EX-1.2 3 a12-30384_1ex1d2.htm EX-1.2

EXHIBIT 1.2

 

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and approved by the Board of Directors of Sierra Wireless, Inc. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and, where appropriate, reflect management’s best estimates and judgments. Where alternative accounting methods exist, management has chosen those methods deemed most appropriate in the circumstances. Management is responsible for the accuracy, integrity and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements within reasonable limits of materiality.  Financial information provided elsewhere in the Annual Report is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.

 

To assist management in the discharge of these responsibilities, the Company maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting as described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting on page 34 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

 

The Company’s Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors annually and is comprised exclusively of outside, independent directors. The Audit Committee meets with management as well as with the independent auditors to satisfy itself that management is properly discharging its financial reporting responsibilities and to review the consolidated financial statements and the independent auditors’ report. The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration in approving the consolidated financial statements for presentation to the shareholders. The Audit Committee considers, for review by the Board of Directors and approval by the shareholders, the engagement or reappointment of the independent auditors. KPMG LLP has direct access to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been independently audited by KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, on behalf of the shareholders, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) with respect to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012. Their report outlines the nature of their audit and expresses their opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Jason W. Cohenour

 

/s/ David G. McLennan

Jason W. Cohenour

 

David G. McLennan

President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Vancouver, Canada

March 7, 2013

 

1



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Sierra Wireless, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sierra Wireless, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Sierra Wireless, Inc.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sierra Wireless, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and its consolidated results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Sierra Wireless, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 7, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

“KPMG LLP”

Chartered Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

 

March 7, 2013

 

2



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Sierra Wireless, Inc.

 

We have audited Sierra Wireless, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Sierra Wireless, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Sierra Wireless, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Sierra Wireless, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Sierra Wireless, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated March 7, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

 

“KPMG LLP”

Chartered Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

 

March 7, 2013

 

3



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

As at December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

63,646

 

$

101,375

 

Short-term investments (note 7)

 

 

9,347

 

Accounts receivable (note 8)

 

108,624

 

107,367

 

Inventories (note 9)

 

12,675

 

16,168

 

Deferred income taxes (note 16)

 

22,199

 

6,540

 

Prepaids and other (note 10)

 

24,252

 

20,674

 

Assets held for sale (note 6)

 

54,340

 

 

 

 

285,736

 

261,471

 

Property and equipment (note 11)

 

20,039

 

22,087

 

Intangible assets (note 12)

 

56,357

 

42,557

 

Goodwill (note 13)

 

97,961

 

89,961

 

Deferred income taxes (note 16)

 

3,880

 

6,205

 

Other assets

 

790

 

606

 

 

 

$

464,763

 

$

422,887

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 14)

 

$

128,216

 

$

123,547

 

Deferred income taxes (note 16)

 

 

336

 

Deferred revenue and credits

 

1,312

 

1,721

 

Liabilities held for sale (note 6)

 

10,353

 

 

 

 

139,881

 

125,604

 

Long-term obligations (note 15)

 

26,526

 

25,143

 

Deferred income taxes (note 16)

 

300

 

236

 

 

 

166,707

 

150,983

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock: no par value; unlimited shares authorized; issued and outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

30,592,423 shares (December 31, 2011 — 31,306,692 shares)

 

322,770

 

328,440

 

Preferred stock: no par value; unlimited shares authorized; issued and outstanding: nil

 

 

 

 

 

shares

 

 

 

Treasury stock: at cost; 716,313 shares (December 31, 2011 — 877,559 shares)

 

(5,172

)

(6,141

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

23,203

 

20,087

 

Deficit

 

(35,283

)

(62,482

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 17)

 

(7,462

)

(8,000

)

 

 

298,056

 

271,904

 

 

 

$

464,763

 

$

422,887

 

 

Subsequent events (note 6 and note 23)

Commitments and contingencies (note 28)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

On behalf of the Board:

 

 

 

/s/ Jason W. Cohenour

 

/s/ Robin A. Abrams

Jason W. Cohenour

 

Robin A. Abrams

Director

Director

 

4



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Revenue

 

$

397,321

 

$

333,175

 

$

358,005

 

Cost of goods sold

 

272,047

 

231,435

 

236,599

 

Gross margin

 

125,274

 

101,740

 

121,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

37,067

 

37,188

 

42,472

 

Research and development (note 18)

 

61,785

 

60,903

 

60,890

 

Administration

 

32,777

 

33,716

 

36,021

 

Acquisition costs (note 5)

 

3,182

 

 

 

Restructuring (note 19)

 

2,251

 

837

 

7,640

 

Integration (note 20)

 

 

1,426

 

5,110

 

Impairment of intangible asset (note 12)

 

 

11,214

 

 

Amortization

 

10,418

 

10,709

 

11,990

 

 

 

147,480

 

155,993

 

164,123

 

Loss from operations

 

(22,206

)

(54,253

)

(42,717

)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

3,326

 

(460

)

(7,000

)

Other income (expense) (note 21)

 

(196

)

35

 

(241

)

Loss before income taxes

 

(19,076

)

(54,678

)

(49,958

)

Income tax recovery (note 16)

 

(14,874

)

(3,968

)

(14,985

)

Net loss from continuing operations

 

(4,202

)

(50,710

)

(34,973

)

Net earnings from discontinued operations (note 6)

 

31,401

 

21,338

 

20,174

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

27,199

 

(29,372

)

(14,799

)

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest (note 25)

 

 

(57

)

(258

)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company

 

$

27,199

 

$

(29,315

)

$

(14,541

)

Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to the Company’s common shareholders (in dollars) (note 22)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

(0.14

)

$

(1.62

)

$

(1.12

)

Discontinued operations

 

1.02

 

0.68

 

0.65

 

 

 

$

0.88

 

$

(0.94

)

$

(0.47

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands) (note 22)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

30,788

 

31,275

 

31,083

 

Diluted

 

30,788

 

31,275

 

31,083

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)

 

 (In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

27,199

 

$

(29,372

)

$

(14,799

)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Release of foreign currency translation relating to acquisition of non- controlling interest, net of taxes of $nil

 

 

42

 

32

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $nil

 

538

 

(2,571

)

(5,466

)

Total comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

27,737

 

(31,901

)

(20,233

)

Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

(57

)

(258

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $nil

 

 

(49

)

228

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the Company

 

$

27,737

 

$

(31,795

)

$

(20,203

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

Equity attributable to the Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Treasury Shares

 

Additional
paid-in

 

 

 

Accumulated
other
comprehensive

 

Non-
controlling
interest

 

 

 

 

 

# of shares

 

$

 

# of shares

 

$

 

capital

 

Deficit

 

income (loss)

 

(deficit)

 

Total

 

Balance as at December 31, 2009

 

31,048,907

 

$

326,043

 

1,086,652

 

$

(6,442

)

$

13,133

 

$

(18,626

)

$

(37

)

$

2,525

 

$

316,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of Wavecom S.A. shares

 

 

 

 

 

(229

)

 

32

 

(1,356

)

(1,553

)

Stock option tax benefit for U.S. employees

 

 

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

 

151

 

Stock option exercises (note 24)

 

173,879

 

1,625

 

 

 

(551

)

 

 

 

1,074

 

Stock-based compensation (note 24)

 

 

 

 

 

6,956

 

 

 

 

6,956

 

Distribution of vested RSUs

 

 

 

(443,610

)

2,534

 

(2,534

)

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(14,541

)

 

(258

)

(14,799

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,466

)

228

 

(5,238

)

Balance as at December 31, 2010

 

31,222,786

 

$

327,668

 

643,042

 

$

(3,908

)

$

16,926

 

$

(33,167

)

$

(5,471

)

$

1,139

 

$

303,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of Wavecom S.A. shares

 

 

 

 

 

(796

)

 

42

 

(1,033

)

(1,787

)

Stock option exercises (note 24)

 

83,906

 

772

 

 

 

(253

)

 

 

 

519

 

Stock-based compensation (note 24)

 

 

 

 

 

6,449

 

 

 

 

6,449

 

Purchase of treasury shares for RSU distribution

 

 

 

613,638

 

(4,472

)

 

 

 

 

(4,472

)

Distribution of vested RSUs

 

 

 

(379,121

)

2,239

 

(2,239

)

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,315

)

 

(57

)

(29,372

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,571

)

(49

)

(2,620

)

Balance as at December 31, 2011

 

31,306,692

 

$

328,440

 

877,559

 

$

(6,141

)

$

20,087

 

$

(62,482

)

$

(8,000

)

$

 

$

271,904

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common share cancellation (note 23)

 

(800,000

)

(6,312

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,312

)

Stock option tax benefit for U.S. employees

 

 

 

 

 

71

 

 

 

 

71

 

Stock option exercises (note 24)

 

85,051

 

637

 

 

 

(201

)

 

 

 

436

 

Stock-based compensation (note 24)

 

 

 

 

 

6,713

 

 

 

 

6,713

 

Purchase of treasury shares for RSU distribution

 

 

 

336,638

 

(2,489

)

 

 

 

 

(2,489

)

Distribution of vested RSUs

 

680

 

5

 

(497,884

)

3,458

 

(3,467

)

 

 

 

(4

)

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,199

 

 

 

27,199

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

538

 

