differ in certain material respects from those principles that would have been followed had our consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.  The following is a reconciliation of the net earnings (loss) between U.S. GAAP and Canadian GAAP for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

The Canadian GAAP interim financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as our annual financial statements.

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) under U.S. GAAP

 

$

(7,594

)

$

4,570

 

Stock-based compensation expense (a)

 

(1,330

)

(1,487

)

Loss on short-term investments (d)

 

(24

)

 

Net earnings (loss) under Canadian GAAP

 

$

(8,948

)

$

3,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share under Canadian GAAP

 

$

(0.35

)

$

0.12

 

 

32



 

(a)         Stock-based compensation

 

Under U.S. GAAP, we have elected under FAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation”, to account for employee stock options using the intrinsic value method. This method is described in Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. As we grant all stock options with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of the grant, no compensation expense is required to be recognized under APB 25.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, under Canadian GAAP, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of the amended Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook (“HB”) 3870, “Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments” (“HB 3870”), which requires recognition of an estimate of the fair value of stock-based awards in earnings.  We have retroactively applied HB 3870, with restatement of prior periods to record the compensation cost that would have been recognized had the fair value recognition provisions of HB 3870 been applied to all awards granted to employees since the inception of the stock option plan in 1997.

 

(b)         Research and development

 

Under U.S. GAAP, we expense research and development costs as they are incurred.  Under Canadian GAAP, we expense research costs as they are incurred.  Development costs are expensed unless they meet certain specified criteria for deferral and amortization.  No development costs have been deferred in the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 as the criteria for deferral were not met.

 

(c)          Other comprehensive income

 

Under U.S. GAAP, we report comprehensive income or loss in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 entitled “Reporting Comprehensive Income”.  Under Canadian GAAP, we are not required to report comprehensive income or loss.

 

(d)         Short-term investments

 

Under U.S. GAAP, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 entitled “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, prescribes that available-for-sale investments are marked to market with the resulting unrealized gains (losses) being recorded in other comprehensive income, and subsequently reclassified to earnings at the time they are realized.  Under Canadian GAAP, these investments are carried at the lower of cost and quoted market value, with unrealized losses recorded in net earnings (loss).

 

(e)          Future income taxes

 

Under U.S. GAAP, tax rates applied in the calculation of future income taxes are those rates that are passed into law.  Under Canadian GAAP, substantively enacted tax rates are used.

 

(f)            Investment tax credits

 

Under U.S. GAAP, investment tax credits are accounted for using the flow through method whereby such credits are accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense in the period in which the credit arises.  Under Canadian GAAP, investment tax credits are accounted for using the cost reduction method whereby such credits are deducted from the expenses or assets to which they relate in the period in which their recoverability is reasonably assured.  During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, no investment tax credits were recorded.

 

(g)         Shareholders’ equity

 

While there is no net difference between shareholders’ equity as reported under U.S. GAAP and under Canadian GAAP, the various components within shareholders’ equity are affected by the change in reporting and functional currency from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars during the year ended December 31, 1999.

 

33