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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES INCv452120_ex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES INCv452120_ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES INCv452120_ex31-1.htm

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016.

 

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO               .

 

Commission file number 1-14120

 

BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   52-1611421
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, New Jersey   08857
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (732) 679-4000

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes   x   No  ¨ 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Yes   x   No  ¨ 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer    ¨ Accelerated filer   ¨
   
Non-accelerated filer      ¨ Smaller reporting company  x

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

Number of shares of common stock, par value $.001, outstanding as of November 6, 2016: 8,097,797

 

The Exhibit Index appears on page 19.

 

 

 

  

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   (unaudited)    
   September 30,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash  $213   $9 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $206 and $239, respectively   2,253    2,432 
Inventories   5,199    5,595 
Prepaid and other current assets   309    277 
Total current assets   7,974    8,313 
Inventories, net non-current and reserves   992    1,444 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization   3,352    3,621 
License agreements, net   195    458 
Intangible assets, net   1,655    1,784 
Goodwill   493    493 
Other assets   170    117 
   $14,831   $16,230 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Line of credit  $1,910   $2,664 
Current portion of long-term debt   3,443    3,604 
Accounts payable   1,116    1,387 
Derivative liability   371    - 
Accrued compensation   211    388 
Accrued benefit pension liability    54    54 
Income taxes payable   6    6 
Other accrued expenses   289    519 
Total current liabilities   7,400    8,622 
           
Subordinated convertible debt with related parties   360    100 
Long-term debt   52    10 
Deferred income taxes   129    129 
Commitments and contingencies   -    - 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; authorized 5,000 shares;
No shares outstanding
   -    - 
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 25,000 shares, 8,465 shares
Issued, 8,099 and 6,766 shares outstanding
   8    8 
Paid-in capital   26,053    26,361 
Accumulated deficit   (16,773)   (12,198)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,168)   (1,168)
Treasury stock, at cost, 366 and 1,699 shares   (1,230)   (5,634)
Total stockholders’ equity   6,890    7,369 
   $14,831   $16,230 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Net sales  $5,432   $5,704   $17,057   $15,729 
Cost of goods sold   3,531    4,931    10,471    12,040 
Gross profit   1,901    773    6,586    3,689 
Operating expenses:                    
Selling   645    776    1,961    2,392 
General and administrative   959    1,003    2,906    3,085 
Research and development   711    869    2,098    2,598 
    2,315    2,648    6,965    8,075 
Loss from operations   (414)   (1,875)   (379)   (4,386)
Other Expense:   Interest expense (net)   (107)   (83)   (285)   (249)
Change in derivative liability   (121)   -    (193)   - 
Loss before income taxes   (642)   (1,958)   (857)   (4,635)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   -    -    -    - 
Net loss  $(642)  $(1,958)  $(857)  $(4,635)
Basic and diluted net loss per share  $(0.08)  $(0.30)  $(0.12)  $(0.72)
Basic weighted averages shares outstanding   7,738    6,555    7,179    6,407 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   7,738    6,555    7,179    6,407 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   Nine  Months Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:          
Net loss  $(857)  $(4,635)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Stock compensation expense    129    158 
Depreciation   336    367 
Amortization   411    634 
Provision for (reversal of) inventory reserves   (30)   1,026 
Provision for doubtful accounts   -    15 
Non cash interest expense   37    - 
Non cash directors fees   249    - 
Change in derivative liability   194    - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   179    239 
Inventories   877    845 
Prepaid and other current assets   (32)   367 
Other assets   (52)   (102)
Accounts payable, accrued compensation and other accrued expenses   (678)   730 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   763    (356)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:          
Capital expenditures   (67)   (188)
Acquisition of additional licenses   (19)   (448)
Net cash used in investing activities   (86)   (636)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:          
Net borrowings (repayments) of line of credit   (754)   1,270 
Borrowings from related parties   400    - 
Repayments of debt   (119)   (206)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (473)   1,064 
Net increase in cash   204    72 
Cash, beginning of period   9   $232 
Cash, end of period  $213   $304 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid for interest  $227   $221 
Cash paid for income taxes   -    - 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Company and Basis of Consolidation

 

Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a technology-development and manufacturing company that delivers television signal encoding, transcoding, digital transport, and broadband product solutions to the cable markets the Company serves, including the multi-dwelling unit market, the lodging/hospitality market and the institutional market including, hospitals, prisons and schools, primarily throughout the United States and Canada. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The results for the third quarter of 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year and have not been audited. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto that were included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016.

 

Note 2 – Liquidity and Going Concern

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported loss from operations of $379 and $4,386, respectively, and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of $763 and $(356), respectively. Although operations have improved, the Company continues to experience liquidity constraints. In addition, the Company’s Revolver and Term Loan (as such terms are defined in Note 6 below) will expire by their terms on December 1, 2016, unless extended. The above factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

In response to lower than expected sales due to a slowdown in market activities experienced during the prior fiscal year, the Company implemented a multi-phase cost-reduction program in 2015, which has reduced annualized expenses, including a temporary reduction in certain executive salaries, a decrease in workforce and a decrease in engineering consulting expenses.

