UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-K

 


 

(Mark One)

x

  

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended

January 31, 2003

OR

¨
  For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004
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 0-5449

 


COMARCO, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

California

 

95-2088894

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

2 Cromwell, Irvine, California 92618

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (949) 599-7400


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock

(Title of Class)

 

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. Yesxþ No¨

 

Indicate by a check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.x¨

 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filersfiler (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes¨ Noxþ

 

Common stockStock outstanding at April 22, 200320047,027,5657,284,374 shares.

 

Class


Aggregate market value of

shares held by non-affiliates


Common Stock

$44,846,063

Class


  Aggregate market value of
Shares Held by Non-Affiliates


Common Stock

  $55,503,031

 

The total number of shares held by non-affiliates on the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter (July 31, 2002)2003) was 6,794,858.7,002,526. This number was multiplied by $6.60$7.93 per share (the closing sale price of the Common Stock on July 31, 20022003 in the NASDAQ National Market System, as reported by NASDAQ) to determine the aggregate market value of non-affiliate shares set forth above. (The assumption is made, solely for purposes of the above computation, that all Officers and Directors of registrant are affiliates.)

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission by May 28, 200325, 2004 a definitive Proxy Statement (the “2003“2004 Proxy Statement”) relating to its 20032004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which meeting involves the election of directors and certain other matters.directors. The 20032004 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K and shall be deemed to be a part hereof.

 



COMARCO, INC.

FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 20032004

 

TABLE OF CONTENTSINDEX

 

        

Page



PART I

  

1

  

ITEM 1.

  

BUSINESS

  

1

  

ITEM 2.

  

PROPERTIES

  

11

13
  

ITEM 3.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

  

11

13
  

ITEM 4.

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

13

PART II

  

13

14

PART II

14

  

ITEM 5.

  

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  

14

  

ITEM 6.

  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  

15

  

ITEM 7.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  

16

  

ITEM 7A.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  

31

  

ITEM 8.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

  

32

  

ITEM 9.

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

  

59

60

PART III

60

  

ITEM 9A.

ITEM 10.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES60

PART III

  

60

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

  

60

  

ITEM 11.

  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  

60

  

ITEM 12.

  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEICIALBENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  

60

  

ITEM 13.

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

  

60

61
  

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES61

PART IV

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

60

62

PART IV

61

  

ITEM 15.

  

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  

61

62

 

iii


PART I

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

All statements included or incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K (the “report”), other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning projected revenue, expenses, gross profit, gross margin, and income, manufacturing capacity, our accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments, the market acceptance and performance of our products, the status of evolving technologies and their growth potential, the cost and success of our development projects, the timing of new product introductions, our production capacity, and the need for additional capital and the success of pending litigation.capital. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and estimates, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and are based upon the information availableknown to us at this time. Such information is subject to change, and we will not necessarily inform you of such changes. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, some of which are listed under the section entitled “Risk Factors”Factors, Uncertainties and Other Factors that May Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition” in Part I, Item 1 of this report, and other risks identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), press releases, and other communications.

 

We file annual, quarterly, and specialcurrent reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available free of charge to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website athttp://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available on our website athttp://www.comarco.com as soon as reasonably practical following the time that they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Any document we file with the SEC can be read at the SEC’s public reference roomsroom in Washington, DC, New York, NY, and Chicago, IL.DC. For further information on the public reference rooms,room, call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330.

 

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

 

OverviewGeneral

 

Comarco, Inc., through its subsidiary Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (collectively, “we,” “Comarco,” or the “Company”), is a leading provider of wireless test solutions for the wireless industry. Comarco also designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. During October 1999, we embarked on a plan to divest our non-wireless businesses, which included the defense and commercial staffing businesses. The divestiture plan was completed during November 2000. Accordingly, our continuingOur operations consist solely of the operations of Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (“CWT”).

 

We have two primary businesses: wireless test solutions (“WTS”) and wireless applications. Our wireless test solutions business designs and manufactures hardware and software tools for use by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Our wireless applications business designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

 

References to “Fiscal”“fiscal” years in this report refer to our fiscal years ended January 31; for example, “fiscal 2003”2004” refers to our fiscal year ended January 31, 2003.2004.

Wireless Industry

Beginning in fiscal 2002 and after several years of robust growth, the wireless industry deteriorated, reflecting slowing subscriber growth, intensifying price competition, reduced access to capital and the need to manage cash flow. This trend continued through fiscal 2003 and there are few indications that this trend will not continue into fiscal 2004. Wireless carriers have responded to these challenges by reducing capital spending and focusing on projects that can most directly contribute to their revenue. Wireless carriers are now focused on satisfying customer demand for enhanced data services, seamless and comprehensive coverage, improved quality of service, and faster data transmission. Many of these initiatives require capital spending for additional network capacity and next-generation technologies, also referred to as 2.5G and 3G technologies. With reduced availability of capital and the transition to next-generation technologies, plans, projects, and capital spending are subject to frequent change as wireless carriers reevaluate and reorder their priorities. As a result, demand for our 2G wireless test solutions products has significantly decreased and the spending patterns of the wireless carriers continue to be volatile and difficult to predict.

We anticipate that over the longer-term capital spending growth will be driven by a number of factors, including a growing number of subscribers, increasing minutes of use, and the growing demand for the enhanced data services and improved quality promised by next-generation wireless technologies. The deployment of 2.5G and 3G technologies will require the timely development and manufacture of new or advanced infrastructure equipment, including mobile test and measurement tools specifically designed to address the needs of wireless carriers as they transition their existing 2G networks to next-generation technologies. With a product portfolio of test and measurement tools that currently supports 2.5G and 3G technologies, as well as legacy 2G technologies, and core competencies that include expertise in all current and emerging wireless technology standards, industrial hardware design, software development, and low cost manufacturing, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the capital spending cycle for next-generation technologies.

Wireless Technology Transition

Wireless networks have evolved from first generation analog technology, or 1G, to second-generation digital voice technology, or 2G. These digital systems provide improved network capacity and signal quality and are currently the dominant technology for most wireless networks. While the build-out of 2G networks continues, there is an increasing demand for next-generation technologies that provide additional data capacity and transmission speeds that permit wireless transmission of integrated voice, data, and Internet and video traffic. To meet this demand, many wireless carriers are either in the process of upgrading their existing 2G networks to 2.5G and 3G technologies or evaluating options to evolve their networks to these next-generation technologies.

Considered an interim step, 2.5G technologies enable wireless carriers to upgrade their existing 2G networks with software and hardware enhancements. These upgrades often require significant investment in software and equipment, but generally do not require the comprehensive new infrastructure equipment investment required for 3G networks. In addition, while these upgraded networks provide improvements in capacity, coverage and performance, they have significantly less bandwidth capacity and transmission speeds than 3G networks are expected to provide.

In order to address these future network requirements, many carriers are expected to ultimately spend a considerable amount of capital upgrading their wireless networks to 3G technologies. Once upgraded, wireless networks are expected to provide high capacity broadband wireless data services at speeds of up to two megabits per second, with the capacity and speed to support voice, data, mobile Internet access and full-motion video. The use of mobile wireless devices for Internet access and other data transmissions is expected to increase substantially over the next several years.

During the last two years, some major carriers in Europe and Asia began a limited initial build out of the first 3G networks. Regulatory agencies in most European counties, Japan and Korea have already licensed 3G frequencies. In the United States, the FCC is expected to award licenses for 3G frequencies in the next several years. As a result, predominately all of the current demand for 3G infrastructure equipment is driven by the rollout of 3G networks in Europe and Asia.

Our Business OperationsBusinesses

 

Wireless Test Solutions

 

Our wireless test solutionsWTS business designs and manufactures hardware and software tools used by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Radio frequency engineers, professionalnetwork improvement professionals and technicians, and others use these test tools to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks, and to verify the performance and quality of service delivered by the wireless networks once deployed. As wireless carriers continue to deploy 2.5G and 3G technologies across their existing networks, the demand for next-generation wireless test solutionour WTS products is expected to increase.

 

Products

 

OurWTS’s product offering is based on Seven.Five, our newly developedSeven.Five product platform. Seven.Five is a true breakthrough in testing capability, performance,hardware and versatility. Its infinite flexibility, scalability,software solution that is flexible, scalable, and modularity enablesmodular allowing our customers to work with all 2G, 2.5G, and 3G technologies, andtechnologies. Seven.Five can be configured in virtually any combination of test mobiles and multi-band, multi-technology scanning receivers. Whether the test application involvesTest applications include; optimization orand benchmarking of wireless networks, in-building or in-vehicle testing, fixed or mobile, voice, data, or data, Seven.Five provides the necessary functionality and technology.video.

Seven.Five Multi – Seven.Five Multi is a cutting edge test platform that supports voice, data and video quality testing. Seven.Five Multi is the optimal solution for both multi-technology optimization and benchmarking. Designed with the evolution of wireless networks in mind, the Seven.Five Multi chassis supports up to six modules in any combination of single board computers, calling modules and tri-band scanning receivers. Multiple chassis can easily be cascaded together, offering almost unlimited expansion capabilities.