 

538

 

Balance as at December 31, 2012

 

30,592,423

 

$

322,770

 

716,313

 

$

(5,172

)

$

23,203

 

$

(35,283

)

$

(7,462

)

$

 

$

298,056

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

7



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash flows provided (used) by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

27,199

 

$

(29,372

)

$

(14,799

)

Items not requiring (providing) cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

 

28,590

 

32,386

 

34,990

 

Stock-based compensation (note 24(a))

 

6,713

 

6,449

 

6,956

 

Non-cash restructuring and other

 

 

 

(859

)

Tax benefit on stock option deduction

 

71

 

 

151

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(13,606

)

(2,903

)

(3,374

)

Loss (gain) on disposal of property, equipment, and intangibles

 

107

 

40

 

(95

)

Impairment of intangible assets

 

 

11,214

 

 

Taxes paid related to net settlement of equity awards

 

(4

)

 

 

Changes in non-cash working capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(616

)

9,067

 

(35,671

)

Inventories

 

(4,019

)

5,664

 

(11,399

)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(14,543

)

4,248

 

7,104

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

10,997

 

(13,783

)

12,116

 

Deferred revenue and credits

 

(422

)

733

 

480

 

Cash flows provided (used) by operating activities

 

40,467

 

23,743

 

(4,400

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of M2M business of Sagemcom (note 5)

 

(55,218

)

 

 

Purchase of Wavecom S.A. shares

 

 

(1,787

)

(1,553

)

Additions to property and equipment

 

(15,845

)

(14,268

)

(12,580

)

Proceeds from sale of property, equipment, and intangibles

 

139

 

31

 

99

 

Increase in intangible assets

 

(2,607

)

(3,740

)

(3,976

)

Net change in short-term investments

 

9,347

 

17,058

 

489

 

Cash flows used by investing activities

 

(64,184

)

(2,706

)

(17,521

)

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares, net of share issue costs

 

436

 

519

 

1,074

 

Repurchase of common shares for cancellation

 

(6,312

)

 

 

Purchase of treasury shares for RSU distribution

 

(2,489

)

(4,472

)

 

Decrease in other long-term obligations

 

(1,000

)

(905

)

(2,615

)

Cash flows used by financing activities

 

(9,365

)

(4,858

)

(1,541

)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(4,647

)

(247

)

1,414

 

Cash and cash equivalents, increase (decrease) in the year

 

(37,729

)

15,932

 

(22,048

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

101,375

 

85,443

 

107,491

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

 

$

63,646

 

$

101,375

 

$

85,443

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income taxes paid (received)

 

$

2,022

 

$

(1,926

)

$

1,112

 

Net interest paid

 

88

 

32

 

173

 

Non-cash purchase of property and equipment (funded by obligation under capital lease)

 

335

 

148

 

227

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

8



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Page

Note 1

Nature of Operations

10

Note 2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

10

Note 3

Recently Implemented Accounting Standards

16

Note 4

Changes in Future Accounting Standards

16

Note 5

Acquisition of M2M Business of Sagemcom

16

Note 6

Disposition of AirCard Business

18

Note 7

Short-term Investments

19

Note 8

Accounts Receivable

19

Note 9

Inventories

20

Note 10

Prepaids and Other

20

Note 11

Property and Equipment

20

Note 12

Intangible Assets

21

Note 13

Goodwill

22

Note 14

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

23

Note 15

Long-term Obligations

23

Note 16

Income Taxes

23

Note 17

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

27

Note 18

Research and Development

27

Note 19

Restructuring

27

Note 20

Integration

29

Note 21

Other Income (Expense)

29

Note 22

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

29

Note 23

Share Capital

29

Note 24

Stock-based Compensation Plans

30

Note 25

Non-controlling Interest

33

Note 26

Fair Value Measurement

33

Note 27

Financial Instruments

34

Note 28

Commitments and Contingencies

35

Note 29

Segmented Information

39

 

9



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

1.                                      NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Sierra Wireless, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “company, we, our”) was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 31, 1993.  We are a global leader in the development of wireless technologies and solutions. We focus on wireless devices and applications, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services that reduce complexity for our customers. With sales, engineering, and research and development teams located in offices around the world, we provide leading edge wireless solutions for the machine-to-machine (“M2M”) and mobile computing markets. We develop and market a range of products that include wireless modems for mobile computers, embedded modules and software for original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), intelligent wireless gateway solutions for industrial, commercial and public safety applications, and an innovative platform for delivering device management and end-to-end application services. We also offer professional services to OEM customers during their product development and launch process, leveraging our expertise in wireless design, software, integration and certification to provide built-in wireless connectivity for mobile computing devices and M2M solutions. Our products, services and solutions connect people, their mobile computers and machines to wireless voice and data networks around the world.

 

We implemented a new organizational structure during the fourth quarter of 2010 and we have two reportable segments effective January 1, 2011.

 

Mobile Computing

 

includes AirCard mobile broadband devices and AirPrime wireless embedded modules for PC OEM customers

 

 

 

 

Machine-to-Machine

 

includes AirPrime embedded wireless modules (excluding embedded module sales to PC OEMs), AirLink Intelligent Gateways, and AirVantage M2M Cloud. Effective August 1, 2012, also includes rugged terminals for railway applications (note 5)

 

The primary markets for our products are North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

 

On January 28, 2013, we announced a definitive agreement for the sale of substantially all of the assets and operations related to our AirCard business. The transaction is expected to close in early April 2013, subject to customary closing conditions.  In accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), assets and liabilities associated with the sale have been recorded as “held for sale” in our consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2012 and the results of operations of the AirCard business as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 (note 6).

 

2.                                      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

(a)                     Basis of consolidation

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries from their respective dates of acquisition of control.  All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation.  The ownership of the other non-controlling interest holders of consolidated subsidiaries is reflected as non-controlling interest and is not significant.

 

(b)                 Use of estimates

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year.  On an ongoing basis, management reviews its

 

10



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

estimates, including those related to inventory obsolescence, estimated useful lives of assets, valuation of intangible assets, goodwill, royalty and warranty accruals, lease provisions, other liabilities, stock-based compensation,  bad debt and doubtful accounts, income taxes, restructuring costs, and commitment and contingencies, based on currently available information.  Actual amounts could differ from estimates.

 

(c)                      Translation of foreign currencies

 

Our functional or primary operating currency is the U.S. dollar.

 

Revenue and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates prevailing during the period.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the period-end exchange rates.  Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect when the assets are acquired or the obligations are incurred.  Foreign exchange gains and losses are reflected in net earnings (loss) for the period.

 

We have foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be self-contained and integrated within their foreign jurisdiction, and accordingly, use the Euro dollar as their functional currency.  The assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated at exchange rates at the balance sheet dates, equity is translated at historical rates, and revenue and expenses are translated at exchange rates prevailing during the period.  The foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation are reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), as presented in note 17, Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss.

 

(d)                     Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term deposits with original maturities of less than three months.  Short-term deposits are valued at amortized cost.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

 

(e)                      Short-term investments

 

Short-term investments, categorized as available-for-sale, are carried at fair value. Unrealized holding gains (losses) related to available-for-sale investments, after deducting amounts allocable to income taxes, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These gains (losses) are removed from comprehensive income (loss) when the investments mature or are sold on an item-by-item basis.

 

We regularly evaluate the realizable value of short-term investments, and if circumstances indicate that a decline in value is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge. To determine whether to recognize an impairment charge, we consider various factors, such as the significance of the decline in value, the length of time the investment has been below market value, changes that would impact the financial condition of the investee, and the likelihood that the investment will recover its value before it matures or is disposed of.

 

(f)                       Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

We maintain an allowance for our accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from our customers’ inability to pay.  We determine the amount of the allowance by analyzing known uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions, historical losses, insured amounts, if any, and changes in customer payment cycles and credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged against this allowance.

 

If the financial condition of any of our customers deteriorates resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, we may increase our allowance.

 

11



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

(g)                      Inventories

 

Inventories consist of electronic components and finished goods and are valued at the lower of cost or estimable realizable value, determined on a first-in-first-out basis.  Cost is defined as all costs that relate to bringing the inventory to its present condition and location under normal operating conditions.

 

We review the components of our inventory and our inventory purchase commitments on a regular basis for excess and obsolete inventory based on estimated future usage and sales.  Write-downs in inventory value or losses on inventory purchase commitments depend on various items, including factors related to customer demand, economic and competitive conditions, technological advances and new product introductions that vary from current expectations.  We believe that the estimates used in calculating the inventory provision are reasonable and properly reflect the risk of excess and obsolete inventory.  If customer demands for our inventory are substantially less than our estimates, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

(h)                 Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We amortize our property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated economic lives:

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

3-5 years

 

Research and development equipment

 

3-10 years

 

Production equipment

 

3-5 years

 

Tooling

 

1.5-3 years

 

Computer equipment

 

1-5 years

 

Software

 

1-5 years

 

Office equipment

 

3-5 years

 

 

Research and development equipment related amortization is included in research and development expense.  Tooling and production equipment related amortization is included in cost of goods sold.  All other amortization is included in amortization expense.

 

Leasehold improvements and leased vehicles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their expected average service life or term of the initial lease.