 

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are its existing cash balances, cash generated from operations and amounts available under the Santander Financing and the Subordinated Loan Facility (as such terms are defined in Note 7 below). As of September 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $1,910 outstanding under the Revolver and $810 of additional availability for borrowing under the Revolver. As indicated in Note 7 below, the Subordinated Loan Facility provides the Company with up to $750 of additional liquidity, of which $250 remains available for borrowing at September 30, 2016. The Company expects to either obtain an extension on the maturity date or refinance all or part of the Santander Financing indebtedness prior to December 1, 2016. If anticipated operating results are not achieved, and/or sufficient funds are not obtained from the Company’s expected extension or refinancing of the Santander Financing, further reductions in operating expenses may be needed and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives.

 

The Company cannot provide any assurance that it will be able to refinance its current debt obligations. If the Company is unable to refinance, it may be required to take additional measures to reduce costs in order to conserve its cash in amounts sufficient to sustain operations and meet its obligations, which measures may be insufficient to enable the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a)Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(b)Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its convertible instruments to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivative financial instruments to be separately accounted for in accordance with Topic 815 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments requires that the Company record the embedded conversion option at its fair value as of the inception date of the agreement and at fair value as of each subsequent balance sheet date. Any change in fair value is recorded as non-operating, non-cash income or expense for each reporting period at each balance sheet date. The Company reassesses the classification of its derivative instruments at each balance sheet date. If the classification changes as a result of events during the period, the contract is reclassified as of the date of the event that caused the reclassification.

 

The Black-Scholes Model, which approximates the Binomial Lattice Model was used to estimate the fair value of the conversion options that is classified as a derivative liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The expected volatility is estimated based on the most recent historical period of time equal to the weighted average life of the conversion options.

 

Conversion options are recorded as a discount to the host instrument and are amortized as interest expense over the life of the underlying instrument.

 

(c)Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company measures fair value of its financial assets on a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:

 

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

 

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

The derivative liability is measured at fair value using quoted market prices and estimated volatility factors based on historical quoted market prices for the Company’s common stock, and is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

  

(d)Earnings (loss) Per Share

 

Earnings (loss) per share is calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share,” which provides for the calculation of “basic” and “diluted” earnings (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the effect of potential common shares. The diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes incremental shares related to stock options, restricted stock and convertible debt of 1,875 and 2,183 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and 2,028 and 1,799 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These shares were excluded due to their antidilutive effect.

 

Note 4 – New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, seeking to eliminate diversity in practice related to how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 address eight specific cash flow issues and apply to all entities, including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable.

 

In March, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This standard is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share -based payment award transactions are simplified, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In March 2016 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-17, Investment-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting that affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities accounted for under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Under the new guidance, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) will generally be measured at fair value through earnings. There will no longer be an available-for-sale classification for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For financial liabilities when the fair value option has been elected, changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax. The standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In March, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments. This standard clarifies the required steps to be taken when assessing whether the economic characteristics and risks of call/put options are clearly and closely related to those of their debt hosts, which is one of the criteria for bifurcating an embedded derivative. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required, as well as a retrospective recognition and measurement of impacted leases. The new ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance may be adopted prospectively or retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in first-out and the retail inventory method. ASU 2015-11 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of ASU 2015-11 is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Subsequently, FASB issued ASUs in 2016 containing implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including: ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations; ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance; and ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which contains certain provision and practical expedients in response to identified implementation issues. The Company is planning to adopt ASU 2014-09 and related ASUs on February 1, 2018. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt these ASUs. The Company is currently evaluating these ASUs, including which transition approach to use, but does not expect these ASUs to materially impact the Company's consolidated net income, financial position or cash flows.

 

Note 5 – Inventories

 

Inventories net of reserves are summarized as follows:

 

   September 30,
2016
   December 31,
2015
 
Raw Materials   $4,077   $4,820 
Work in Process    1,560    1,732 
Finished Goods    4,344    4,913 
    9,981    11,465 
Less current inventory    (5,199)   (5,595)
    4,782    5,870 
Less reserve for slow moving and excess inventory    (3,790)   (4,426)
   $992   $1,444 

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, or market.

 

The Company periodically analyzes anticipated product sales based on historical results, current backlog and marketing plans. Based on these analyses, the Company anticipates that certain products will not be sold during the next twelve months. Inventories that are not anticipated to be sold in the next twelve months have been classified as non-current.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Approximately 51% and 73% of the non-current inventories were comprised of finished goods at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company has established a program to use interchangeable parts in its various product offerings and to modify certain of its finished goods to better match customer demands. In addition, the Company has instituted additional marketing programs to dispose of the slower moving inventories.