Seven.Five Duo – Seven.Five Duo is an advanced optimization tool ideal for network deployment. Real-time moving maps, state-of-the-art data displays, and voice alerts help the user easily pinpoint problems. It is now possible to layer in quality of service algorithms for functionality previously unavailable. Seven.Five Duo is upgradeable to include scanning capability or the ability to test with a second calling module, of similar or different technology, and the capacity to assess voice and data simultaneously, in-building or in-field.

Seven.Five Solo – Seven.Five Solo is a laptop based single calling module system. Its primary use is optimization offering a wide set of real-time monitors for in-field analysis, as well as replay mode. Its advanced real-time moving maps, state-of-the-art data displays and voice alerts provide easy pinpointing of problems. Supporting both test mobiles of all technologies and an external tri-band scanning receiver, the Seven.Five Solo facilitates in-depth analysis and radio frequency engineering tasks. Seven.Five Solo can also be configured for voice, data, and video quality assessment.

Seven.Five Scanner – Seven.Five Scanner is an essential tool for testing and optimizing developing wireless networks. Seven.Five Scanner scans multiple technologies simultaneously and at speeds in excess of 3,000 channels per second. With the addition of optional calling modules, Seven.Five Scanner takes all the capability of the Solo and Duo from in-field monitoring and audio and video quality of service measurements to real-time moving maps, state-of-the-art data displays, and voice alerts – and makes it available in a portable, stand-alone scanning unit that covers all 2G, 2.5G, and 3G technologies.

 

Services

 

Through June 2002,We ceased providing engineering services during the wireless test solutions business was a providersecond quarter of fiscal 2003. Prior to that, WTS provided engineering services that assisted wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others deploy, optimize, and evaluate the performance of wireless networks. When engaged, we were able to provide and support skilled RFradio engineers and professional technicians and the test tools best suited for the engagement.

 

We began offering engineering services, which were complementary to our wireless test solutionsWTS products, to wireless carriers and equipment vendors during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000. During the subsequent two years, we were awarded several profitable multi-million dollar contracts, as well as numerous smaller engagements. However, as wireless carriers continue to reducedramatically reduced their spending near the end of fiscal 2002 and the competition to provide engineering services had becomebecame more intense. Reduced contract pricing and fewer opportunities have resulted in reduced revenue and profitability for all engineering services providers. Accordingly, we decided to exitduring the engineering services business and eliminate all related costs. During the second quarterfirst half of fiscal 2003, we ceased our efforts to obtain additional service contracts, and completed our remaining contractual obligations, reduced head count, and sold a portion of the assets previously used in providing theseengineering services.

 

Wireless Applications

 

Our wireless applications business designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. Our call box products provide emergency communication over existing wireless networks. In addition to the call box products, we provide system installation and long-term maintenance services. Currently, we havethere are approximately 14,000 call boxes installed, the majority of which are servicedthat we service and maintainedmaintain under long-term agreements.

 

ChargeSource Products

 

TheOur wireless applications business also includes the ChargeSource family of mobile power products. Designed with the needs of the traveling professional in mind, our ChargeSource mobile power products provide a high level of functionality and compatibility in an industry-leading compact design. Our current and planned product offering consists of universal AC/DC, AC, and DC power adapters designed for the right mix of power output and functionality for most retail, OEM, and enterprise customers. Our ChargeSource products consist of a 70-wattare also universal ACallowing those who use rechargeable electronic devices to carry just one power adapter, our second-generation mobile power system.adapter. By simply changing the compact SmartTipsSmartTip connected to the end of the charging cable, theour universal AC power adapter isadapters are capable of charging and powering multiple target devices, including most notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. During the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the ChargeSource product offering was expanded with the introduction of the 70-watt universal DC power adapter. This universal DC power adapter allows traveling professionals to use all their existing ChargeSource SmartTips on the road or in the air. This device connects to the in-seat power outlet available on most major airlines or the cigarette lighter plug found in automobiles. Targus Group International (“Targus”) currently distributes both of these products.

Until recently, most current notebook computers required no more than 70 watts of power to operate. However, the personal computer industry is currently transitioning to offer notebook computers with increasing power requirements. As the power requirements increase, so does the size of the original equipment of the manufacturer (“OEM”) AC chargerpower adapter sold with theeach notebook computer. To address this industry wide trend, we have developed a family of high-power ChargeSource products that are compatible with allmost legacy, current, and future laptops.planned notebook computers. These new ChargeSource products are able to deliver up to 120 watts of power in a very small form factor. The new ChargeSource family of products, whichWe believe our patented electrical designs will continue to be the basis for even higher-power universal power adapters that are expected to begin shipping duringmeet evolving global standards, including the second quarter of fiscal 2004, consistplanned standards of the following:European Union (“EU”), and the increasing power requirements of the notebook computer OEMs, and allow us to offer customers cutting edge technology without significantly increasing the size or weight of our products. We also expect these higher-power universal power adapters to continue to be significantly smaller and lighter than their OEM counterparts.

The ChargeSource product family consists of the following released (or to be released, as indicated) universal power adapters:

 

120-Watt Universal AC/DC AdapterA universalThis adapter is used in the office, home, hotel, as well as the automobile and airplane and is capable of charging most notebook computers requiring up to 120 watts of power, as well as cell phones,cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

120-Watt and 70-Watt Universal DC Adapters – These adapters are used in the automobile and airplane and are capable of charging most notebook computers, as well as cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

150-Watt Universal AC/DC Adapter This adapter is used in the office, home, hotel, as well as the automobile and airplane.

120-Watt Universal DC Adapter – A universal adapterairplane and is capable of charging most notebook computers requiring up to 120150 watts of power, as well as cell phones,cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. This adapter(This product is used in the automobile and airplane.currently under development.)

 

60-Watt Hour Universal Battery – This universal battery is used to charge and power all notebook computers, cell phones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

20-WattLow-Power AC/DC Adapter – Designed for those individuals who do not travel with a notebook computer, but have a need for a universal adapter that can charge cell phones,cellular telephones, PDAs, DVD and MP3 players, digital cameras and camcorders, and other handheld devices. This adapter is used in the office, home, hotel, as well as thean automobile and airplane.

Our new ChargeSource products are compatible with existing Smart Tips and are backwards compatible with the 70-Watt adapters, which are expected to (To be phased out of productionreleased during the first halfsecond-half of fiscal 2004.2005.)

Universal Battery – This 60-watt hour universal battery is used to charge most notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDA’s, and other handheld devices. (This product is currently under development.)

 

Marketing, Sales, and Distribution

 

Wireless Test Solutions. We market and sell our wireless test solutionsWTS products through a direct sales force of technically trained personnel and through independent sales representatives, and affiliated and unaffiliated resellers. Our North American sales are made thoughthrough our direct sales organizationand marketing organizations located in California. Sales to our customers in Latin and South America and Asia are generally made through our officesoffice located in SingaporeMexico City, assisted by the sales and Mexico.marketing organizations based in our California office. These international offices also coordinate the marketing, sales, and support efforts of a network of representatives and distributors typically locatedresponsible for sales to customers in the respectiveother geographic regions.

During fiscal 2002, we purchased an equity stake in Switzerland based SwissQual AG (“SwissQual”), a developer of speech qualityQuality of Service systems and software for measuring, monitoring, and optimizing the quality of mobile, fixed, and IP-based voice and data communications. Under this alliance, SwissQual is responsible for reselling and supporting our co-branded wireless test solutionWTS products in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.North Africa (“EMEA”).

Wireless Applications. Our currentHistorically, our ChargeSource mobile power products which includehave been distributed by Targus Group International (“Targus”). During the 70-watt universal AC power adapterfourth quarter of fiscal 2004 we terminated our relationship with Targus and entered into a strategic agreement with Belkin Corporation (“Belkin”). Under this agreement, Belkin granted exclusive worldwide distribution rights to distribute ChargeSource products in several strategic end-market categories including electronic retailers, specialty retailers, OEM third-party options, and Fortune 1000 corporate customers. We expect to make our final product sales to Targus, as well as our initial shipments to Belkin during the universal DC power adapter, are marketed and distributed exclusively by Targus.first half of fiscal 2005. We market and sell our call box systems through a direct sales force located in California.

 

Competition

 

Wireless Test Solutions. The market for our hardware and software test tools for the wireless industry is highly competitive and is served by numerous providers. Our primary competitors with respect to our wireless test solutionsWTS products are Agilent Technologies, Ascom, Ericsson, and Allen Telecom.Andrew Corporation. Many of our competitors are larger and have greater financial resources.

 

The wireless industry is characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product and service introductions, and evolving industry standards. To compete successfully in our market, we believe we must have the ability to:must:

 

Properlyproperly identify customer needs,needs;

 

Priceprice our products competitively,competitively;

 

Innovateinnovate and develop new or enhanced products,products;

 

Successfullysuccessfully commercialize new technologies in a timely manner,manner;

 

Manufacturemanufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes on time, and

 

Differentiatedifferentiate our offerings from theour competitors’ offerings.

 

Wireless Applications. The market for our emergency call box systems is also served by numerous providers, including Gaitronics, Talk-A-Phone, and other manufactures of wireless and wireline emergency and information telephones. Numerous providers, including Mobility Electronics Belkin and Fellowes, as well as the cellular telephone and personal computer OEMs, also serve the market for our ChargeSource mobile power products. Many of our competitors are larger and have greater financial resources. We believe that the patents that cover our wireless applications products provide us with a competitive advantage. However, our ability to compete in these markets depends on our ability to successfully commercialize new technologies in a timely manner, and manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes.