 

When we sell property and equipment, we net the historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization against the sale proceeds and include the difference in Other income (expense).

 

(i)                         Intangible assets

 

The estimated useful life of intangible assets with definite life is the period over which the assets are expected to contribute to our future cash flows.  When determining the useful life, we consider the expected use of the asset, useful life of a related intangible asset, any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that limit the useful life,  any legal, regulatory, or contractual renewal or extension provisions without substantial costs or modifications to the existing terms and conditions, the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors,  and the expected level of maintenance expenditures relative to the cost of the asset required to obtain future cash flows from the asset.

 

We amortize our intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the following specific periods:

 

Patents and trademarks

 

 

3-5 years

 

 

 

 

 

License fees

 

 

over the shorter of the term of the license or an estimate of their useful life, ranging from three to ten years

 

 

 

 

 

Intellectual property, customer relationships and databases

 

 

3-13 years

 

12



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

In-process research and development

 

 

over the estimated life

 

 

 

 

 

Non-compete covenants

 

 

over the term of the agreement

 

Amortization related to intangible assets is included in research and development expense.

 

In-process research and development (“IPRD”) are intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations.  IPRD are intangible assets with indefinite life prior to their completion.  They are not amortized and are subject to impairment test on an annual basis.

 

(j)                        Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired enterprise over the fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Prior to January 1, 2011, goodwill was allocated as of the date of the business combination to the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.  We implemented a new organization structure during the fourth quarter of 2010 and effective January 1, 2011, we have three reporting units for the purpose of goodwill determination.  Goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units affected using a relative fair value allocation approach as at January 1, 2011.

 

Goodwill has an indefinite life, is not amortized, and is subject to a two-step impairment test on an annual basis. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, which includes the goodwill. When the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, the second step measures the amount of the impairment loss.  If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess.

 

(k)                     Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, and intangible assets other than goodwill, are assessed for potential impairment when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recovered. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Any required impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value and is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and a charge to operating results. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value of the intangible assets may be impaired.

 

(l)                     Research and Development costs

 

Research and development costs are expensed as they are incurred.  Certain software development costs for costs associated with the development of computer software to be sold, leased or marketed are capitalized once technological feasibility is reached.

 

We follow the cost reduction method of accounting for government research and development funding, whereby the benefit of the funding is recognized as a reduction in the cost of the related expenditure when certain criteria stipulated under the terms of those funding agreements have been met, and there is reasonable assurance the research and development funding will be received. Certain research and development funding is repayable on the occurrence of specified future events. We recognize the liability to repay research and development funding in the period in which conditions arise that will cause research and development funding to be repayable.

 

13



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

(m)                 Warranty costs

 

Warranty costs are accrued upon the recognition of related revenue, based on our best estimates, with reference to past and expected future experience.  Warranty obligations are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

 

(n)                     Royalty costs

 

We have intellectual property license agreements which generally require us to make royalty payments based on a percentage of the revenue generated by sales of products incorporating the licensed technology.  We recognize royalty obligations in accordance with the terms of the respective royalty agreements.  Royalty costs are recorded as a component of cost of revenues in the period when incurred.

 

(o)                     Market development costs

 

Market development costs are charged to sales and marketing expense to the extent that the benefit is separable from the revenue transaction and the fair value of that benefit is determinable.  To the extent that such allowances either do not provide a separable benefit, or the fair value of the benefit cannot be reliably estimated, such amounts are recorded as a reduction of revenue.

 

(p)                 Revenue recognition

 

Revenue from sales of products and services is recognized upon the later of transfer of title or upon shipment of the product to the customer or rendering of the service, so long as persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

 

Cash received in advance of the revenue recognition criteria being met is recorded as deferred revenue.

 

Revenues from contracts with multiple-element arrangements 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.  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.

 

Funding from certain research and development agreements 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 on the occurrence of specified future events. We 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.

 

(q)                 Stock-based compensation and other stock-based payments

 

Stock options and restricted share units granted to the company’s key officers, directors and employees are accounted for using the fair value-based method.  Under this method, compensation cost for stock options is measured at fair value at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and is expensed over the award’s vesting period using the straight-line method.  Any consideration paid by plan participants on the exercise of stock options or the purchase of shares is credited to Common stock together with any related stock-based compensation expense.  Compensation cost for restricted share units is measured at fair value at the date of grant which is the market price of the underlying security, and is expensed over the award’s vesting period using the straight-line method.  Stock-based compensation is described further in note 24.

 

14



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

(r)                    Income taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method.  Future income tax assets and liabilities are based on temporary differences (differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities) and non-capital loss carry-forwards and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply when these differences reverse.  Future tax benefits, including non-capital loss carry-forwards, are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is considered more likely than not.  The effect on future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that enactment occurs.

 

We include interest and penalties related to income taxes, including unrecognized tax benefits, in income tax expense (recovery).

 

Liabilities for uncertain tax positions are recorded based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of examinations by tax authorities in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assess the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjust the income tax provision, income taxes payable and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.

 

We recognize the windfall tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options by U.S. employees to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) when realized. This tax benefit is not recognized until the deduction reduces U.S. taxes payable and all U.S. loss carryforwards have been utilized.

 

(s)                       Derivatives

 

Derivatives, such as foreign currency forward and option contracts, are occasionally used to hedge the foreign exchange risk on cash flows from commitments denominated in a foreign currency.  Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are measured at fair value at each balance sheet date and any resulting gains and losses from changes in the fair value are recorded in other income (expense).  Gains and losses from the effective portion of foreign currency forward and option contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).  As at December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no material derivative contracts in place.

 

(t)                    Earnings (loss) per common share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) attributable to the company for the period by the weighted average number of company common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the treasury stock method.  When the effect of options and other securities convertible into common shares is anti-dilutive, including when the company has incurred a loss for the period, basic and diluted loss per share are the same.

 

Under the treasury stock method, the number of dilutive shares, if any, is determined by dividing the average market price of shares for the period into the net proceeds of in-the-money options.

 

(u)                     Comprehensive income (loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings (loss) as well as changes in equity from other non-owner sources. The other changes in equity included in comprehensive income (loss) are comprised of foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments. The reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary losses on marketable securities included in net earnings (loss) results from the recognition of the unrealized losses in the statements of

 

15



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

operations when they are no longer viewed as temporary. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.

 

(v)                     Investment tax credits

 

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.

 

(w)                   Comparative figures

 

Certain figures presented in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted for the current year.

 

3.                                      RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income — Presentation.  This guidance increases the prominence of other comprehensive income by requiring comprehensive income to be reported in either a single statement or two consecutive statements.  This eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  The amendments do not change what items are reported in other comprehensive income.  This ASU is effective on a retrospective basis for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  This guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

4.                                      CHANGES IN FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (the revised standard).  The revised standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary.  The revised standard is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 and early adoption of this guidance is permitted.

 

5.                                      ACQUISITION OF M2M BUSINESS OF SAGEMCOM

 

On August 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the M2M business of Sagemcom.  Sagemcom, based in France, is a leading technology company active in broadband, telecom, energy, and document management.  Its M2M business includes 2G and 3G wireless modules, as well as industry-leading rugged terminals for railway applications.  The acquisition extends our leadership position in the growing M2M market and offers a significantly enhanced market position for us in key segments, including payment, transportation, and railways, as well as new geographical expansion into Brazil.

 

The acquisition included substantially all of the assets of the M2M business of Sagemcom for cash consideration of €44.9 million ($55.2 million) plus assumed liabilities of €3.9 million ($4.8 million).

 

Sagemcom’s results of operations and estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

 

We accounted for the transaction using the acquisition method and accordingly, the consideration has been allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the basis of their respective estimated fair values, as at August 1, 2012.  The excess of the purchase price over the preliminary value assigned to the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.

 

16



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date:

 

 

 

 

$

 

Assets acquired

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

786

 

967

 

Machinery and equipment

 

1,454

 

1,788

 

Identifiable intangible assets

 

21,272

 

26,160

 

Goodwill

 

25,295

 

31,107

 

 

 

48,807

 

60,022

 

Liabilities assumed

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

2,439

 

2,999

 

Long-term obligations

 

1,468

 

1,805

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

 

44,900

 

55,218

 

 

The goodwill of €25.3 million ($31.1 million) resulting from the acquisition consists largely of the expectation that the acquisition will extend our leadership position in the growing M2M market and offer us a significantly enhanced market position.  Goodwill was assigned to the M2M segment and it is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

The following table provides the components of the identifiable intangible assets acquired that are subject to amortization:

 

 

 

Estimated
useful life
(in years)

 

 

$

 

Patents

 

8

 

5,259

 

6,468

 

Customer relationships

 

8-13

 

13,887

 

17,078

 

Backlog

 

1-2

 

1,382

 

1,699

 

In-process research and development

 

5

 

744

 

915

 

 

 

 

 

21,272

 

26,160

 

 

The amounts of revenue and net earnings of Sagemcom’s M2M business included in our consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition date, through the period ended December 31, 2012, was as follows:

 

 

 

August 1, 2012 to
December 31, 2012

 

Revenue

 

$

20,133

 

Net earnings

 

1,358

 

 

The following table presents the unaudited pro forma results for the years ended 2012 and 2011.  The pro forma financial information combines the results of operations of Sierra Wireless, Inc. and the M2M business of Sagemcom as though the businesses had been combined as of the beginning of fiscal 2011.  The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2011.  The pro forma

 

17



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

financial information presented includes amortization charges for acquired tangible and intangible assets, and related tax effects, based on the values assigned in purchase price allocation.