 

The Company continually analyzes its slow-moving and excess inventories. Based on historical and projected sales volumes for finished goods, historical and projected usage of raw materials and anticipated selling prices, the Company establishes reserves. Inventory that is in excess of current and projected use is reduced by an allowance to a level that approximates its estimate of future demand. Products that are determined to be obsolete are written down to the lower of cost or market value.

 

Note 6 – Debt

 

On August 6, 2008, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Sovereign Bank, N.A.) (“Santander”), pursuant to which the Company obtained an $8,000 credit facility from Santander (the “Santander Financing”). The Company and Santander entered into a series of amendments to the foregoing Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (as so amended, the “Santander Agreement”), which, among other things, adjusted the Santander Financing to $6,946 consisting of (i) a $3,500 asset-based revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) and (ii) a $3,446 term loan facility (“Term Loan”), each expiring on December 1, 2016. The amounts which may be borrowed under the Revolver are based on certain percentages of Eligible Receivables and Eligible Inventory, as such terms are defined in the Santander Agreement. The obligations of the Company under the Santander Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

 

Under the Santander Agreement, the Revolver currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the prime lending rate announced from time to time by Santander (“Prime”) plus 5.00%. The Term Loan currently bears interest at a rate per annum equal to Prime plus 5.00%. Prime was 3.50% at September 30, 2016.

 

On August 25, 2016, the Company entered into the Sixteenth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Sixteenth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Sixteenth Amendment extended the termination date of the Santander Agreement and the “Additional Availability Period” under the Santander Agreement from September 1, 2016 to December 1, 2016. In addition, the Sixteenth Amendment also amended certain financial terms and certain of the Company’s financial covenants. In particular, (i) the “Revolving Interest Rate” increased from an amount equal to the Index (as defined in the Loan Agreement) plus 1.75% to an amount equal to the Index plus 5.00%, (ii) the “Term Loan Rate” increased from an amount equal to the Index plus 1.75% to an amount equal to the Index plus 5.00% and (iii) the maximum revolving advance amount was been reduced from $4,000 to $3,500. In addition, the amended covenants required the Company to achieve EBITDA of not less than negative (-) $82 as of September 30, 2016 (calculated on a trailing nine month basis). The Company is currently in compliance with the financial covenants provided in the Sixteenth Amendment. In connection with the Sixteenth Amendment, the Company paid Santander an amendment fee of $5 and agreed to pay Santander an additional fee of $15 on November 30, 2016 if the Obligations (as defined in the Santander Agreement) are not paid in full on or before such date.

 

On June 1, 2016, the Company entered into the Fifteenth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Fifteenth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Fifteenth Amendment extended the termination date of the Santander Agreement and the “Additional Availability Period” under the Santander Agreement from June 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016. In addition, the Fifteenth Amendment amended certain of the Company’s financial covenants. In particular, the amended covenants extended the previous balance sheet leverage ratio compliance threshold of not more than 2.00 to 1.00, and required that the Company to achieve EBITDA of not less than negative (-) $82 as of June 30, 2016 (calculated on a trailing six month basis). In addition, the Fifteenth Amendment eliminated the Company’s ability to request LIBOR loans under the Santander Agreement.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

On March 1, 2016, the Company entered into the Fourteenth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Fourteenth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Fourteenth Amendment extended the termination date of the Santander Agreement and the “Additional Availability Period” under the Santander Agreement from March 1, 2016 to June 1, 2016. In addition, the Fourteenth Amendment amended certain of the Company’s financial covenants. In particular, the amended covenants relaxed the previous balance sheet leverage ratio compliance threshold of 1.25:1.00, and required that the Company maintain a balance sheet leverage ratio of not more than (i) 1.85 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2015 and (ii) 2.00 to 1.00 as of March 31, 2016. In addition, the amended covenants relaxed the previous EBITDA compliance threshold and required that the Company achieve EBITDA thresholds of not less than (i) negative (-) $3,897 as of December 31, 2015 (calculated on a trailing twelve month basis) and (ii) $50 as of March 31, 2016 (calculated on a trailing three month basis). The Fourteenth Amendment also required that the Subordinated Lenders provide the Company with advances under the Subordinated Loan Facility in an aggregate amount (taking into account all prior advances) of $500, not later than March 31, 2016.

 

On February 1, 2016, the Company entered into the Thirteenth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Thirteenth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Thirteenth Amendment extended the termination date of the Santander Agreement and the “Additional Availability Period” under the Santander Agreement from February 1, 2016 to March 1, 2016. In addition, the Thirteenth Amendment reduced the maximum loan amount available under the Loan Agreement from $9,350 to $8,350 and reduced the maximum amount available for borrowing under the Revolver from $5,000 to $4,000.