 

Key Customers

 

We sell our products to wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others located throughout the world. A limited numberIn 2004, we derived 84 percent of our revenues from customers have providedlocated in the United States and 16 percent from customers located in foreign countries. We derive a substantial portion of our revenue.revenue from a limited number of customers. In fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002 Targus, the exclusiveformer distributor of our mobile power products, provided 4138 percent, of our revenue. In fiscal 2002, Targus provided43 percent, and 22 percent of our revenue, andrespectively. In fiscal 2002, Nortel Networks provided 12 percent of our revenue under an engineering services contract. In fiscal 2001, Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless Services, respectively, provided 13 percent

and 15 percent of our revenue. Both companies are wireless carriers and customers of our wireless test solutions business. The spending patterns of theseBelkin, our current exclusive distributor, or any of our other key customers can vary significantly during the year. Any elimination or change in the spending patterns of these customers could negatively affect our operating results.

 

Research and Development

 

We sell our products in markets that are characterized by rapid technology changes, frequent new product and service introductions, and evolving technology standards. Accordingly, we devote significant resources to design and develop new and enhanced products that can be manufactured cost effectively and sold at competitive prices. To focus these efforts, we strive to maintain close relationships with our customers and develop products that meet their needs.

 

As of April 22, 2003,2004, we employed approximately 4030 engineers and other technical personnel who are dedicated to our research and development efforts. Generally, our research and development and other engineering efforts are managed and focused on a product-by-product basis, and can generally be characterized as follows:

Wewe collaborate closely with our customers and partners to design and manufacture new products or modify existing products to specifications required by our customers,customers;

 

Wewe design and manufacture enhancements and improvements to our existing products in response to our customers’ requests or feedback, and

 

Wewe independently design and build new products in anticipation of the needs of our customers as they transition existing 2G wireless networks to next-generation technologies.

 

If we don’tfail to properly respond to the needs of our customers with the development of new or enhanced products in a timely manner, our portfolio of products is likely to become technologically obsolete over time. We are currently developingrecently developed a new wireless test solutionsWTS product platform, Seven.Five, in response to the needs of wireless carriers for flexible, scalable, and high-value mobile test and measurement tools. For additional information concerning research and development expenditures, see “Research and Development and Software Development Costs” in Notenote 2 of notes toour consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

Manufacturing and Suppliers

 

We maintain one manufacturing facility located in Irvine, California, which is ISO-9002:1994ISO-9001:2000 certified. Our manufacturing process involves the assembly of numerous individual component products by production technicians. The parts and materials used by us consist primarily of printed circuit boards, specialized subassemblies, fabricated housings and chassis, cellular telephones, and small electric circuit components, such as integrated circuits, semiconductors, resistors, and capacitors. Most of our components and sub-assemblies are made by third parties to our specifications and are generally delivered to us for final assembly and testing.

 

Patents and Intellectual Property

 

We hold patents that cover key technical aspects of the products in our wireless applications business. However, we generally rely on a combination of trade secrets, copyrights, and contractual rights to protect theour intellectual property embodied in the hardware and software products of our wireless test solutionsWTS business.

 

Industry Practices Impacting Working Capital

 

Existing industry practices that affect working capital and operating cash flow include the level of variability of customer orders relative to the volume of production, vendor lead times, materials availability for critical parts, inventory levels held to achieve rapid customer fulfillment, and provisions of extended payment terms to certain foreign customers.

 

Currently, we sell our products under purchase orders that are placed with short-term delivery requirements. As a result, we maintain significant levels of inventory and associated production and technical staff in order to meet

our obligations. Delays in planned customer orders could result in higher inventory levels and negatively impact our operating results.

 

Our standard terms require customers to pay for our products and services in U.S. dollars. For those orders denominated in foreign currencies, we may limit our exposure to losses from foreign currency transactions through forward foreign exchange contracts. To date, sales denominated in foreign currencies have not been significant and we have not entered into any foreign exchange contracts.

 

Employees

 

As of April 22, 2003,2004, we employed approximately 143140 employees. We believe our employee relations to be good. The majority of our employees are professional or technical personnel who possess training and experience in engineering, computer science, and management. Our future success depends in large part on our ability to retain key technical, marketing, and management personnel, and to attract and retain qualified employees, particularly those highly skilled radio, frequency, design, process, and test engineers involved in the development of new products. Competition for such personnel iscan be intense, and the loss of key employees, as well as the failure to recruit and train additional technical personnel in a timely manner, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the contribution of our executive officers and other key employees. We have an employee stock option plan whereby key employees can participate in our success.

 

Risk Factors, Uncertainties and UncertaintiesOther Factors that May Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

Described below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents we file with the SEC, press releases, and other communications are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

Market and Industry Risk

A significant portion of our annual revenue is derived from customersthe sale of our WTS products to customers in the wireless test solutions business.communications industry, which has experienced significant problems during the past several years. If the wireless communications industry does not continue to improve, our operating results and financial condition could suffer.

Revenue from the sale of our WTS products to customers in the wireless communications industry accounted for 32.5 percent of our revenue in fiscal 2004. These customers include national and regional wireless carriers throughout the world, as well as equipment vendors, and others. The wireless communications industry has historically experienced a dramatic rate of growth both in the United States and internationally. During the past serveralseveral years, however, many wireless carriers experienced many challengeshave re-evaluated their network deployment plans in response to downturns in the capital markets, changing perceptions regarding industry growth, the adoption of new wireless technologies, increasing price competition for subscribers, and a general economic slowdown in the United States and internationally. That trend appears to have just recently begun to change as several large carriers in the U.S., Latin America, and South America have started to once again focus on network expansion and next-generation technology deployment. If the rate of growth slows in the wireless communications industry or wireless carriers reduce their capital investments in wireless infrastructure and related test tools offered by our WTS business, our revenue and operating results may be adversely affected.

A significant portion of our revenue is derived from the sale and maintenance of emergency call box systems to governmental customers that continue to experience severe budgetary constraints. If planned projects to install or upgrade call box systems continue to be delayed, our operating results and financial condition could suffer.

Revenue from the sale and maintenance of our emergency call box systems and upgrades accounted for 20.3 percent of our revenues in fiscal 2004. Approximately 78% of our call box revenue is derived from state and local governmental agencies in California, which are currently experiencing severe budgetary constraints. As a result, several of our planned projects to install or upgrade call box systems have resultedbeen delayed. If the current adverse budgetary conditions of state and local governmental agencies in a declineCalifornia persist, we expect significant reductions in both capital spending by our governmental customers, which would likely adversely affect our revenue and operating results.

Failure to adjust our operations due to changing market conditions or failure to accurately estimate demand for our wireless test solutions products. With reduced availability of capital andproducts could adversely affect our operating results.

During the transition to next-generation technologies, plans, projects, and capital spending are subject to frequent change as wireless carriers reevaluate and reorder their priorities. As a result, revenue from our wireless test solutions business for fiscal 2003 continued to be soft. Additionally,past several years, the spending patterns of many of our WTS customers are increasinglyhave been volatile and difficultunpredictable. In addition, consumer demand for our ChargeSource mobile power products has been subject to predict, which makesfluctuations as a result of market acceptance of our recently released products, the timing and size of customer orders and consumer demand for rechargeable mobile electronic devices. Accordingly, it veryhas been difficult for us to forecast the demand for these products. We also are limited in our ability to quickly adapt our manufacturing and related cost structures because a significant portion of our sales and marketing, design and other engineering, and manufacturing costs are fixed. If customer demand for our WTS products or for our ChargeSource mobile power products declines or if we otherwise fail to accurately forecast reduced customer demand, we will likely experience excess capacity, which could adversely affect our operating results. Conversely, if market conditions improve, our manufacturing capacity may not be adequate to fill increased customer demand. As a result, we might not be able to fulfill customer orders in a timely manner, which could adversely affect our customer relationships and operating results.

The products we make are complex and have short life cycles. If we are unable to rapidly and successfully develop and introduce new products, some of our products may become obsolete and our operating results could suffer.

The wireless test solution products.communications and consumer electronics industries are characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product introductions and evolving industry standards. Additionally, our ChargeSource mobile power products have short life cycles, and may become obsolete over relatively short periods of time. Our future success depends on our ability to develop, introduce, and deliver on a timely basis and in sufficient quantity new products, components, and enhancements. The extentsuccess of this downturnany new product offering will depend on several factors, including our ability to:

properly identify customer needs and how long ittechnological trends;

timely develop new technologies and applications;

price our products and services competitively;

timely manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volume, and

differentiate our products from those of our competitors.

Development of new products requires high levels of innovation from both our engineers and our component suppliers. Development of a new product often requires a substantial investment before we can determine the commercial viability of the product. If we dedicate a significant amount of resources to the development of products that do not achieve broad market acceptance, our operating results may suffer. Our operating results may also be adversely affected due to the timing of product introductions by competitors, especially when a competitor introduces a new product before our own comparable product is ready to be introduced.