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Pro Forma information

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

423,653

 

$

385,049

 

Loss from operations

 

(21,462

)

(48,406

)

Net loss

 

(3,458

)

(44,806

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share (in dollars)

 

$

(0.11

)

$

(1.43

)

Diluted loss per share (in dollars)

 

$

(0.11

)

$

(1.43

)

 

6.                                      DISPOSITION OF AIRCARD BUSINESS

 

On January 28, 2013, we announced a definitive asset sale agreement for the sale of our AirCard business to Netgear, Inc. (“Netgear”) for $138 million in cash plus assumed liabilities.  We expect to realize net cash proceeds of approximately $100 million from the divesture, after related taxes, expenses and retention for the purposes of indemnification. Approximately 160 employees, primarily in sales, marketing and research and development, will be transferred to Netgear, as well as certain facilities in Carlsbad, California and Richmond, British Columbia. The transaction is expected to close in early April 2013, subject to customary closing conditions.

 

Assets and liabilities held for sale as at December 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

Inventories

 

$

8,731

 

Prepaids

 

10,847

 

Property and equipment

 

7,489

 

Intangible assets

 

1,317

 

Goodwill

 

25,956

 

Assets held for sale

 

$

54,340

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory commitment reserve

 

$

2,282

 

Product warranties

 

1,589

 

Marketing development funds

 

5,742

 

Other

 

740

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

$

10,353

 

 

18



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

The results related to the AirCard business have been presented as discontinued operations in the statement of earnings for the three years ended December 31, 2012 and were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Revenue

 

$

246,845

 

$

245,010

 

$

292,336

 

Cost of goods sold

 

177,147

 

183,300

 

223,377

 

Gross margin

 

$

69,698

 

$

61,710

 

$

68,959

 

Gross margin %

 

28.2

%

25.2

%

23.6

%

Expenses

 

36,653

 

37,369

 

36,608

 

Earnings from operations

 

33,045

 

24,341

 

32,351

 

Net earnings from discontinued operations

 

$

31,401

 

$

21,338

 

$

20,174

 

 

We had two significant customers related to discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2012 that each accounted for more than 10% of our aggregated revenue from continuing and discontinued operations, comprising sales of $88,689 and $73,091 (year ended December 31, 2011 - three significant customers comprising sales of $77,216, $68,361 and $66,001; year ended December 31, 2010 - two significant customers comprising sales of $105,469 and $65,691).

 

7.                                      SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

Short-term investments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are comprised of government treasury bills and securities.   As at December 31, 2012, we had no outstanding short-term investments.

 

8.                                      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

The components of accounts receivable at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Trade receivables

 

$

96,779

 

$

101,130

 

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(2,435

)

(3,642

)

 

 

94,344

 

97,488

 

Sales taxes receivable

 

2,594

 

1,825

 

Other receivables

 

11,686

 

8,054

 

 

 

$

108,624

 

$

107,367

 

 

The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$

3,642

 

$

4,606

 

Bad debt expense

 

386

 

(83

)

Write-offs and settlements

 

(1,608

)

(827

)

Foreign exchange

 

15

 

(54

)

 

 

$

2,435

 

$

3,642

 

 

19



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

9.                                      INVENTORIES

 

The components of inventories at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic components

 

$

7,206

 

$

4,826

 

Finished goods

 

5,469

 

11,342

 

 

 

$

12,675

 

$

16,168

 

 

10.                               PREPAIDS AND OTHER

 

The components of prepaids and other at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Inventory advances

 

$

17,613

 

$

16,486

 

Insurance and licenses

 

2,374

 

2,024

 

Other

 

4,265

 

2,164

 

 

 

$

24,252

 

$

20,674

 

 

11.                               PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

The components of property and equipment at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

Cost

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Net book
value

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

$

4,557

 

$

3,755

 

$

802

 

Research and development equipment

 

21,875

 

16,504

 

5,371

 

Tooling

 

25,000

 

17,577

 

7,423

 

Computer equipment

 

7,614

 

6,048

 

1,566

 

Software

 

9,358

 

7,863

 

1,495

 

Leasehold improvements

 

4,973

 

3,070

 

1,903

 

Leased vehicles

 

1,206

 

587

 

619

 

Office equipment

 

3,144

 

2,284

 

860

 

 

 

$

77,727

 

$

57,688

 

$

20,039

 

 

20



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

Cost

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Net book
value

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

$

4,799

 

$

3,856

 

$

943

 

Research and development equipment

 

37,106

 

29,204

 

7,902

 

Tooling

 

44,149

 

37,298

 

6,851

 

Computer equipment

 

8,390

 

6,764

 

1,626

 

Software

 

9,352

 

7,338

 

2,014

 

Leasehold improvements

 

5,141

 

3,955

 

1,186

 

Leased vehicles

 

1,126

 

546

 

580

 

Office equipment

 

3,076

 

2,091

 

985

 

 

 

$

113,139

 

$

91,052

 

$

22,087

 

 

Amortization expense relating to property and equipment, including those related to discontinued operations, was $12,583, $14,528, and $17,638 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

 

12.                               INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

Cost

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Net book
value

 

Patents and trademarks

 

$

15,466

 

$

5,317

 

$

10,149

 

Licenses

 

61,660

 

42,134

 

19,526

 

Intellectual property

 

7,006

 

6,995

 

11

 

Customer relationships

 

45,065

 

23,474

 

21,591

 

Backlog

 

1,823

 

538

 

1,285

 

Non-compete

 

2,827

 

2,827

 

 

In-process research and development

 

6,524

 

2,729

 

3,795

 

 

 

$

140,371

 

$

84,014

 

$

56,357

 

 

21



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

Cost

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

Net book
value

 

Patents and trademarks

 

$

10,822

 

$

5,368

 

$

5,454

 

Licenses

 

58,842

 

33,325

 

25,517

 

Intellectual property

 

6,856

 

6,614

 

242

 

Customer relationships

 

26,565

 

18,499

 

8,066

 

Non-compete

 

2,764

 

2,764

 

 

In-process research and development

 

5,419

 

2,141

 

3,278

 

 

 

$

111,268

 

$

68,711

 

$

42,557

 

 

Estimated annual amortization expense for the future 5 years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

2013

 

$

16,348

 

2014

 

 

10,700

 

2015

 

 

5,355

 

2016

 

 

4,048

 

2017

 

 

3,758

 

 

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded an impairment charge of $11,214, primarily related to a software development program we decided not to complete.  This asset was acquired through the acquisition of Wavecom.   We did not record an impairment charge for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2010.

 

Amortization expense relating to intangible assets, including those related to discontinued operations, was $16,007, $17,858, and $17,352 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2012, a net carrying amount of $1,260 included in intangible assets was not subject to amortization.

 

13.                               GOODWILL

 

We assessed the realizability of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2012 and determined that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.  Therefore, the second step of the impairment test that measures the amount of an impairment loss by comparing the implied fair market value with the carrying amount of goodwill for each reporting unit was not required.  There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

89,961

 

$

90,953

 

Goodwill acquired during year (note 5)

 

31,107

 

 

Goodwill allocated to discontinued operations (note 6)

 

(25,956

)

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

2,849

 

(992

)

 

 

$

97,961

 

$

89,961

 

 

22



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

14.                               ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

The components of accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Trade payables

 

$

64,351

 

$

62,260

 

Inventory commitment reserve

 

1,465

 

3,443

 

Accrued royalties

 

22,450

 

15,053

 

Accrued payroll and related liabilities

 

11,461

 

9,770

 

Taxes payable (including sales taxes)

 

9,181

 

9,849

 

Product warranties

 

4,169

 

4,537

 

Marketing development funds

 

38

 

5,323

 

Other

 

15,101

 

13,312

 

 

 

$

128,216

 

$

123,547

 

 

15.                              LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

 

The components of long-term obligations at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Accrued royalties

 

$

23,566

 

$

18,442

 

Marketing development funds

 

 

4,668

 

Other

 

2,960

 

2,033

 

 

 

$

26,526

 

$

25,143

 

 

16.                               INCOME TAXES

 

The components of earnings (loss) before income taxes consist of the following:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian

 

$

24,802

 

$

(22,099

)

$

(10,799

)

Foreign

 

(43,878

)

(32,579

)

(39,159

)

 

 

(19,076

)

(54,678

)

(49,958

)

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian

 

15,617

 

5,898

 

6,456

 

Foreign

 

17,428

 

18,443

 

25,895

 

 

 

33,045

 

24,341

 

32,351

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

$

13,969

 

$

(30,337

)

$

(17,607

)

 

23



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

The income tax expense (recovery) consists of:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Canadian:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

(106

)

$

123

 

$

 

Deferred

 

(14,268

)

1,981

 

(71

)

 

 

(14,374

)

2,104

 

(71

)

Foreign:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

219

 

1,815

 

379

 

Deferred

 

925

 

(4,884

)