 

On December 16, 2015, the Company entered into the Twelfth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Twelfth Amendment”) to amend certain terms of the Santander Agreement to facilitate the Company’s ability to obtain additional capital through the issuance of equity or subordinated debt securities or the entry into subordinated loan arrangements following the date of the Twelfth Amendment. In particular, the Twelfth Amendment modified terms of the Santander Agreement that had restricted the incurrence of indebtedness and the creation of liens, to allow the Company to incur indebtedness that is subordinate to the indebtedness under the Santander Agreement and to permit that indebtedness to be secured, provided that any security would also be subordinate to the obligations and liens under the Santander Agreement. In addition, the Twelfth Amendment modified the restrictions on the Company’s ability to enter into transactions with its affiliates to permit the issuance of equity or subordinated debt securities to one or more affiliates or the entry into subordinated loan arrangements with one or more affiliates. The Twelfth Amendment also excluded the proceeds of any permitted equity or debt financing from the collateral subject to Santander’s lien under the Santander Agreement, until such time as and to the extent, such proceeds were utilized for the Company’s working capital or other general corporate purposes.

 

On November 14, 2015, the Company entered into the Eleventh Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Eleventh Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Eleventh Amendment (i) waived the Company’s failure of compliance with the Minimum EBITDA and leverage ratio covenants for the measurement period ended September 30, 2015, effective as of September 30, 2015, and (ii) increased the advance rate applicable to Eligible Inventory (as defined in the Santander Agreement) from 25% to 35% through and until February 1, 2016, after which it was to revert back to 25%. The Eleventh Amendment also contained other customary representations, covenants, terms and conditions. In connection with the Eleventh Amendment, the Company paid Santander an amendment fee of $50.

 

On October 14, 2015, the Company entered into the Tenth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Tenth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Tenth Amendment extended the increase in the advance rate applicable to Eligible Inventory (as defined in the Santander Agreement) from 25% to 35% through and until November 30, 2015, after which it was to revert back to 25%. The Tenth Amendment also contained other customary representations, covenants, terms and conditions. In connection with the Tenth Amendment, the Company paid Santander an amendment fee of $5.

 

On August 12, 2015, the Company entered into the Ninth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Ninth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Ninth Amendment waived the Company’s failure of compliance with the Minimum EBITDA covenant for the measurement period ended June 30, 2015, effective as of June 30, 2015, and also contained other customary representations, covenants, terms and conditions. In connection with the Ninth Amendment, the Company paid Santander an amendment fee of $20.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

On May 14, 2015, the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Eighth Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Eighth Amendment (i) waived the Company’s failure of compliance with the Minimum EBITDA covenant for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, effective as of March 31, 2015, and (ii) increased the advance rate applicable to Eligible Inventory (as defined in the Santander Agreement) from 25% to 35% through and until September 30, 2015, after which it was to revert back to 25%. The Eighth Amendment also contained other customary representations, covenants, terms and conditions. In connection with the Eighth Amendment, the Company paid Santander an amendment fee of $15. The Eighth Amendment was in lieu of the Temporary Overadvance Facility, as more fully discussed in the next paragraph.

 

On March 30, 2015, Santander agreed to provide the Company with $500 of additional availability beyond its borrowing base under the Revolver (the “Temporary Overadvance Facility”) during the period April 1, 2015 through April 24, 2015, for which the Company paid Santander an accommodation fee of $2.5. Under the agreement, the Company was required to eliminate the outstanding balance under the Temporary Overadvance Facility on or before September 30, 2015, which was accomplished prior to entering into the Eighth Amendment.

 

On January 21, 2015, the Company entered into the Seventh Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement with Santander (the “Seventh Amendment”) to amend the Santander Financing. The Seventh Amendment (i) extended by one year the Termination Date of the Santander Agreement from February 1, 2015 to February 1, 2016; (ii) continued the installment payments of principal under the Term Loan at the same monthly payment of $18 per month for the additional year until the final payment of unpaid principal and interest is due on February 1, 2016; (iii) increased the interest rates applicable to the Revolver and the Term Loan by one quarter of one percent (0.25%); and (iv) reset and modified the Minimum EBITDA covenant to address the term being extended by one year. The Seventh Amendment also contained other customary representations, covenants, terms and conditions. The Company paid a $15 amendment fee to Santander in connection with the Seventh Amendment.

 

Upon expiration of the Revolver, all outstanding borrowings under the Revolver are due. The outstanding principal balance of the Revolver was $1,910 at September 30, 2016. The Term Loan requires equal monthly principal payments of approximately $18 each, plus interest, with the remaining balance due at maturity. The outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan was $3,428 at September 30, 2016.

 

The Santander Agreement contains customary representations and warranties as well as affirmative and negative covenants, including certain financial covenants. The Santander Agreement contains customary events of default, including, among others, non-payment of principal, interest or other amounts when due.