The wireless communications and consumer electronics industries are highly competitive, and our profitability will last is unknown. No assurancebe adversely affected if we are not able to compete effectively.

The wireless communications and consumer electronics industries in which we sell our products are highly competitive in many areas, including the timing of development and introduction of new products, technology, price, quality, and customer service and support. Our competitors range from some of the respective industries’ largest corporations to many relatively small and highly specialized firms. Many of our competitors possess advantages over us, including greater financial and marketing resources, greater name recognition and larger and more established customer and supplier relationships. Our competitors also may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer needs. If we do not have the resources or expertise or otherwise fail to develop successful strategies to address these competitive disadvantages, we could lose customers causing our revenue to decline.

The average selling prices of our products may decrease over their sales cycles, especially upon the introduction of new products, which may negatively affect our revenue and operating results.

Our products may experience a reduction in the average selling prices over their respective sales cycles. Further, as we introduce new or next-generation products, sales prices of legacy products may decline substantially. In order to sell products that have a falling average selling price and maintain margins at the same time, we need to continually reduce product and manufacturing costs. There can be given thatno assurances we will be successful in our efforts to reduce these costs. In order to do so, we must carefully manage the price paid for components used in our products, as well as manage our inventory costs to reduce overall product costs. If we are unable to reduce the cost of legacy products as new products are introduced, our average gross margins may decline and adversely affect our operating results.

A significant portion of our revenue is dependent in part upon our relationships with our strategic distribution partners and their performance. If we are unable to successfully manage our relationships with the distributors of our mobile power products, our revenue and operating results could suffer.

Historically, our ChargeSource mobile power products have been distributed by Targus Group International (“Targus”). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 we terminated our relationship with Targus and entered into a strategic agreement with Belkin Corporation (“Belkin”). Under this agreement Belkin is granted exclusive worldwide distribution rights to distribute our ChargeSource products in several strategic end-market categories including electronic retailers, specialty retailers, OEM third-party options and Fortune 1000 corporate customers. However, due to the exclusive nature of our agreement with Belkin, our direct access to certain significant distribution channels has been limited. Accordingly, our success will depend in part upon Belkin’s ability and willingness to effectively and widely distribute our ChargeSource products. If Belkin does not be further adversely affected bypurchase the current or future downturns in the wireless industryvolume of products that we anticipate, our revenue and the markets into which we sell our products.results of operations will suffer.

 

Worldwide A significant portion of our revenue is derived from a limited number of customers, and any loss of, cancellation or delay in purchases by these customers could cause a significant decrease in our revenue.

We have historically derived a significant portion of our revenue from a limited number of customers. Our three (3) key customers for the fiscal year just completed accounted for $17.8 million of our revenue, or 52.0 percent of our revenue for fiscal 2004. For example, Targus, the former distributor of our ChargeSource mobile power products, accounted for approximately $12.9 million, or 37.6 percent of our revenue in fiscal 2004 and $15.1 million, or 42.3 percent of our revenue in fiscal 2003. Our new distribution agreement with Belkin requires them to purchase minimum quantities from us during the first 18 months of the agreement, however, we cannot assure you that Belkin will be able to meet its purchase commitments, or meet or exceed our historical level of unit sales. If Belkin or any of our other key customers reduces, cancels, or delays orders from us, and we are not able to develop other customers who purchase products at comparable levels, our revenue could decrease significantly. In addition, any difficulty in collecting amounts due from one or more of our key customers would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. We expect that a limited number of customers will continue to represent a large percentage of our revenues.

We may experience quality or safety defects in our products that could cause us to institute product recalls, require us to provide replacement products and harm our reputation.

In the course of conducting our business, we experience and attempt to address various quality and safety issues with our products. Often product defects are identified during our design, development, and manufacturing processes, which we are able to correct timely. Sometimes, defects are identified after introduction and shipment of products. For example, in March 2003, we voluntarily initiated a product safety recall of our legacy 70-watt universal AC power adapters, and accrued $0.4 million in expenses related thereto in fiscal 2003 and accrued a $3.2 million credit to Targus recorded as a reduction of revenue in settlement of the recall. $1.1 million of which later was unused and recognized as revenue in fiscal 2004. If we are unable to timely fix defects or adequately address quality control issues, our relationships with our customers may be impaired, our reputation may suffer and we may lose customers. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Economic, political and Market Conditionsother risks associated with our international sales and operations could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We currently maintain sales and support operations in the United States, Europe Asia, and Latin America. Our international operations accounted for approximately 15.8 percent of our revenue in fiscal 2004. Accordingly, our business is subject to the worldwide economic and market conditions and risks generally associated with doing business abroad, such as fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, weaknesses in the economic conditions in particular countries or regions, the stability of international monetary conditions, tariff and trade policies, domestic and foreign tax policies, foreign governmental regulations, political unrest and disruptions orand delays in shipments, and changes in other economic conditions.shipments. These factors, among others, could influenceadversely affect our ability to sellsales of products and services in international markets. A significant downturn in the global economy could adversely affect our operating results.

Additionally, we have limited experience selling our products and services in markets outside Norththe United States and Latin America. However, it is currently our intention to expand our international presenceoperations and establish additional sales

and support offices in primary international markets. There can be no assurance given thatIf our international sales efforts will be successful.are not successful, our results of operations and financial condition could suffer.

 

CompetitionOur failure to address laws and regulations governing our government contracts, could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

We encounter aggressive competitiondepend on contracts with state and local governmental agencies for a significant portion of our revenue, and are subject to various laws and regulations that only apply to companies doing business with the government. For example, we supply call box products and provide system installation and long-term maintenance services to regional and municipal transit authorities and other governmental agencies. In fiscal 2004, we derived 20.3 percent of our revenue from contracts with these governmental customers. From time to time we are also subject to investigation for compliance with regulations governing our government contracts. Our failure to comply with any of these laws or regulations could result in suspension of these contracts, or subject us to administrative claims.

Disruptions in our relationships with our suppliers or in our suppliers’ operations could result in shortages of necessary components and adversely affect our operations.

We currently procure, and expect to continue to procure, certain components from single source manufacturers who provide unique component designs or who meet certain quality and performance requirements. In addition, we sometimes purchase customized components from single sources in order to take advantage of volume pricing discounts. The performance of these suppliers is largely outside our control. In the past, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, shortages of important single source components. Our suppliers may fail to timely deliver components or provide components of sufficient quality. If this occurs, we may need to adjust both product designs and production schedules, which could result in delays in the production and delivery of products to our customers. These delays or defects could harm our reputation and impair our customer relationships.

Third parties may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property, and we could suffer significant litigation, settlement or licensing costs and expenses or be prevented from selling certain products.

Third parties have claimed, and may in the future claim, that we are infringing their intellectual property rights. These intellectual property infringement claims, whether we ultimately are found to be infringing any third party’s intellectual property rights or not, are time-consuming, costly to defend and divert resources and management attention away from our operations. Infringement claims by third parties also could subject us to significant damage awards or fines or require us to pay large amounts to settle such claims. Additionally, claims of intellectual property infringement might require us to enter into royalty or license agreements. If we cannot or do not license the infringed technology on acceptable terms or substitute similar technology from other sources, we could be prevented from or restricted in selling our products containing, or manufactured with, the infringed technology.

Third parties may infringe our intellectual property rights, and we may be required to spend significant resources enforcing these rights or otherwise suffer competitive injury.

Our success depends in large part on our proprietary technology. We generally rely upon patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws in the United States and in certain other countries, and rely on confidentiality agreements with our employees, customers, and partners to establish and maintain our intellectual proprietary rights in our proprietary technology. We are required to spend significant resources to monitor and enforce our intellectual property rights; however these rights might not necessarily provide us with a sufficient competitive advantage. Our intellectual proprietary rights could be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented by competitors or others. Our employees, customers or partners could breach our confidentiality agreements, for which we may not have an adequate remedy available. We also may not be able to timely detect the infringement of our intellectual property

rights, which could harm our competitive position. Finally, the rapid pace of technological change in the wireless test solutions business. communications and consumer electronics industries could make certain of our key proprietary technology obsolete or provide us with less of a competitive advantage.

If we suffer the loss of our manufacturing facility due to catastrophe, our operations would be adversely affected.

We have numerous competitorsone manufacturing facility, which is located in Irvine, California. Although we carry insurance for productsproperty damage, we do not carry insurance or financial reserves for all possible catastrophes, including interruptions or potential losses arising from some ofearthquakes or terrorism. Any significant disruption in our manufacturing operation at the world’s largest corporationsfacility, whether due to many relatively small and highly specialized firms. We compete primarily on the basis of technology, domain expertise, performance, price, quality, reliability, customer service, and support. Some of our competitors have greater resources to apply to each of these factors and in some cases have built significant reputations with the customer base in the markets in which we compete. If we are unable to successfully compete, it couldfire, natural disaster, or otherwise, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Quarterly FluctuationsWe depend upon the services of key personnel, and may not be able to attract and retain additional key personnel.