(3,116

)

 

 

1,144

 

(3,069

)

(2,737

)

Total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

113

 

1,938

 

379

 

Deferred

 

(13,343

)

(2,903

)

(3,187

)

 

 

$

(13,230

)

$

(965

)

$

(2,808

)

Classification:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (recovery) — continuing operations

 

(14,874

)

(3,968

)

(14,985

)

Income tax expense — discontinued operations

 

1,644

 

3,003

 

12,177

 

 

 

$

(13,230

)

$

(965

)

$

(2,808

)

 

The reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the statutory rate to the actual income tax provision for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Income tax expense (recovery) at Canadian statutory income tax rates

 

$

3,499

 

$

(8,023

)

$

(6,288

)

Increase (decrease) in income taxes for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent and other differences

 

(5,279

)

6,335

 

3,178

 

Change in statutory/foreign tax rates

 

(2,762

)

(1,973

)

(1,470

)

Change in valuation allowance

 

(10,358

)

1,805

 

(9,223

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

1,603

 

891

 

1,125

 

Adjustment to prior years

 

67

 

 

6,347

 

Foreign exchange gain adjustment

 

 

 

3,523

 

Income tax expense (recovery)

 

$

(13,230

)

$

(965

)

$

(2,808

)

 

24



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

Future tax assets and liabilities

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant future tax assets and future tax liabilities were as follows at December 31:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Future income tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment

 

$

4,165

 

$

3,032

 

Non capital loss carry-forwards

 

70,824

 

64,980

 

Capital loss carry-forwards

 

2,655

 

2,607

 

Scientific research and development expenses and credits

 

36,961

 

38,640

 

Reserves and other

 

8,974

 

11,075

 

 

 

123,579

 

120,334

 

Future income tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired intangibles

 

2,920

 

9,893

 

 

 

120,659

 

110,441

 

Valuation allowance

 

94,880

 

98,268

 

 

 

$

25,779

 

$

12,173

 

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Classification:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

22,199

 

$

6,540

 

Non-current

 

3,880

 

6,205

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

(336

)

Non-current

 

(300

)

(236

)

 

 

$

25,779

 

$

12,173

 

 

At December 31, 2012, we have provided for a valuation allowance on our future tax assets of $94,880 (2011 - $98,268).

 

At December 31, 2012, we have Canadian allowable capital loss carry-forwards of $11,323 that are available, indefinitely, to be deducted against future Canadian taxable capital gains.  In addition, we have $20,207 in scientific research and development expenditures available to be deducted against future Canadian taxable income that may be carried forward indefinitely and investment tax credits of $22,656 and $10,385 available to offset future Canadian federal and provincial income taxes payable, respectively.  The investment tax credits expire between 2013 and 2032.  At December 31, 2012, our U.S. subsidiary has $2,015 and $6,396 of federal and California research & development tax credits carried forward which expire between 2029 and 2031.  The amounts are prior to the estimated utilization from the sale of AirCard business described below.

 

At December 31, 2012, net operating loss carry-forwards for our foreign subsidiaries were $18,479 for U.S. income tax purposes that expire between 2020 and 2032, $139 for Hong Kong income tax purposes, $44 for Brazil income tax purposes, $233 for Korea income tax purposes, $345 for Luxembourg income tax purposes, $73 for German income tax purposes, and $180,576 for French income tax purposes.  Our foreign subsidiaries may be limited in their ability to use foreign net operating losses in any single year depending on their ability to generate significant taxable income.  In addition, the utilization of these net operating losses is also subject to ownership change limitations provided by U.S. federal and specific state income tax legislation.  The amount of French net operating losses deducted each year is limited to €1,000 plus 50% of French taxable income in excess of €1,000. Our French net operating losses carry-

 

25



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

forward is subject to the “continuity of business” requirement.  Our French subsidiaries also have research tax credit carried forward of $7,298 as at December 31, 2012.  The French research tax credit may be used to offset against corporate income tax and if any credit is not fully utilized within a three year period following the year the research tax credit is earned, it may be refunded by the French tax authorities.  Tax loss and research tax credit carry-forwards are denominated in the currency of the countries in which the respective subsidiaries are located and operate.  Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent value of these tax loss and research tax credit carry forwards in future years.

 

In assessing the realizability of our future tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the future tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of future tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making our assessment.

 

On closing of the sale of the AirCard assets to Netgear (note 6), we expect to utilize approximately $17,600 of Canadian scientific research and development expenditures, approximately $4,000 of Canadian allowable capital loss, approximately $4,800 of Canadian Federal and Provincial investment tax credits, approximately $8,000 of U.S. net operating loss, and approximately $2,000 of U.S. Federal and California research & development tax credit. The estimated utilization is subject to change due to a number of variables, including the determination of final closing costs and purchase price adjustments.

 

No provision for taxes have been provided on foreign earnings, as it is the company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. It is not practical to estimate the income tax liability that might be incurred if there is a change in management’s intention in the event that a remittance of such earnings occurs in the future.

 

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes

 

At December 31, 2012, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $8,227 (2011 — $9,464).  Of this total, $5,349 (2011 - $6,815) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact our effective tax rate.

 

Below is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year

 

$

9,464

 

$

8,754

 

Increases (decreases) — tax positions taken in prior periods

 

55

 

1,508

 

Increases — tax positions taken in current period

 

(238

)

 

Settlements and lapse of statute of limitations

 

(1,054

)

(798

)

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

 

$

8,227

 

$

9,464

 

 

We recognize interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income tax expense on the consolidated statement of operations.  At December 31, 2012, we had accrued $1,488 (2011 - $1,642) for interest and penalties.

 

In the normal course of business, we are subject to audit by the Canadian federal and provincial taxing authorities, by the U.S. federal and various state taxing authorities and by the taxing authorities in various foreign jurisdictions.  Tax years ranging from 2004 to 2012 remain subject to examination in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Korea, and Luxembourg.

 

26



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

17.                               ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, net of taxes, were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Release of foreign currency translation relating to acquisition of non-controlling interest

 

$

178

 

$

178

 

Translation adjustment related to change in functional currency

 

(728

)

(728

)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(6,912

)

(7,450

)

 

 

$

(7,462

)

$

(8,000

)

 

18.                               RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The components of research and development costs consist of the following:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gross research and development

 

$

64,346

 

$

63,424

 

$

63,020

 

Government tax credits

 

(2,561

)

(2,521

)

(2,130

)

 

 

$

61,785

 

$

60,903

 

$

60,890

 

 

19.                               RESTRUCTURING

 

The following table provides the activity in the restructuring liability:

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

Workforce
Reduction

 

Facilities

 

Total

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$

625

 

$

562

 

$

1,187

 

Expensed in year

 

2,167

 

84

 

2,251

 

Disbursements

 

(2,340

)

(464

)

(2,804

)

Adjustments

 

(21

)

 

(21

)

Foreign exchange

 

41

 

 

41

 

Balance, end of year

 

$

472

 

$

182

 

$

654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

472

 

$

149

 

$

621

 

Other long term obligations

 

 

33

 

33

 

 

 

$

472

 

$

182

 

$

654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By restructuring initiative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 2012

 

$

433

 

$

 

$

433

 

May 2009

 

 

182

 

182

 

Wavecom S.A. and prior

 

39

 

 

39

 

 

 

$

472

 

$

182

 

$

654

 

 

27



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

Workforce
Reduction

 

Facilities

 

Total

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

1,975

 

$

1,771

 

$

3,746

 

Expensed in year

 

1,201

 

(364

)

837

 

Disbursements

 

(2,321

)

(861

)

(3,182

)

Adjustments

 

(224

)

11

 

(213

)

Foreign exchange

 

(6

)

5

 

(1

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

625

 

$

562

 

$

1,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

625

 

$

396

 

$

1,021

 

Other long term obligations

 

 

166

 

166

 

 

 

$

625

 

$

562

 

$

1,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By restructuring initiative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 2010

 

$

377

 

$

 

$

377

 

May 2009

 

 

562

 

562

 

Wavecom S.A. and prior

 

248

 

 

248

 

 

 

$

625

 

$

562

 

$

1,187

 

 

April 2012

 

In April 2012, we announced the closure of our Newark, California facility, effective December 31, 2012, to drive greater efficiency and leverage.  Subsequently, our AirLink marketing, research and development, and customer support activities primarily transferred to the Richmond, British Columbia, facilities, and manufacturing operations transferred to our manufacturing partner in Suzhou, China. The Newark facility was closed on December 31, 2012 and, for the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1,980 in restructuring costs related to this initiative.  The outstanding restructuring obligation is expected to be fully paid by July 31, 2013.

 

September 2010

 

In September 2010, we implemented a new business unit structure that resulted in a reduction of our workforce by 60 employees.  These reductions were substantially completed during the fourth quarter of 2010.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded restructuring costs of $4,420 primarily related to severance and benefits associated with the terminated employees.  The restructuring obligation was fully paid by December 31, 2012.

 

May 2009

 

In May 2009, we implemented cost reduction initiatives related to the integration of Wavecom S.A. with Sierra Wireless which included combining the research and development and product operations of both organizations.  The remaining facilities related restructuring obligation of $182 (December 31, 2011 - $562) is expected to be substantially paid by the second quarter of 2014.