 

Note 7 – Subordinated Convertible Debt with Related Parties

 

On March 28, 2016 the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, R.L. Drake Holdings, LLC (“RLD”), as borrowers and Robert J. Pallé, as agent (in such capacity “Agent”) and as a lender, together with Carol M. Pallé, Steven Shea and James H. Williams as lenders (collectively, the “Subordinated Lenders”) entered into a certain Amended and Restated Senior Subordinated Convertible Loan and Security Agreement (the “Subordinated Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which the Subordinated Lenders agreed to provide the Company with a delayed draw term loan facility of up to $750 (“Subordinated Loan Facility”), under which individual advances in amounts not less than $50 may be drawn by the Company. Interest on the outstanding balance under the Subordinated Loan Facility from time to time, accrues at 12% per annum (subject to increase under certain circumstances) and is payable monthly in-kind by the automatic increase of the principal amount of the loan on each monthly interest payment date, by the amount of the accrued interest payable at that time (“PIK Interest”); provided, however, that at the option of the Company, it may pay interest in cash on any interest payment date, in lieu of PIK Interest. The Subordinated Lenders have the option of converting the principal balance of the loan, in whole (unless otherwise agreed by the Company), into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.54 per share (subject to adjustment under certain circumstances). This conversion right was subject to stockholder approval as required by the rules of the NYSE MKT, which approval was obtained on May 24, 2016 at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders. The obligations of the Company and RLD under the Subordinated Loan Agreement are secured by substantially all of the Company’s and RLD’s assets, including by a mortgage against the Old Bridge Property (the “Subordinated Mortgage”). The Subordinated Loan Agreement terminates three years from the date of closing, at which time the accreted principal balance of the loan (by virtue of the PIK Interest) plus any other accrued unpaid interest, will be due and payable in full.

 

In connection with the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the Company, RLD, the Subordinated Lenders and Santander entered into an Amended and Restated Subordination Agreement (the “Subordination Agreement”), pursuant to which the rights of the Subordinated Lenders under the Subordinated Loan Agreement and the Subordinated Mortgage are subordinate to the rights of Santander under the Santander Loan Agreement and related security documents. The Subordination Agreement precludes the Company from making cash payments of interest in lieu of PIK Interest, in the absence of the prior written consent of Santander.

 

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BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Subordinated Lenders have advanced $500 to the Company. In addition, $16 and $37 of PIK interest has been accrued in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company evaluated the conversion option embedded in the Subordinated Loan Agreement issued in September 2016 in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and determined that the conversion option has all of the characteristics of a derivative in its entirety and does not qualify for an exception to the derivative accounting rules. Specifically, the exercise price of the conversion option entitles the Subordinated Lenders to an adjustment of the exercise price in the event that the Company subsequently issues equity securities or equity linked securities at prices more favorable than the exercise price of the conversion option embedded in the Subordinated Loan Agreement. Accordingly, the conversion option is not indexed to the Company’s own stock. Due to the derivative treatment of the conversion option, the Company recorded $371 derivative liability at September 30, 2016. The Company computed the fair value of the derivative liability at the date of issuance and the reporting date using Black-Scholes, which approximates a binomial lattice model with the following assumptions: stock price of $0.61 and $0.38, conversion price of $0.54 and $0.54, volatility of 102% and 91%, expected term of 2.5 years and 3 years, risk free rate of 0.83% and 0.87% and dividend yield 0% and 0% at September 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The change in the fair value of the derivative liability and accretion of the debt discount was $122 and $194 in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

The Subordinated Loan Agreement amended and restated a prior agreement entered into on February 11, 2016 between the Company and RLD, as borrowers and Robert J. Pallé and Carol M. Pallé, as lenders (the “Prior Subordinated Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. and Mrs. Pallé had agreed to provide the Company with a delayed draw term loan facility of up to $600 on terms substantially similar to those terms set forth in the Subordinated Loan Agreement, including the conversion rights and pledge of Company assets to secure the loan. Aggregate advances under the Prior Subordinated Loan Agreement were $300 and such balances have transferred over to and now constitute outstanding balances under the Subordinated Loan Agreement. The Prior Subordinated Loan Agreement was amended and restated by the Subordinated Loan Agreement in order to increase the amount available for borrowing by the Company in an effort to further enhance the Company’s capital resources and liquidity.

 

Note 8 – Legal Proceedings

 

The Company may be a party to certain proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of its business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Note 9 – Subsequent Events

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the filing of its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements with the SEC.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements regarding future events relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, research and development activities and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provide safe harbors for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of these safe harbors, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially and adversely from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operation, performance, development and results of the Company’s business include, but are not limited to, those matters discussed herein in the section entitled Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “estimate,” “endeavor,” “should,” “could,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections for our future financial performance, our ability to extend or refinance our debt obligations, our anticipated growth trends in our business and other characterizations of future events or circumstance are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (See Item 1 – Business; Item 1A – Risk Factors; Item 3 – Legal Proceedings and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations).