Our success depends to a significant extent on the continued services and experience of our key research, engineering, sales, marketing and executive personnel. If for any reason our key personnel left our employ and we failed to replace a sufficient number of these personnel, we might not be able to maintain or expand our business. Competition for such highly skilled personnel in Operating Resultsour wireless communications and consumer electronics industries is intense, and we cannot be certain that we will be able to hire or re-hire sufficiently qualified personnel in adequate numbers to meet the demand for our products and services. If we are unable to identify, hire and integrate these skilled personnel in a timely or cost-efficient manner, our operating results could suffer.

We may not be able to successfully integrate prior or future acquisitions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have acquired, and are likely to acquire in the future, businesses, products, and technologies that complement or expand our current operations. Acquisitions could require significant capital investments and require us to integrate with companies that have different cultures, management teams and business infrastructure. Depending on the size and complexity of an acquisition, our successful integration of the acquisition could depend on several factors, including:

difficulties in assimilating and integrating the operations, products and workforces of an acquired business;

the retention of key employees;

management of facilities and employees in separate geographic areas;

the integration or coordination of different research and development and product manufacturing facilities;

successfully converting information and accounting systems, and

diversion of resources and management attention from our other operations.

If market conditions or other factors require us to change our strategic direction, we may fail to realize the expected value from one or more of our acquisitions. Our failure to successfully integrate our acquisitions or realize the expected value from past or future acquisitions could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may need additional capital in the future to fund the growth of our businesses, which we may not be able to obtain or obtain on acceptable terms.

We currently anticipate that our available capital resources and operating income will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, we cannot assure you that such resources will be sufficient to fund the long-term growth of our business. In particular, we may experience a negative operating cash flow due to the timing of anticipated sales of our products. We may raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings if such financings become available on favorable terms. Or we may seek working capital financing under a revolving line of credit. We cannot assure you that any additional financing we may need will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop new products or otherwise respond to competitive pressures. In any such case, our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our quarterly operating results are subject to significant fluctuations and, if our operating results decline or are worse than expected, our stock price could fall.

 

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, significant quarterly fluctuations in revenue and operating results for our WTS business and wireless test solutionsapplications business. Our quarterly operating results are impacted by numerous factors,may fluctuate for many reasons, including:

 

Variations in the size and timing or rescheduling of customer orders and shipments,shipments;

 

Variationsthe degree and rate of growth in manufacturing costs, capacities,the markets in which we compete and efficiencies,the accompanying demand for our products;

 

Delayslimitations in qualificationour ability to forecast our manufacturing needs;

our ability to introduce, and the timing of our introductions of, new or enhanced products,products;

 

Productproduct failures and recalls, product quality control problems and associated in-field service support costs,costs;

 

Warranty expenses,warranty expenses;

 

The availability and cost of components, and

 

Changeschanges in average sales prices.

 

Due to these and other factors, our past results are not reliable indicators of our future performance. FutureIn addition, a significant portion of our operating expenses is relatively fixed due to sales, engineering and manufacturing overhead. If we experience a decline in revenue, andwe may be unable to reduce our fixed costs quickly enough to compensate for the decline, which would magnify the adverse impact of such revenue shortfall on our results of operations. If our operating results may not meet thedecline or are below expectations of publicsecurities analysts or investors, the market analysts and investors. In either caseprice of our stock price could be materially adversely affected.may decline significantly.

 

Ability to Forecast Operating Results

Due to the downturn in the wireless industry, the spending patterns of our customers are increasingly volatileOur stock price has been and difficult to predict, which makes it very difficult for us to forecast the demand for our wireless test solutions products. Significant portions of our costs are fixed, due in part to our significant sales, engineering and product support, and manufacturing organizations. As a result, relatively small declines in revenue could disproportionately affect our operating results. Additionally, we have limited backlog and a limited view of when an order will be received and shipped, which may affect revenue in any given period.

Product Demand and Manufacturing Capacity

As we are limited in our ability to quickly adapt our production and related cost structures to rapidly changing market conditions, customer demand that does not meet our expectations will result in excess manufacturing capacity. The fixed costs associated with excess capacity will adversely affect our operating results. Conversely, if our manufacturing capacity does not keep pace with customer demand, we will not be able to fulfill orders in a timely manner, which in turn may have a negative effect on our operating results.

We maintain one manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. Any significant disruption in our manufacturing operation, whether due to fire, natural disaster, or otherwise, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

Supplier Risk

We currently procure, and expect to continue to procure, certain components from single source manufacturers due to unique component designs, as well as certain quality and performance requirements. In addition, in order to take advantage of volume pricing discounts, we purchase certain customized components from single sources. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of single-source components. In such event, we may have to make adjustments to both product designs and production schedules that could result in delays in production and delivery of products. Such delays could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

New Product Introductions

We sell our products in the wireless industry, as well as the consumer electronics industry, which are characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product introductions, and evolving industry standards. Without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, our products will likely become technologically obsolete over time, in which case our operating results would suffer. The success of our new product offerings will depend on several factors, including our ability to:

Properly identify customer needs,

Price our products competitively,

Innovate and develop new technologies and applications,

Successfully commercialize new technologies in a timely manner,

Manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes on time, and

Differentiate our offerings from the competitors’ offerings.

Development of new products may require a substantial investment before we can determine the commercial viability of these innovations. We would suffer competitive harm if we dedicate a significant amount of resources to the development of products that do not achieve broad market acceptance.

Product Defectsremain highly volatile.

Our products may have defects despite testing internally or by third-party labs. These defects could result in product returns or recalls and loss or delay in market acceptance, which could have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results, or financial condition.

Early in fiscal 2004 and in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), we announced a voluntary product safety recall of approximately 125,000 detachable plugs used on our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. The detachable AC plug can crack if the plug’s swivel connector is extended beyond the 90 degrees of allowed rotation, creating the potential for electric shock. To date, no injuries have been reported. Approximately 75,000 units are believed to be in consumer’s hands, while another 50,000 are currently in the distribution channel. In conjunction with the product safety recall, the Company and Targus entered into an agreement addressing the impact of the recall action. Due to the recall action and the agreement with Targus, we have accrued a $3.2 million credit to Targus as a reduction of sales and additional recall costs of approximately $0.6 million classified in cost of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. Actual amounts may differ materially from our current estimates based on many factors, including the number of qualifying 70-watt universal adapters returned to Comarco by Targus and their customers, primarily consumer electronics retailers.

Short Product Life Cycles

 

The short life cyclesstock market in general, and the stock prices of many of our products pose a challenge for us to manage effectively the transition from existing products to new products. If we do not manage the transition effectively, our operating results could suffer. Among the factors that make a smooth transition from current products to new products difficult are delays in product development or manufacturing, variations in product costs, and delays in customer purchases of existing

products in anticipation of new product introductions. Our operating results could also suffer due to the timing of product introductions by our competitors. This is especially true when a competitor introduces a new product just before our own product introduction.

Intellectual Property

We generally rely upon patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws in the United States and in certain other countries, and agreements with our employees, customers, and partners to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our technology and products. However, any of our intellectual proprietary rights could be challenged, invalidated,wireless communications companies in particular, have experienced fluctuations that have often been unrelated or circumvented. Our intellectual property may not necessarily provide significant competitive advantages. Also, because of the rapid pace of technological change in the wireless industry, certain of our products rely on key technologies developed by third parties and we may not be able to continue to obtain licenses from these third parties. Third parties may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property. Even if we do not believe that our products are infringing third parties’ intellectual property rights, the claims can be time-consuming and costly to defend and divert management’s attention and resources away from our business. Claims of intellectual property infringement might also require us to enter into costly royalty or license agreements. If we cannot or do not license the infringed technology or substitute similar technology from another source, our business could suffer.

Integration Risks

In the normal course of business, we frequently engage in discussions with third parties relating to possible acquisitions, strategic alliances, and joint ventures. Although completion of any one transaction may not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows taken as a whole, our financial results may differ from the investment community’s expectations in a given quarter. Acquisitions and strategic alliances may require us to integrate with a different company culture, management team, and business infrastructure. We may also have to develop, manufacture, and market products in a way that enhances the performance of the combined business or product line. Depending on the size and complexity of an acquisition, our successful integration of the entity depends on a variety of factors, including:

The hiring and retention of key employees,

Management of facilities and employees in separate geographic areas, and

The integration or coordination of different research and development and product manufacturing facilities.

All of these efforts require varying levels of management resources, which may divert our attention from other business operations.

Stock Price

Our stock price has exhibited significant volume and price fluctuations, which makes our stock unsuitable for many investors. In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. The fluctuations in the stock market are often unrelateddisproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies,these companies. Broad market and the market prices for securities of technology companies have been especially volatile. These broad marketindustry stock price fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of shares of our Common Stock.common stock. The market price of our stock has exhibited significant price fluctuations, which makes our stock unsuitable for many investors. Our stock price may also be affected by the factors discussed above, as well as:following factors:

 

Changesour quarterly operating results;

changes in the wireless industry,communications and consumer electronics industries;

 

Changeschanges in the economic outlook of the particular markets in which we sell our products and services;

 

Reductionsthe gain or loss of significant customers;

reductions in demand or expectations of future demand by our customers,customers;

 

Changeschanges in stock market analyst recommendations regarding us, our competitors, or our customers, andcustomers;

 

Thethe timing and announcements of technological innovations or new products by our competitors or by us, and

other events affecting other companies that investors deem comparable to us.