 

28



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

20.                               INTEGRATION

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we incurred integration costs of $nil.  During the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we incurred integration costs of $1,426 and $5,110, respectively, related to the acquisition of Wavecom S.A., primarily for costs related to the office space optimization in France, implementation of an integrated Customer Relationship Management system, and the integration of our Enterprise Resource Planning system.

 

21.                               OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

The components of other income (expense) for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gain (loss) on disposal of property, equipment, and intangibles

 

$

(107

)

$

(40

)

$

95

 

Interest income

 

108

 

199

 

202

 

Interest expense

 

(197

)

(124

)

(538

)

 

 

$

(196

)

$

35

 

$

(241

)

 

22.                               EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

 

The following table provides the reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to the company

 

$

27,199

 

$

(29,315

)

$

(14,541

)

Weighted average shares used in computation of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

30,788

 

31,275

 

31,083

 

Assumed conversion

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

30,788

 

31,275

 

31,083

 

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to the company’s common shareholders (in dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.88

 

$

(0.94

)

$

(0.47

)

Diluted

 

$

0.88

 

$

(0.94

)

$

(0.47

)

 

23.                               SHARE CAPITAL

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we purchased 800,000 common shares in the open market at an average price of $7.89 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid that was approved on December 13, 2011 by the Toronto Stock Exchange.  The normal course issuer bid commenced on December 19, 2011 and terminated on December 18, 2012.

 

On February 6, 2013, we received regulatory approval allowing us to purchase for cancellation up to 1,529,687 of our common shares by a normal course issuer bid (“the Bid”) on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Global Market.  The Bid commenced on February 14, 2013 and will terminate on the earlier of February 13, 2014, the date we complete our purchases, or the date of notice by us of termination.  As of March 7, 2013, we had purchased 124,300 common shares in the open market at an average price of $11.08 per share.

 

29



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

24.                               STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

(a)                     Stock-based compensation expense:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$

304

 

$

385

 

$

492

 

Sales and marketing

 

1,149

 

1,075

 

1,199

 

Research and development

 

1,341

 

1,110

 

861

 

Administration

 

2,987

 

2,928

 

2,913

 

Restructuring

 

 

 

540

 

Continuing operations

 

5,781

 

5,498

 

6,005

 

Discontinued operations

 

932

 

951

 

951

 

 

 

$

6,713

 

$

6,449

 

$

6,956

 

Stock option plan

 

$

2,121

 

$

2,844

 

$

3,359

 

Restricted stock plan

 

4,592

 

3,605

 

3,597

 

 

 

$

6,713

 

$

6,449

 

$

6,956

 

 

(b)                     Stock option plan

 

Under the terms of our employee Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), our Board of Directors may grant options to employees, officers and directors.  The maximum number of shares available for issue under the Plan is the lesser of 10% of the number of issued and outstanding common shares from time to time or 7,000,000 common shares.  Based on the number of shares outstanding as at December 31, 2012, stock options exercisable into 703,365 common shares are available for future allocation under the Plan.

 

The Plan provides that the exercise price of an option will be determined on the date of grant and will not be less than the closing market price of our stock at that date.  Options generally vest over four years, with the first 25% vesting at the first anniversary date of the grant and the balance vesting in equal amounts at the end of each month thereafter.  We determine the expiry date of each option at the time it is granted, which cannot be more than five years after the date of the grant.

 

The fair value of share options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

0.85

%

2.07

%

1.90

%

Annual dividends per share

 

Nil

 

Nil

 

Nil

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

57

%

60

%

60

%

Expected option life (in years)

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

Estimated forfeiture rate

 

3.5

%

3.5

%

3.5

%

Average fair value of options granted (in dollars)

 

$

3.42

 

$

5.11

 

$

4.21

 

 

There is no dividend yield because we do not pay, and do not plan to pay, cash dividends on our common shares.  The expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our average monthly stock closing prices over a period equal to the expected life of each option grant.  The risk-free interest rate is based on yields from risk-free instruments with a term equal to the expected term of the options being valued.  The expected life of options represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding based on historical data of option holder exercise and termination behavior.  We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and, if necessary, revise that estimate if actual forfeitures differ and adjust stock-based compensation expense accordingly.

 

30



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

The following table presents stock option activity for the years ended December 31:

 

 

 

Number of

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

 

 

 

Shares

 

Cdn.$

 

U.S.$

 

In Years

 

U.S.$

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009

 

2,158,088

 

13.51

 

12.83

 

2.5

 

3,246

 

Granted

 

698,972

 

9.12

 

8.76

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(173,879

)

6.38

 

6.18

 

 

 

792

 

Forfeited

 

(423,453

)

12.36

 

11.84

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010

 

2,259,728

 

12.51

 

12.54

 

2.4

 

7,878

 

Granted

 

658,452

 

10.88

 

10.89

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(83,906

)

6.06

 

6.19

 

 

 

417

 

Forfeited

 

(536,399

)

13.91

 

13.97

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2011

 

2,297,875

 

12.11

 

11.86

 

2.5

 

705

 

Granted

 

636,963

 

7.85

 

7.82

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(85,051

)

5.16

 

5.12

 

 

 

297

 

Forfeited

 

(493,910

)

17.58

 

17.42

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2012

 

2,355,877

 

9.89

 

9.96

 

2.5

 

735

 

 

The intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable stock options is calculated as the quoted market price of the stock at the balance sheet date, or date of exercise, less the exercise price of the option.  The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised in the year ended December 31, 2012 was $297 (year ended December 31, 2011 - $417; year ended December 31, 2010 - $792).

 

The following table summarizes the stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012:

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of

 

Number
of

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Option Life

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Number
Of options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Exercise Prices

 

Options

 

(years)

 

Cdn.$

 

U.S.$

 

Exercisable

 

Cdn.$

 

U.S.$

 

$3.98 – $7.93 U.S.
$3.95 – $7.86 Cdn

 

601,145

 

3.1

 

6.68

 

6.73

 

185,921

 

4.57

 

4.61

 

$7.94 – $9.16 U.S.
$7.87 – $9.09 Cdn

 

568,076

 

3.0

 

8.27

 

8.34

 

232,003

 

8.52

 

8.59

 

$9.17 – $11.10 U.S.
$9.10 – $11.02 Cdn

 

486,416

 

2.8

 

10.20

 

10.27

 

267,013

 

10.02

 

10.10

 

$11.11 – $19.40 U.S.
$11.03 – $19.25 Cdn

 

700,240

 

1.4

 

13.74

 

13.85

 

536,011

 

14.56

 

14.67

 

 

 

2,355,877

 

2.5

 

9.89

 

9.96

 

1,220,948

 

10.90

 

10.98

 

 

The options outstanding at December 31, 2012 expire between February 5, 2013 and August 16, 2017.

 

As at December 31, 2012, the unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to the non-vested stock options was $3,836 (2011 — $3,969; 2010 - $3,782), which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years (2011 — 2.6 years; 2010 — 2.2 years).

 

31



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

(c)                                                                      Restricted share plans

 

We have two market based restricted share unit plans: one for U.S. employees and the other for all non-U.S. employees, and a treasury based restricted share unit plan (collectively, the “RSPs”).  The RSPs further our growth and profitability objectives by providing long-term incentives to certain executives and other key employees and also encourage our objective of employee share ownership through the granting of restricted share units (“RSUs”).  There is no exercise price or monetary payment required from the employees upon the grant of an RSU or upon the subsequent delivery of common shares of Sierra Wireless, Inc. (or, in certain jurisdictions, cash in lieu at the option of the company) to settle vested RSUs.  The form and timing of settlement is subject to local laws.  With respect to the treasury based RSP, the maximum number of common shares which the company may issue from treasury is 1,000,000 common shares.  With respect to the two market based RSPs, independent trustees purchase Sierra Wireless common shares over the facilities of the TSX and Nasdaq, which are used to settle vested RSUs.  The existing trust funds are variable interest entities and are included in these consolidated financial statements as treasury shares held for RSU distribution.

 

Generally, RSUs vest over three years, in equal one-third amounts on each anniversary date of the date of the grant.  RSU grants to employees who are resident in France for french tax purposes will not vest before the second anniversary from the date of grant, and any shares issued are subject to an additional two year tax hold period.  There were 1,217,347 unvested RSUs and 7,648 vested RSUs outstanding as at December 31, 2012.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs that vested and settled in the year ended December 31, 2012 was $3,835 (year ended December 31, 2011 - $4,170; year ended December 31, 2010 - $4,159).

 

The following table summarizes the RSU activity for the years ended December 31:

 

 

 

Number of

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

 

 

RSUs

 

Cdn.$

 

U.S.$

 

In years

 

U.S.$

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009

 

975,884

 

6.88

 

6.53

 

1.9

 

10,349

 

Granted

 

328,496

 

9.10

 

8.75

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(443,610

)

8.21

 

7.82

 

 

 

4,159

 

Forfeited

 

(32,779

)

6.56

 

6.29

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010

 

827,991

 

6.81

 

6.83

 

1.3

 

12,346

 

Granted

 

486,343

 

10.83

 

10.84

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(379,121

)

11.10

 

11.11

 

 

 

4,170

 

Forfeited

 

(31,184

)

8.54

 

8.43

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2011

 

904,029

 

8.94

 

8.43

 

1.3

 

6,346

 

Granted

 

856,784

 

7.89

 

7.89

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(499,038

)

7.67

 

7.67

 

 

 

3,835

 

Forfeited

 

(36,780

)

9.09

 

9.00

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2012

 

1,224,995

 

8.71

 

8.68

 

1.9

 

9,746

 

Outstanding – vested and not settled

 

7,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding – unvested

 

1,217,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2012

 

1,224,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2012, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost associated with the RSUs totalled $5,950 (2011 — $4,176; 2010 — $2,972), which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years (2011 — 1.9 years; 2010 — 1.6 years).