 

General

 

The Company was incorporated in November, 1988, under the laws of Delaware as GPS Acquisition Corp. for the purpose of acquiring the business of Blonder-Tongue Laboratories, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, which was founded in 1950 by Ben H. Tongue and Isaac S. Blonder to design, manufacture and supply a line of electronics and systems equipment principally for the private cable industry. Following the acquisition, the Company changed its name to Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. The Company completed the initial public offering of its shares of Common Stock in December, 1995.

 

Today, the Company is a technology-development and manufacturing company that delivers a wide range of products and services to the cable entertainment and media industry. For 65 years, Blonder Tongue/Drake products have been deployed in a long list of locations, including lodging/hospitality, multi-dwelling units/apartments, broadcast studios/networks, education universities/schools, healthcare hospitals/fitness centers, government facilities/offices, prisons, airports, sports stadiums/arenas, entertainment venues/casinos, retail stores, and small-medium businesses. These applications are variously described as commercial, institutional and/or enterprise environments. The customers we serve include business entities installing private video and data networks in these environments, whether they are the largest cable television operators, telco or satellite providers, integrators, architects, engineers or the next generation of Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) streaming video providers. The technology requirements of these markets change rapidly and the Company’s research and development team is continually delivering high performance-lower cost solutions to meet customers’ needs.

 

The Company’s strategy is focused on providing a wide range of products to meet the needs of the commercial, institutional and/or enterprise environments described above, and to provide offerings that are optimized for an operator’s existing infrastructure, as well as the operator’s future strategy. A key component of this growth strategy is to provide products that deliver the latest technologies (such as IPTV and digital SD and HD video content) and have a high performance-to-cost ratio.

 

The Company has seen a continuing long-term shift in product mix from analog products to digital products and expects this shift to continue. Sales of digital video headend products were $2,763,000 and $2,610,000 in the third three months of 2016 and 2015, respectively and $8,889,000 and $7,115,000 in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sales of analog video headend products were $559,000 and $930,000 in the third three months of 2016 and 2015, respectively and $1,789,000 and $2,843,000 in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Any substantial decrease in sales of analog products without a related increase in digital products could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

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The Company’s manufacturing is allocated primarily between its facility in Old Bridge, New Jersey the (“Old Bridge Facility”) and a key contract manufacturer located in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). The Company currently manufactures most of its digital products, including the latest encoder and EdgeQAM collections at the Old Bridge Facility. Since 2007 the Company has transitioned and continues to manufacture certain high volume, labor intensive products, including many of the Company’s analog products, in the PRC, pursuant to a manufacturing agreement that governs the production of products that may from time to time be the subject of purchase orders submitted by (and in the discretion of) the Company. The Company may transition additional products to the PRC if determined by the Company to be advantageous based upon changing business and market conditions. Manufacturing products both at the Company’s Old Bridge Facility as well as in the PRC, enables the Company to realize cost reductions while maintaining a competitive position and time-to-market advantage.

 

Results of Operations

 

Third three months of 2016 Compared with third three months of 2015

 

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $272,000 or 4.8% to $5,432,000 in the third three months of 2016 from $5,704,000 in the third three months of 2015. The decrease is primarily attributed to a decrease in analog video headend products partially offset by an increase in sales of digital video headend products. Sales of analog video headend products were $559,000 and $930,000 and digital video headend products were $2,763,000 and $2,610,000 in the third three months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold decreased to $3,531,000 for the third three months of 2016 from $4,931,000 for the third three months of 2015, and decreased as a percentage of sales to 65.0% from 86.5%. The overall decrease as well as the decrease as a percentage of sales was primarily attributed to an overall reduction in manufacturing overhead, a reduced provision for inventory reserves, as well as a more favorable product mix.

 

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses decreased to $645,000 for the third three months of 2016 from $776,000 in the third three months of 2015, and decreased as percentage of sales to 11.9% for the third three months of 2016 from 13.6% for the third three months of 2015. The $131,000 decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in salary expense (including fringe benefits) of $104,000 due to a decrease in headcount.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased to $959,000 for the third three months of 2016 from $1,003,000 for the third three months of 2015 but increased as a percentage of sales to 17.7% for the third three months of 2016 from 17.6% for the third three months of 2015. The $44,000 decrease was primarily the result of by a decrease in salary expense (including fringe benefits) of $53,000 due to a decrease in headcount and decreased professional fees of $50,000 offset by an increase of $58,000 of expenses related to warehouse and factory renovation.

 

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses decreased to $711,000 in the third three months of 2016 from $869,000 in the third three months of 2015 and decreased as a percentage of sales to 13.1% for the third three months of 2016 from 15.2% for the third three months of 2015. This $158,000 decrease is primarily the result of a decrease in amortization expense of $102,000 relating to license fees and a decrease in salary expense (including fringe benefits) of $55,000 due to a decrease in headcount.