Our articles of incorporation and shareholder rights plan could make a potential acquisition that is not approved by our board of directors more difficult.

Provisions of our articles of incorporation and our shareholder rights plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. Our articles of incorporation prohibit the consummation of a merger, reorganization or recapitalization, sale or lease of a substantial amount of assets with, or issuance of equity securities valued at $2.0 million to, a stockholder that owns 10 percent or more of our common stock, unless certain requirements relating to board or shareholder approval are met. Our articles also prohibit shareholder action by written consent, which could make certain changes of control more difficult by requiring the holding of a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of taking shareholder action.

In addition, in February 2003 we adopted a shareholder rights plan whereby, for each outstanding share of common stock, we distributed a preferred stock purchase right entitling the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of preferred stock at an exercise price of $75. If any person or group acquires or makes an offer to acquire 15 percent or more of our common stock, the preferred stock purchase right will become exercisable by persons other than the 15 percent or more person or group, unless our board of directors timely redeems the preferred stock purchase right or has approved the offer. As a result, the preferred stock purchase rights may cause substantial dilution to the ownership of a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors.

These provisions in our articles of incorporation and our shareholder rights plan could discourage takeover attempts which some shareholders might deem to be in their best interests or in which shareholders would receive a premium for their shares over the then existing market price of our common stock.

The trading volume of our common stock often has been limited and may depress the price for our common stock.

The trading volume of our common stock has been and may continue to be limited. Limited trading volume could depress the price for our common stock because fewer analysts may provide coverage for our stock and because investors might be unwilling to pay a higher market price for a stock which is less liquid. In addition, limited trading volume, along with market and industry stock price fluctuations and other factors affecting our operations, could result in greater volatility in the price of our common stock. A significant decline in our stock price, even if temporary, could result in substantial losses for individual shareholders and could subject us to costly and disruptive securities litigation.

Future changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected revenue fluctuations and affect our reported results of operations.

A change in accounting standards could have a significant effect on our reported results and may even affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective. The Financial Accounting Standards Board

has announced its intention to require that companies record compensation expense in the statement of operations for employee stock options using the fair value method. Implementation of this requirement could have a significant negative effect on our reported results or impair our ability to use equity compensation to attract and retain skilled personnel. New pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. Changes to existing rules or the questioning of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business.

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, newly enacted SEC regulations, and Nasdaq Stock Market rules, are creating uncertainty for companies such as ours. We are committed to maintaining high standards of internal controls over financial reporting, corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, we intend to invest appropriate resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities.

 

ITEM 2.

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

PROPERTIES

 

Our headquarters and primary manufacturing facility is located in Irvine, California. This leased facility consists of approximately 42,000 square feet of office space and approximately 8,000 square feet of manufacturing/ warehouse space. The lease for this facility expires in August 2004.2005. We also lease office space and, in some instances, warehouse space in California, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Texas, Mexico, and Singapore.Mexico. The leases on these facilities expire at various times through FebruaryJune 2007.

 

ITEM 3.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Mobility Electronics, Inc. v. Comarco, Inc. and Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.,Case No. CIV-01-1489-PHX-MHM, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (“Mobility Arizona Action”):

Mobility Electronics, Inc. (“Mobility”) commenced proceedings as to U. S. Patent No. 5,347,211 (“the ‘211 Patent”) for patent infringement againstDuring fiscal 2001, the Company and Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (“CWT”) with respect to CWT’s ChargeSource power supply products. Thesold a business which, among other things, provided airport management services. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company was first served with Mobility’s amended complaint filed August 10, 2001. In addition to asserting thatsued by a tenant at an airport where the Company and CWT have infringed the ‘211 patent, the amended complaint seeks declaratory judgment that three of CWT’s power supply related patents are either invalid or not infringed by power supplies produced or to be produced by Mobility. The three CWT patents are U. S. Patent Nos. 6,091,611 (“the ‘611 Patent”), 6,172,884 (“the ‘884 patent”), and 5,838,554 (“the ‘554 patent”). The Company and CWT believe that they have meritorious defenses with respect to the ‘211 patent and Mobility’s declaratory judgment causes of actions.

A Scheduling Conference was held on December 18, 2002. Following that Conference, the Court entered its Scheduling Order granting the parties until June 15, 2004 to conduct discovery, and until June 30, 2004 to file dispositive motions. Following resolution of any dispositive motions, or following the deadline for filing if no such motions are filed, the Court will hold a status hearing for purposes of selecting a firm trial date and related pre-trial deadlines.

On October 28, 2002, the California District Court hearing the matter ofComarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. v. Xtend Micro Products, Inc. and iGo Corporation, former Case No. SACV 02-640 AHS (ANx) (discussed below), ordered the California Action transferred to the District of Arizona. The Arizona Court on January 31, 2003, further ordered the action consolidated with the Mobility Arizona Action for purposes of discovery.

Also, as discussed below, CWT recently filed a separate suit in Arizona against Mobility and two affiliated entities alleging infringement of Comarco’s ‘611 and ‘884 Patents (“CWT Arizona Action”). The CWT Arizona Action has been consolidated for purposes of discovery with the Mobility Arizona Action.

Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. v. Xtend Micro Products, Inc. and iGo Corporation,Case No. 02:2201 PHX MHM, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (formerly, SACV 02-640 AHS (ANx), U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division):

On June 21, 2002, CWT filed this action for patent infringement against Xtend Micro Products, Inc. (“Xtend”) and its parent entity, iGo Corporation (“iGo”). CWT alleges that its ‘611 and ‘884 patents are infringed by Xtend’s PowerXtender and AC Adapter power supply products as well as other power supply and power adapter products and related accessories. On July 15, 2002, Xtend and iGo answered the complaint denying the allegations in CWT’s complaint and asserting a number of affirmative defenses.

In September, 2002, Defendants moved to transfer this action to the Arizona District Court for purpose of consolidation with the Mobility Arizona Action because this case involved two overlapping patents, and because defendants iGo/Xtend were acquired by and merged into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mobility. On October 28,

2002 the California District Court granted the Motion and Ordered that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona.

On January 31, 2003, the Arizona Court adopted its Scheduling Order for the case and separately ordered that the case be consolidated for purposes of discovery with the Mobility Arizona Action. Pursuant to the Scheduling Order, the parties have until June 15, 2004 to conduct discovery, and dispositive motions are to be filed by June 30, 2004. The Court will hold a status conference following resolution of any dispositive motions or, if none are filed, following the passing of the June 30, 2004 deadline. At that time, the Court will adopt a firm trial date and set related pre-trial deadlines.

Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. v. Mobility Electronics, Inc., Hipro Electronics Co., Ltd., and iGo Corporation,Case No. 03:202 PHX MHM, United States District Court, District of Arizona

On January 31, 2003, CWT filed this action for infringement of its ‘611 and ‘884 Patents with regardprovided management services pursuant to a universal power adapter, called “Juice.” Defendant Hipro manufactures Juice for Mobility, which in turn offers it for sale through its wholly owned subsidiary, iGo Corp. On February 27, 2003, Mobility and iGo answered the complaint while Hipro filed a motion to dismiss based on lack of personal jurisdiction and improper service.

On March 4, 2003, CWT filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction seeking to enjoin Mobility, Hipro and iGo from making, using, selling or offering for sale the “Juice” product. The Court has set a June 12, 2003 hearing date for both CWT’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Hipro’s Motion to Dismiss. Additionally, the parties have agreed to participate in a settlement conference before a United States Magistrate Judge on May 20, 2003.

CWT believes that its case against Mobility, Hipro and iGo Corp is meritorious. As described above, this action has been consolidated for purposes of discoverycontract with the Mobility Arizona Action.

Los Angeles County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies v. Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.,Case No. SACV 02-567 AHS (ANx), U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division:

Los Angeles County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (“LASAFE”) filed this action against CWT on June 10, 2002, relating to two contracts between LASAFE and CWT concerning Call Box Systems manufactured by CWT, upgraded by CWT to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and maintained by CWT until its contractual obligations to provide maintenance expired. On August 2, 2002, LASAFE filed a first amended complaint (hereafter, “the complaint”). The complaint includes eight counts. In the first five counts LASAFE alleges CWT breached its contractual obligations and implied warranties by failing to properly maintain and repair the call box system and failing to provide certain deliverables to LASAFE. In the last three counts LASAFE alleges that U.S. Patent No. 6,035,187 owned by CWT and entitled “Apparatus and Method for Improved Emergency Call Box” (“the ‘187 Patent”) should be assigned to LASAFE, and CWT should compensate LASAFE, because an LASAFE employee is the true inventor of the invention claimed in the ‘187 Patent. The complaint seeks an unspecified amount of actual and punitive damages, ownership of the ‘187 patent, an order that CWT specifically perform its obligations under the contracts, recovery of attorneys fees, and an audit to determine the number of allegedly infringing call boxes.

On August 16, 2002, CWT filed an answer and a motion to dismiss the first five counts founded in state contract and warranty law on the grounds that the Federal District Court lacks jurisdiction over the state law claims, which was subsequently granted. The Court has set a scheduling order and has set a trial date of February 3, 2004. CWT believes that it has meritorious defenses with respect to all of LASAFE’s claims.