 

32



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

25.                               NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

 

The non-controlling interest represents shares held by former Wavecom employees under their long-term incentive plan.  The shares had vested, but were subject to a hold period for tax purposes.  We had entered into a put/call agreement with these employees to purchase back the shares at €8.50 per share upon expiry of the tax hold period.  Until that time, the shares were considered non-controlling interest.  On June 8, 2011, the tax hold period expired on these vested shares.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we acquired 4,250 shares, respectively, at €8.50 per share.  The obligation for the remaining 500 shares at €8.50 per share has been recorded as at December 31, 2012 and is classified under accrued liabilities.

 

The following table summarizes the effects of changes in our ownership interest of Wavecom on our equity:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company

 

$

27,199

 

$

(29,315

)

$

(14,541

)

Transfer (to) from non-controlling interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase on issuance of free shares

 

 

(796

)

(229

)

 

 

$

27,199

 

$

(30,111

)

$

(14,770

)

 

26.                               FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

 

(a)    Fair value presentation

 

An established fair value hierarchy requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1              -                          Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2              -                          Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3              -                          Inputs that are generally unobservable and are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value determination of the assets or liabilities.

 

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and current portions of long-term liabilities, approximate their fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Short-term investments are recorded at fair value and their carrying value as at December 31, 2012 was $nil (December 31, 2011 — $9,347).  Our short-term investments are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  Based on borrowing rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms, the carrying values of our obligations under capital leases, long-term obligations and other long-term liabilities approximate their fair values.

 

On July 23, 2012, foreign currency forward exchange contracts for a notional US$56.3 million to acquire €45.0 million in connection with the acquisition of the M2M business of Sagemcom settled.  For twelve months ended December 31, 2012, we realized a loss of $1,761, which is classified in Foreign exchange gain (loss) on these forward contracts.

 

33



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

(b)    Credit Facilities

 

On October 31, 2012 we cancelled our then existing revolving facility (“Old Revolving Facility”) of $10 million which was to expire on January 28, 2013, and replaced it with a new revolving facility with the Toronto Dominion Bank and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the amount of $50 million which expires October 31, 2013.  The revolving facility is for our working capital requirements and is secured by a pledge against all of our assets, including assets related to discontinued operations, and is subject to borrowing base limitations. The new revolving facility contains covenants and security substantially similar to the Old Revolving Facility.  There were no borrowings under the revolving facility as at December 31, 2012.   We are presently reviewing the impact of the proposed sale of the assets and operations of our AirCard business on the availability of the entire $50 million of the facility.

 

(c)     Letters of credit

 

We have entered into a standby letter of credit facility agreement under which we have issued three performance bonds to third party customers in accordance with specified terms and conditions.  At December 31, 2012, we had two Euro denominated performance bonds amounting to €50 expiring in June 2014 and a performance bond of $176 expiring in May 2013 (December 2011 - $176).  We also have a letter of credit in the amount of $1,300 expiring in May 2013 issued to a third party vendor with specified terms and conditions.  These instruments approximate their fair market value.

 

27.                               FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Financial Risk Management

 

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  Our financial instruments also occasionally include derivatives which we use to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations associated with revenue and expenses.

 

We have exposure to the following business risks:

 

We maintain substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions or invest in government instruments. Our deposits with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits.

 

We outsource manufacturing of our products to third parties and, accordingly, we are dependent upon the development and deployment by third parties of their manufacturing abilities. The inability of any supplier or manufacturer to fulfill our supply requirements could impact future results. We have supply commitments to our contract manufacturers based on our estimates of customer and market demand. Where actual results vary from our estimates, whether due to execution on our part or market conditions, we are at risk.

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily accounts receivable. We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customer’s financial condition and require letters of credit or other guarantees whenever deemed appropriate.

 

Although substantially all of our revenues are in U.S. dollars, we incur operating costs and have obligations related to our facilities restructuring that are denominated in other currencies. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between these currencies could have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are generating and incurring an increasing portion of our revenue and expenses, respectively, outside of North America including Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  To manage our foreign currency risks, we may enter into foreign currency forward and options contracts should we consider it to be advisable to reduce our exposure to future foreign exchange fluctuations.  As at December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no such contracts in place.

 

34



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

We are subject to risks typical of an international business including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures other regulations and restrictions and foreign exchange rate volatility.  Accordingly, our future results could be materially affected by changes in these or other factors.

 

28.                               COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

(a)  Operating leases

 

We have entered into operating leases for property and equipment.  The minimum future payments under various operating leases for our continuing operations in each of the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 

2013

 

$

4,429

 

2014

 

4,092

 

2015

 

3,630

 

2016

 

3,597

 

2017

 

3,487

 

Subsequent years

 

10,876

 

 

 

$

30,111

 

 

(b)         Contingent liability on sale of products

 

(i)                   Under license agreements, we are committed to make 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)             In March 2004, we entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) program, under which we were 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. Under the terms of the agreement, all or part of the contribution was repayable upon the occurrence of certain prescribed events of default. In March 2009, we signed an amended agreement under which we will repay a total of $2,155 (Cdn. $2,500), with payments due on March 1 for each of the next five years beginning March 1, 2009, in full and final satisfaction of all amounts owing, or to be owed, to TPC under this agreement.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repaid $505 (Cdn. $500) (2011 — $500 or Cdn. $500; 2010 — $476 or Cdn. $500).

 

35



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

(iv)            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:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$

4,537

 

$

4,059

 

Provisions

 

9,399

 

7,254

 

Expenditures

 

(8,178

)

(6,776

)

Liability held for sale

 

(1,589

)

 

Balance, end of year

 

$

4,169

 

$

4,537

 

 

(c)          Other commitments

 

We have entered into purchase commitments totaling approximately $54,850 net of related electronic components inventory of $7,697 (December 31, 2011 — $85,071, net of electronic components inventory of $4,239), with certain contract manufacturers under which we have committed to buy a minimum amount of designated products between January 2013 and March 2013.  In certain of these agreements, we may be required to acquire and pay for such products up to the prescribed minimum or forecasted purchases.

 

(d)         Legal proceedings

 

We are from time to time involved in litigation, certain other claims and arbitration matters arising in the ordinary course of our business.  We accrue for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. These accruals are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and technical experts and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter.  To the extent there is a reasonable possibility (within the meaning of ASC 450, Contingencies) that the losses could exceed the amounts already accrued for those cases for which an estimate can be made, management believes that the amount of any such additional loss would not be material to our results of operations or financial condition.

 

In some instances, we are unable to reasonably estimate any potential loss or range of loss.  The nature and progression of litigation can make it difficult to predict the impact a particular lawsuit will have on the company. There are many reasons why we cannot make these assessments, including, among others, one or more of the following: in the early stage of a proceeding, the claimant is not required to specifically identify the patent that has allegedly been infringed; damages sought that are unspecified, unsupportable, unexplained or uncertain; discovery not having been started or being incomplete; the complexity of the facts that are in dispute (e.g., once a patent is identified, the analysis of the patent and a comparison to the activities of the company is a labor-intensive and highly technical process); the difficulty of assessing novel claims; the parties not having engaged in any meaningful settlement discussions; the possibility that other parties may share in any ultimate liability; and the often slow pace of patent litigation.

 

We are required to apply judgment with respect to any potential loss or range of loss in connection with litigation.  While we believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims asserted against us in our currently outstanding litigations, and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in all cases, in light of the inherent uncertainties in litigation there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not significantly exceed the reserves currently accrued by us for those cases for which an estimate can be made. Losses in connection with any litigation for which we are not presently able to reasonable estimate any potential loss or range of loss could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.

 

In December 2012, Concinnitas LLC filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas asserting patent infringement by us.  The lawsuit makes allegations concerning one of our AirCard products.  We have not yet been served with the complaint.

 

36



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

In July 2012, Technology Properties Ltd LLC, Phoenix Digital Solutions LLC and Patriot Scientific Corporation filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (“ITC”) and a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California asserting patent infringement by a number of parties, including us.  The ITC instituted its investigation in August 2012 under the caption “In the Matter of Certain Wireless consumer Electronics Devices and Components Thereof”.  In November 2012, a mutually agreeable confidential settlement agreement was entered into by the parties with respect to these matters which will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results.  In December 2012, the District Court lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice and in Q1, 2013, a Joint Motion terminating the ITC investigation with respect to Sierra Wireless was granted.