 

Operating Loss. Operating loss of $414,000 for the third three months of 2016 represents a decrease from the operating loss of $1,875,000 for the third three months of 2015. Operating loss as a percentage of sales was (7.6%) in the third three months of 2016 compared to (32.9%) in the third three months of 2015.

 

Other Expense. Interest expense increased to $107,000 in the third three months of 2016 from $79,000 in the third three months of 2015. The increase is the result of higher interest rates.

 

First nine months of 2016 Compared with first nine months of 2015

 

Net Sales. Net sales increased $1,328,000, or 8.4% to $17,057,000 in the first nine months of 2016 from $15,729,000 in the first nine months of 2015. The increase is primarily attributed to an increase in sales of digital video headend products and data products offset by a decrease in analog video headend products and contract manufactured products. Sales of digital video headend products were $8,889,000 and $7,115,000, data products were $1,592,000 and $499,000, analog video headend products were $1,789,000 and $2,843,000 and contract manufactured products were $994,000 and $1,144,000 in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold decreased to $10,471,000 for the first nine months of 2016 from $12,040,000 for the first nine months of 2015 and decreased as a percentage of sales to 61.4% from 76.6%. The overall decrease as well as the decrease as a percentage of sales was primarily attributed to an overall reduction in manufacturing overhead, a reduced provision for inventory reserves, as well as a more favorable product mix.

 

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses decreased to $1,961,000 for the first nine months of 2016 from $2,392,000 in the first nine months of 2015 and decreased as percentage of sales to 11.5% for the first nine months of 2016 from 15.2% for the first nine months of 2015. The $431,000 decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in salary expense (including fringe benefits) of $447,000 due to a decrease in headcount.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased to $2,906,000 for the first nine months of 2016 from $3,085,000 for the first nine months of 2015 and decreased as a percentage of sales to 17.0% for the first nine months of 2016 from 19.6% for the first nine months of 2015. The $179,000 decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in salary expense (including fringe benefits) of $434,000 due to a decrease in headcount offset by an increased travel and entertainment expense of $103,000 due to increased business travel in the first quarter and an increase of $67,000 of expenses related to warehouse and factory renovation. The percentage decrease was primarily the result of higher sales.

 

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses decreased to $2,098,000 in the first nine months of 2016 from $2,598,000 in the first nine months of 2015 and decreased as a percentage of sales to 12.3% for the first nine months of 2016 from 16.5% for the first nine months of 2015. This $500,000 decrease is primarily the result of a decrease in amortization expense of $213,000 relating to license fees, a decrease in salary expense (including fringe benefits) of $167,000 due to a decrease in headcount and a decrease in consulting fees of $78,000.

 

Operating Loss. Operating loss of $379,000 for the first nine months of 2016 represents a decrease from the operating loss of $4,386,000 for the first nine months of 2015. Operating loss as a percentage of sales was (2.2%) in the first nine months of 2016 compared to (27.9%) in the first nine months of 2015.

 

Other Expense. Interest expense increased to $281,000 in the first nine months of 2016 from $228,000 in the first nine months of 2015. The increase is the result of higher interest rates.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s working capital surplus (deficit) was $574,000 and $(309,000), respectively. The increase in working capital is primarily due to an increase of cash of $204,000, a decrease in the line of credit of $754,000 and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $678,000, offset by a decrease in inventory of $396,000 and an increase in the derivative liability of $371,000.

 

The Company’s net cash provided by operating activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 was $763,000, primarily due to non-cash adjustments of $1,326,000 and a decrease in inventories of $877,000, offset by a net loss of $857,000 and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $678,000.

 

Cash used in investing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 was $86,000, of which $19,000 was attributable to acquisition of license fees and $67,000 was attributable to capital expenditures.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $473,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, comprised of net repayments on the Revolver of $754,000 and repayment of debt of $119,000, offset by borrowing from related parties of $400,000.

 

For a full description of the Company’s senior secured indebtedness under the Santander Facility and the Company’s senior subordinated convertible indebtedness under the Subordinated Loan Facility, and their respective effects upon the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations, see Note 6 – Debt and Note 7 – Subordinated Convertible Debt with Related Parties, of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are its existing cash balances, cash generated from operations and amounts available under the Santander Financing and the Subordinated Loan Facility. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $1,910,000 outstanding under the Revolver and approximately $810,000 of additional availability for borrowing under the Revolver, as well as $250,000 of additional availability for borrowing under the Subordinated Loan Facility. As of October 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $1,728,000 outstanding under the Revolver and approximately $1,146,000 of additional availability for borrowing under the Revolver, as well as $250,000 of additional availability for borrowing under the Subordinated Loan Facility.