Los Angeles County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies v. Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.,Case No. No. BC 284897, California Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles:Angeles (prior to the sale of this business during the 2001 fiscal year). The claimant seeks damages of $2.0 million in addition to other unspecified damages. This matter is in the very early stages and the outcome of this matter is not determinable or estimable. No provision has been made for losses, if any, which may result from the final outcome of this matter.

 

On November 7, 2002, LASAFE filed a complaint in state court allegingIn addition to the five causes of action that were dismissed in the federal court action referenced in thematter discussed above, paragraph. Specifically, LASAFE alleges that CWT breached its contractual obligations and implied warranties by failing to properly maintain and repair the call box systems and failing to provide certain deliverables to LASAFE, and seeks over $1 million in damages. On January 9,

2003, CWT filed its answer and a cross-complaint asserting causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing based on LASAFE’s failure to pay CWT all monies due under a contract with LASAFE and LASAFE’s conduct during the course of the contract. LASAFE has not yet responded to CWT’s cross-complaint. The Court has set a trial date of April 5, 2004. CWT believes that it has meritorious defenses to LASAFE’s claims and believes that LASAFE will have significant difficulties proving causation and damages on its claims for breach of implied warranties.

Wewe are from time to time involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. We believe that the outcome of all other such pending legal proceedings will not in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

 

ITEM 4.

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matter was submitted during the fourth quarter ended January 31, 20032004 to a vote of our security holders.

PART II

 

ITEM 5.

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market® under the symbol “CMRO.” The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the quarterly high and low closing prices per share as reported by the Nasdaq National Market. These prices represent actual reported sales transactions.

 

  High

  Low

Year ended January 31, 2004:

      

First Quarter

  $8.19  $6.45

Second Quarter

   7.93   6.30

Third Quarter

   8.40   7.07

Fourth Quarter

   11.25   6.80
  

High


  

Low


Year ended January 31, 2003:

            

First Quarter

  

$

11.95

  

$

8.78

  $11.95  $8.78

Second Quarter

  

 

9.65

  

 

6.55

   9.65   6.55

Third Quarter

  

 

7.00

  

 

4.60

   7.00   4.60

Fourth Quarter

  

 

8.78

  

 

5.84

   8.78   5.84

Year ended January 31, 2002:

      

First Quarter

  

$

18.13

  

$

12.64

Second Quarter

  

 

15.85

  

 

12.74

Third Quarter

  

 

15.05

  

 

11.82

Fourth Quarter

  

 

15.30

  

 

11.25

 

Holders

 

As of April 22, 2003,2004, there were approximately 405388 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock in the last two fiscal years. We anticipate that dividends on our common stock will not be paid for the foreseeable future and that all earnings will be retained for use in our business and for use in repurchasing our common stock repurchases.pursuant to our stock repurchase program.

 

Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

In connection withNone.

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   

2004

 


  

2003

(Restated)


  

2002

(Restated)


  

2001

(Restated)


  

2000

(Restated)


 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 

Revenue:

                     

Products

  $29,208  $30,372  $37,397  $36,981  $33,283 

Services

   5,057   5,314   12,171   11,986   5,725 
   


 


 


 


 


    34,265   35,686   49,568   48,967   39,008 
   


 


 


 


 


Cost of revenue:

                     

Products

   18,591   26,229   18,324   17,212   16,983 

Services

   3,135   3,779   7,323   7,605   3,811 
   


 


 


 


 


    21,726   30,008   25,647   24,817   20,794 
   


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

   12,539   5,678   23,921   24,150   18,214 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   9,848   8,686   11,195   12,027   9,203 

Asset impairment charges

      205          

Engineering and support expenses

   5,812   5,194   5,003   4,694   3,808 

Severance costs

            1,325    
   


 


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   (3,121)  (8,407)  7,723   6,104   5,203 

Other income, net

   237   375   909   762   274 

Minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary

   34   141   (50)  (7)  (46)
   


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   (2,850)  (7,891)  8,582   6,859   5,431 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (1,008)  (2,933)  3,156   2,419   1,982 
   


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

   (1,842)  (4,958)  5,426   4,440   3,449 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   596   (5,185)  (324)  225   (262)
   


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,102  $4,665  $3,187 
   


 


 


 


 


Basic income (loss) per share:

                     

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(0.26) $(0.71) $0.77  $0.66  $0.52 

Discontinued operations

   0.09   (0.74)  (0.05)  0.03   (0.04)
   


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.72  $0.69  $0.48 
   


 


 


 


 


Diluted income (loss) per share:

                     

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(0.26) $(0.71) $0.73  $0.58  $0.48 

Discontinued operations

   0.09   (0.74)  (0.05)  0.03   (0.04)
   


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.68  $0.61  $0.44 
   


 


 


 


 



Note:

The net assets of the Company’s EDX reporting unit were sold during fiscal 2004. Accordingly, the results of operations for our acquisition of EDX Engineering, Inc. (“EDX”) on December 7, 2000, we issued 257,428 shares of common stockreporting unit for fiscal 2001 (the year the division was purchased) through 2003 have been reclassified and approximately $2.3 million in cashseparately presented as discontinued operations. Therefore, these amounts will not agree to the former sole shareholderpreviously filed amounts. Additionally, fiscal 2000 through 2003 have been restated for various adjustments as further described in note 2 of EDX in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of EDX. These shares were issued in reliance on the exemption provision provided under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

   Years Ended January 31,

   

2004

 


  2003
(Restated)


  

2002

(Restated)


  

2001

(Restated)


  

2000

(Restated)


   (In thousands, except per share data)

Working capital

  $25,213  $26,500  $27,046  $25,337  $22,174

Total assets

   52,621   50,315   67,069   67,319   44,694

Borrowing under line of credit

               

Long-term debt

               

Stockholders’ equity

   38,891   38,186   47,937   43,653   31,925

 

ITEM 7.

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   

Years Ended January 31,


   

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   

2000


   

1999


   

(In thousands, except per share data)

Revenue:

                        

Products

  

$

31,522

 

  

$

38,836

 

  

$

37,479

 

  

$

33,499

 

  

$

28,849

Services

  

 

5,314

 

  

 

12,171

 

  

 

11,985

 

  

 

5,725

 

  

 

5,155

   


  


  


  


  

   

 

36,836

 

  

 

51,007

 

  

 

49,464

 

  

 

39,224

 

  

 

34,004

   


  


  


  


  

Cost of revenue:

                        

Products

  

 

20,794

 

  

 

18,350

 

  

 

17,213

 

  

 

16,983

 

  

 

11,569

Services

  

 

3,779

 

  

 

7,323

 

  

 

7,605

 

  

 

3,811

 

  

 

3,473

   


  


  


  


  

   

 

24,573

 

  

 

25,673

 

  

 

24,818

 

  

 

20,794

 

  

 

15,042

   


  


  


  


  

Gross profit

  

 

12,263

 

  

 

25,334

 

  

 

24,646

 

  

 

18,430

 

  

 

18,962

Selling, general and administrative costs

  

 

9,052

 

  

 

12,680

 

  

 

12,285

 

  

 

9,203

 

  

 

9,526

Asset impairment charges

  

 

8,407

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

Engineering and support costs

  

 

5,936

 

  

 

5,744

 

  

 

4,758

 

  

 

3,808

 

  

 

3,480

Severance costs

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,325

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

   


  


  


  


  

Operating income (loss)

  

 

(11,132

)

  

 

6,910

 

  

 

6,278

 

  

 

5,419

 

  

 

5,956

Other income, net

  

 

375

 

  

 

909

 

  

 

762

 

  

 

274

 

  

 

298

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary

  

 

141

 

  

 

(50

)

  

 

(7

)

  

 

(46

)

  

 

—  

   


  


  


  


  

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  

 

(10,616

)

  

 

7,769

 

  

 

7,033

 

  

 

5,647

 

  

 

6,254

Income tax expense (benefit)

  

 

(2,984

)

  

 

2,859

 

  

 

2,483

 

  

 

2,061

 

  

 

2,283

   


  


  


  


  

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  

 

(7,632

)

  

 

4,910

 

  

 

4,550

 

  

 

3,586

 

  

 

3,971

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(9

)

  

 

(433

)

  

 

1,712

Cumulative effect of accounting change

  

 

(2,926

)

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

   


  


  


  


  

Net income (loss)

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

  

$

3,153

 

  

$

5,683

   


  


  


  


  

Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle:

                        

Basic

  

$

(1.09

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

  

$

0.55

 

  

$

0.57

   


  


  


  


  

Diluted

  

$

(1.09

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

  

$

0.49

 

  

$

0.51

   


  


  


  


  

Earnings (loss) per share:

                        

Basic

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

  

$

0.48

 

  

$

0.82

   


  


  


  


  

Diluted

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

  

$

0.43

 

  

$

0.75

   


  


  


  


  

   

Years Ended January 31,


   

2003


  

2002


  

2001


  

2000


  

1999


   

(In thousands, except per share data)

Working capital

  

$

27,914

  

$

30,021

  

$

29,096

  

$

25,637

  

$

24,833

Total assets

  

 

50,955

  

 

65,942

  

 

66,051

  

 

44,694

  

 

43,001

Borrowing under line of credit

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

Long-term debt

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

Stockholders’ equity

  

 

37,421

  

 

47,587

  

 

43,495

  

 

31,754

  

 

31,202

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The discussion that follows provides analysis and information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this report, and the section entitled “Risk Factors, Uncertainties and Uncertainties”Other Factors that May Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition” included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

 

Overview

 

Comarco, Inc., through its subsidiary Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (collectively, “we,” “Comarco,” or the “Company”), is a leading provider of wireless test solutions for the wireless industry. Comarco also designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. During October 1999, we embarked on a plan to divest our non-wireless businesses, which included the defense and commercial staffing businesses. The divestiture plan was completed during November 2000. Accordingly, our continuingOur operations consist solely of the operations of Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (“CWT”).