 

In April 2012, a patent holding company, Cell and Network Selection, LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Texas asserting patent infringement by us and our customer.  The lawsuit makes certain allegations concerning the LTE mobile hotspots and USB modems sold by us and deployed with AT&T.  The lawsuit is in the scheduling stage and trial has been scheduled for March 2015. A motion to transfer the lawsuit to the Southern District of California is currently before the Court.

 

In January 2012, a patent holding company, M2M Solutions LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware asserting patent infringement by us and our competitors. The lawsuit makes certain allegations concerning the AirPrime embedded wireless module products, related AirLink products and related services sold by us for use in M2M communication applications.  The lawsuit is in the interrogatories and response to interrogatories stage.

 

In September 2011, a patent holding company, Wi-Lan, Inc., filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas asserting patent infringement by a number of parties, including us. The lawsuit makes certain allegations concerning the wireless communication products sold by us.  In September 2012, the lawsuit was consolidated with another lawsuit commenced by Wi-Lan in the Eastern District of Texas concerning the same patents and trial has been scheduled for September 2013.  The lawsuit is currently in the discovery stage.  In December 2012, Wi-Lan filed additional patent litigation lawsuits in the United States District Court for each of the Eastern District of Texas and the Southern District of Florida asserting patent infringement by us of additional patents not included in the first Wi-Lan suit.  These two additional lawsuits are in the initial pleadings stage.

 

In May 2010 and in February 2011, a patent holding company, Golden Bridge Technology Inc. (“GBT”), filed patent litigation lawsuits in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware asserting patent infringement of the same two patents by a number of parties, including us and certain of our customers.  In both cases, the litigation makes certain allegations concerning the wireless modems sold by us and our competitors.  Both lawsuits have been stayed against all defendants except Apple, pending the outcome of the trial against Apple in Delaware which is anticipated to occur in or around April 2013.  In May 2012, GBT filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California asserting patent infringement by us of a different patent from the other two lawsuits, but concerning essentially the same products.  In September 2012, this lawsuit was dismissed in the Central District of California and re-filed in the District of Delaware. This lawsuit has been stayed against us pending the outcome of a trial against Apple with respect to the same patent, which is to take place in the Central District of California.

 

In July 2009, a patent holding company, SPH America, LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia asserting patent infringement by a number of device manufacturers, including us, and computer manufacturers, including certain of our customers. The litigation, which has been transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, makes certain allegations concerning the wireless modules sold to the computer manufacturers by us or our competitors. The claim construction hearing occurred in April 2012 and the trial has been scheduled for June 2013.  In January 2013, a mutually agreeable confidential settlement was entered into by the parties which

 

37



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results.  The lawsuit was subsequently dismissed with prejudice against us.

 

Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims made in the foregoing legal proceedings are without merit and intend to defend ourselves and our products vigorously in all cases.

 

IP Indemnification Claims

 

We have been notified by one or more of our customers in each of the following matters that we have an obligation to indemnify them in respect of the products we supply to them:

 

In January 2013, a patent holding company, Steelhead Licensing LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against one of our customers asserting patent infringement in relation to our customer’s products and services, including the mobile hotspot devices sold to them by us.  The lawsuit is in the initial pleadings stage.

 

In February 2012, a patent holding company, Intellectual Ventures, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against one of our customers asserting patent infringement in relation to several of our customer’s products and services, including the mobile hotspots sold to them by us. The lawsuit is in the initial pleadings stage.

 

In September 2011, a patent holding company, Mayfair Wireless, LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against two of our customers asserting patent infringement in relation to the wireless hotspots sold to them by us.  A motion to dismiss the lawsuit has been briefed and is pending judgment of the Court.

 

In August 2011, a patent holding company, Brandywine Communications Technologies, LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida against one of our customers asserting patent infringement in relation to the wireless modems sold to them by us.  In December 2012, we advised our customer that we had been granted a license with respect to the patents-in-suit, which license covers any of our products sold by our customers (including this customer).  We believe this outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

In July 2011, a patent holding company, GPNE Corp., filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii asserting patent infringement against one of our customers for selling e-readers and computerized tablet and communication devices with the ability to function with GPRS, including the Nook e-reader which incorporates wireless modules sold to them by us.  In May 2012, an Order of the Magistrate Judge to sever the actions and, in the case of certain defendants including our customer, transfer the actions to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California was granted and has been affirmed by the District Court.    In November 2012, a mutually agreeable settlement agreement was entered into between our customer and GPNE, and the lawsuit was subsequently dismissed with prejudice.  We believe this outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

In June 2011, Barnes and Noble, Inc. filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against LSI Corporation (and later added Agere Systems, Inc.) (collectively, “LSI”), seeking a declaration that certain patents were not infringed by their products, including the 3G Nook e-reader which incorporates wireless modules sold to them by us.  LSI counterclaimed for patent infringement.  There are currently 6 patents-in-suit, two of which relate to the 3G products which incorporate our modules.  The lawsuit is currently in the scheduling phase.

 

38



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

A patent holding company, Eon Corp. IP Holdings, LLC, filed a patent litigation lawsuit against one of our customers in October 2010 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, which was subsequently transferred to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  Eon filed a patent litigation lawsuit against another of our customers in January 2012 in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.  In both cases, assertions of patent infringement are being made in relation to the wireless modems sold to our customers by us.   Both lawsuits are in the scheduling phase.

 

In March 2009, MSTG Inc., a patent holding company, filed a patent litigation lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asserting patent infringement by a number of telecommunication carrier companies, including one of our customers, which the customer claims relates to the wireless data cards and modems sold to them by us.  In December 2012, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.  We believe this outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, we believe the claims made in the foregoing legal proceedings are without merit and intend to defend ourselves and our products vigorously in all cases.

 

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

 

29.                               SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

We implemented a new organizational structure during the fourth quarter of 2010 and we have two reportable segments effective January 1, 2011.

 

·                  Machine-to-Machine

·                  Mobile Computing

 

Our segments have changed from those reported at December 31, 2010 when we reported in one segment.  We have not restated our comparative information as discrete financial information for the two segments is not available for periods prior to January 1, 2011.

 

The amounts presented below for the Mobile Computing segment have been adjusted retrospectively to exclude amounts attributable to the AirCard business.  The results related to the AirCard business are presented as discontinued operations (note 6).

 

As we do not evaluate the performance of our operating segment based on segment assets, management does not classify asset information on a segmented basis.  Despite the absence of discrete financial information we do measure our revenue based on other forms of categorization such as by the products we produce and the geographic distribution in which our products are sold.

 

39



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

REVENUE BY SEGMENT

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

Machine-
to-Machine

 

Mobile
Computing

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

335,990

 

$

61,331

 

$

397,321

 

Cost of goods sold

 

224,229

 

47,818

 

272,047

 

Gross margin

 

$

111,761

 

$

13,513

 

$

125,274

 

Gross margin %

 

33.3

%

22.0

%

31.5

%

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

147,480

 

Loss from operations

 

 

 

 

 

$

(22,206

)

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

464,763

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Machine-
to-Machine

 

Mobile
Computing

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

293,219

 

$

39,956

 

$

333,175

 

Cost of goods sold

 

198,271

 

33,164

 

231,435

 

Gross margin

 

$

94,948

 

$

6,792

 

$

101,740

 

Gross margin %

 

32.4

%

17.0

%

30.5

%

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

155,993

 

Loss from operations

 

 

 

 

 

$

(54,253

)

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

422,887

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Machine-
to-Machine

 

Mobile
Computing

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

332,445

 

$

25,560

 

$

358,005

 

Cost of goods sold

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

236,599

 

Gross margin

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

$

121,406

 

Gross margin %

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

33.9

%

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

164,123

 

Loss from operations

 

 

 

 

 

$

(42,717

)

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

469,568

 

 

Revenue and gross margin from discontinued operations was previously a component of the Mobile Computing segment and totaled $246,845 and $69,698, respectively in the year ended December 31, 2012 (year ended December 31, 2011 - $245,010 revenue; $61,710 gross margin).  Refer to note 6 for further details.

 

40



 

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

 

REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL REGION

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Americas

 

$

101,240

 

$

83,890

 

$

82,478

 

Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

79,904

 

90,724

 

79,045

 

Asia-Pacific

 

216,177

 

158,561

 

196,482

 

 

 

$

397,321

 

$

333,175

 

$

358,005

 

 

REVENUE BY PRODUCT

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Machine-to-Machine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AirPrime Embedded Wireless Modules for M2M

 

$

279,324

 

$

242,791

 

$

274,964

 

AirLink Intelligent Gateways and Routers

 

46,699

 

39,013

 

48,626

 

AirVantage M2M Cloud Platform and Other

 

9,967

 

11,415

 

8,855

 

 

 

335,990

 

293,219

 

332,445

 

Mobile Computing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AirPrime Embedded Wireless Modules for PC OEM

 

61,133

 

39,422

 

23,420

 

Other

 

198

 

534

 

2,140

 

 

 

61,331

 

39,956

 

25,560

 

 

 

$

397,321

 

$

333,175

 

$

358,005

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT BY GEOGRAPHICAL REGION

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Americas

 

$

8,169

 

$

14,108

 

$

14,609

 

Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

8,580

 

5,197

 

4,831

 

Asia-Pacific

 

3,290

 

2,782

 

3,195

 

 

 

$

20,039

 

$

22,087

 

$

22,635

 

 

41