 

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The Company’s Revolver and Term Loan under the Santander Financing, which was to have expired on February 1, 2016, has been extended by Santander through December 1, 2016. While the Company anticipates either obtaining a further extension of the maturity date of the Santander Financing or refinancing all or part of the Santander Financing prior to December 1, 2016, there can be no assurances that an extension or refinancing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Debt financing, if available, could impose additional cash payment obligations and additional covenants and operating restrictions.

 

Beginning in early 2015, the Company experienced a significant decline in its net sales, which have not recovered to historical norms, but which have stabilized at reduced levels. Although sales increased in the first nine months of 2016, the Company does not anticipate that sales will recover to historical norms during 2016. In light of these developments and as detailed below, the Company has taken dramatic steps during the past year, implemented in several phases, in order to manage operations through what has been and is anticipated to be a protracted period of diminished sales levels. Based upon these facts and trends occurring in our business, together with our current expectations for the next four fiscal quarters, we believe that if we are unable to further extend our current Revolver and Term Loan or otherwise refinance this indebtedness, we will not have sufficient liquidity necessary to sustain operations for the next twelve months. These factors, and possibly others, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, a risk that was first discussed in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed in November 2015.

 

During the past eighteen months, the Company has focused on implementing a turnaround strategy, under which, since March 2015, it has been implementing operational and financial processes to improve liquidity, cash flow and profitability. In addition to seeking to further extend or refinance its outstanding indebtedness with Santander that is due on December 1, 2016, the Company has also entered into the Subordinated Loan Facility, which has provided the Company with $500,000 of additional working capital and under which there remains availability for further borrowings of an additional $250,000. The Company is currently in discussions with Santander to extend the term of the Company’s Revolver and Term Loan and is in early stage discussions with several alternative lenders regarding refinancing of the Santander Financing. As of the date of this Report, however, uncertainty exists as to the ultimate outcome of a refinancing or extension of the Company’s Revolver and Term Loan and any commitment or proposal. Accordingly, there are no assurances that these commitments, proposals or discussions will result in any transaction, or that any such transaction, if implemented, will be successful.

 

In other efforts to alleviate the liquidity pressures and reposition the Company to generate positive cash flow at a lower level of net sales, since March 2015, the Company has implemented a multi-phase cost-reduction program which reduced expenses during 2015 by approximately $1,035,000 and is expected to reduce annualized expenses by approximately $2,850,000. During 2016, the Company has been implementing additional elements of its cost reduction program designed to preserve working capital, including the further reduction of salaries of certain employees of the Company. Although we believe we have made and will continue to make progress under these programs (e.g., the Company’s liquidity has modestly improved since March 30, 2015, and the Company is on track to meet or exceed its cost reduction target for 2016), we operate in a rapidly evolving and often unpredictable business environment that may change the timing or amount of expected future cash receipts and expenditures. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our planned operational improvements will be successful. If anticipated operating results are not achieved, and/or sufficient funds are not obtained from the Company’s efforts to refinance and raise capital, further reductions in operating expenses may be needed and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives and continue as a going concern.

 

The Company’s primary long-term obligations are for payment of interest and principal on the Company’s Revolver and Term Loan, both of which expire on December 1, 2016. The Company expects to use cash generated from operations to meet its long-term debt obligations, and anticipates obtaining a further extension or refinancing its long-term debt obligations at maturity. The Company considers opportunities to refinance its existing indebtedness based on market conditions. Although the Company will be required to refinance all or part of its existing indebtedness by December 1, 2016 (unless a further extension from Santander is obtained), there can be no assurances that it will successfully do so. Changes in the Company’s operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, or other events, may require the Company to seek additional debt or equity financing. There can be no assurance that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Debt financing, if available, could impose additional cash payment obligations and additional covenants and operating restrictions. The Company also expects to make financed and unfinanced long-term capital expenditures from time to time in the ordinary course of business, which capital expenditures were $67,000 and $188,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company expects to use cash generated from operations, amounts available under its credit facility, proceeds from advances under the Subordinated Loan Facility, and purchase-money financing to meet any anticipated long-term capital expenditures.

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 4 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the anticipated dates of adoption and the effects on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at September 30, 2016.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company may be a party to certain proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of its business, none of which, in the current opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index appearing at page 19 herein.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
     
Date:  November 14, 2016 By: /s/  Robert J. Pallé
    Robert J. Pallé,
    Chief Executive Officer and President
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
  By: /s/  Eric Skolnik
    Eric Skolnik
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit # Description   Location
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc.   Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-98070 originally filed October 12, 1995, as amended.
3.2 Restated Bylaws of Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc., as amended.   Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A originally filed May 9, 2008.
10.1 Sixteenth Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 25, 2016, between Santander Bank, N.A. and Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. and R. L. Drake Holdings, LLC.   Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 30, 2016.
31.1 Certification of Robert J. Pallé pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Filed herewith.
31.2 Certification of Eric Skolnik pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Filed herewith.
32.1 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Filed herewith.
101.1 Interactive data files.   Filed herewith.

 

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