 

ResultsOur revenue is primarily derived from sales of Operations — Continuing Operations

our wireless test solutions and wireless applications products, and from services related to the maintenance of deployed emergency call box systems. We have two reportable operating segments: wireless test solutions (“WTS”) and wireless applications. See “Segment Reporting” in Note 2note 3 of Notesnotes to Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

We have identified the following as critical accounting policies to our company: revenue recognition, software development costs, accounts receivable, inventory, income taxes, valuation of goodwill, and valuation of long-lived assets.

Wireless Test SolutionsRevenue Recognition

 

Our wireless test solutions business designs and manufactures hardware and software tools for use by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Radio frequency engineers, professional technicians, and others use these field test applications to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks, and to verify the performance and qualityWe recognize product revenue upon shipment of service delivered by the networks once deployed.

Beginning in fiscal 2002 and after several years of robust growth, the wireless industry deteriorated, reflecting slowing subscriber growth, intensifying price competition, reduced access to capital and the need to manage cash flow. This trend continued through fiscal 2003 andproducts provided there are few indications that this trend will not continue into fiscal 2004. Wireless carriers have responded to these challenges by reducing capital spendingno uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and focusing on projects that can most directly contribute to their revenue. Wireless carriers are now focused on satisfying customer demand for enhanced data services, seamless and comprehensive coverage, improved quality of service, and faster data transmission. Many of these initiatives require capital spending for additional network capacity and next-generation technologies, also referred to as 2.5G and 3G technologies. With reduced availability of capital and the transition to next-generation technologies, plans, projects, and capital spending are subject to frequent change as wireless carriers reevaluate and reorder their priorities. As a result, demand forcollectibility is reasonably assured. For our 2G wireless test solutions products has significantly decreasedthat are integrated with embedded software, we recognize revenue using the residual method pursuant to requirements of Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” and other applicable revenue recognition guidance and interpretations. Under the spending patternsresidual method, we allocate revenue to the undelivered element, typically maintenance, based on its respective fair value, with the fair value determined by the price charged when that element is sold separately. We amortize the revenue allocated to the maintenance element evenly over the term of the wireless carriers continuemaintenance commitment made at the time of sale. We expense as incurred the costs associated with honoring the maintenance commitment.

We recognize service revenue as services are performed. Maintenance revenue from extended warranty sales is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance agreement, typically 12 months. Revenue for services under long-term contracts, for engineering services, which ceased operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, was recognized using the percentage-of-completion method on the basis of percentage of costs incurred to date on a contract, relative to the estimated total contract costs. Profit estimates on long-term contracts were revised periodically based on changes in circumstances and any losses on contracts were recognized in the period in which such losses became known.

Significant management judgments must be made and used in connection with the recognition of revenue in any accounting period. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our revenue for any period if our management made different judgments.

Software Development Costs

We capitalize software developed for sale or lease in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 86, “Accounting for Costs of Computer Software to be volatileSold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” Software costs incurred subsequent to the determination of the technological feasibility of the software product are capitalized. Our policy is to capitalize the costs associated with development of new products but expense the costs associated with subsequent maintenance releases, if any. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether technological feasibility has been achieved for a particular software project. Capitalization ceases and difficultamortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is available for general release to predict.customers. Capitalized software development costs, net of related amortization, are compared to management’s estimate of projected revenues quarterly to determine if any impairment in value has occurred that would require an adjustment in the carrying value or change in expected useful lives under the guidelines established under SFAS No. 86. We also continually evaluate the recoverability of software acquired through acquisition or by direct purchase of technology.

 

In responseWe had $5.5 million of capitalized software at January 31, 2004, net of accumulated amortization of $3.4 million. Capitalized software amortization expense is included in cost of revenue. The amortization period for the software costs capitalized is the shorter of the economic life of the related product, typically two to these challenging market conditions, we restructured our wireless test solutions business to better addressfour years, or based on expected unit sales under the future needssales ratio method.

Accounts Receivable

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and improveadjust credit limits and related terms based upon payment history and our customers’ current credit worthiness. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. Since our accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively few number of customers, a significant change in the liquidity or financial performanceposition of any one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the collectibility of our accounts receivable and our future operating results.

Specifically, our management must make estimates of the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable. Management analyzes specific customer accounts, historical bad debt, trends, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in markets currently under pressure. Key changesconnection with establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts in any accounting period. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our losses for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.

Inventory

We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase and/or manufacture the inventory (calculated on average costs, which approximates first-in, first-out basis) or the current estimated market value of the

inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our wireless test solutions business inestimated forecast of product demand and production requirements for the next twelve months. As experienced during fiscal 2003, are as follows:demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. A significant increase in the demand for our products could result in a short-term increase in the cost of inventory purchases while a significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory on hand. In addition, our industry is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product development, and rapid product obsolescence that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Additionally, our forecasts of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if our inventory were determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize such costs in our cost of goods sold at the time of such determination. Therefore, although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and our operating results.

 

We discontinued all 2G (“legacy”) products and introduced Seven.Five, our newly developed product platform. Seven.Five is best described as a flexible and scalable hardware platform combined with an open and modular software architecture. We are now able to utilize the best software development resources to address the complexities of transitioning existing networks from 2G to 2.5G and 3G wireless technologies, as well as unique customer requirements. Seven.Five has also allowed us to transition our wireless test solutions business to a significantly lower cost structure.

Income Taxes

 

We established an offshore development center (“ODC”)assess our deferred tax assets to determine the amount that we believe is “more likely than not” to be realized. We consider future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in Chennai, India atassessing the endneed for a valuation allowance. Various other indicators are also considered, including the existence of fiscal 2003 to take advantage of lower cost, highly skilled software development expertise. We believe this strategy will lower our development costs, as well as reduce our time to market with new products and functionality.

We eliminated our engineering services business. We began offering engineering services, which were complementary to our wireless test solution products, to wireless carriers and equipment vendorscumulative tax losses during recent years. If the Company can not generate sufficient taxable income during the fourth quarter2005 fiscal year, it may be necessary to reserve some or all of fiscal 2000. During the subsequent two years,deferred tax assets. If we were awarded several profitable multi-million dollar contracts, as well as numerous smaller engagements. However, as wireless carriers continuedetermine that we will not realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, we will establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, which will be charged to reduce their spending,income tax expense in the competitionperiod of such determination.

Valuation of Goodwill

Effective February 1, 2002, we implemented SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 establishes new standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminates amortization of goodwill, and sets forth methods for periodically evaluating goodwill for impairment.

Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to provide engineering services had become more intense. Reduced contract pricing and fewer opportunities have resultedexist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value generally determined using a discounted cash flow methodology applied to the particular unit. This methodology differs from our previous policy, in reduced revenue and profitability for all engineering services providers. Accordingly, we decidedaccordance with accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows on an enterprise-wide basis to exit the engineering services business and eliminate all related costs.determine recoverability. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed our remaining contractual obligations, reduced head count, and sold a portion of the assets used in providing these services.

We recorded non-cash asset impairment charges totaling $9.8 million related to our discontinued legacy products, which included capitalized software development costs, acquired intangible assets, property and equipment, and inventory.

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142. “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” on February 1, 2002. In connection with our adoption of SFAS No. 142, we recorded a non-cash charge of $2.9$4.1 million to write down fully the carrying value of the goodwill related to our EDX software reporting unit. This reporting unit is included in our wireless test solutions segment for financial reporting purposes, and the related goodwill was generated through our acquisition of EDX Engineering, Inc. duringin December 2000. Such charge is reflected as a cumulative effectcomponent of discontinued operations. Future impairments of intangible assets, if any, will be recorded as operating expenses.

We assess goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each year or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;

significant negative industry or economic trends;

significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period, and

our market capitalization relative to net book value.

The purchase method of accounting for acquisitions requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The

amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets impact future amortization. If the assumptions and estimates used to allocate the purchase price are not correct, purchase price adjustments or future asset impairment charges could be required.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets used in operations, including purchased intangible assets, when indicators of impairment, such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns that negatively impact our customers or markets, are present. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of assets is impaired based on comparison to the undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the comparison indicates that there is impairment, the impaired asset is written down to fair value, which is typically calculated using a weighted average of the market approach and the discounted expected future cash flows using a discount rate based upon our cost of capital. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Significant management judgment is required in the forecast of future operating results that is used in the preparation of expected discounted cash flows. It is reasonably possible that the estimates of anticipated future net revenue, the remaining estimated economic life of the products and technologies, or both, could differ from those used to assess the recoverability of these assets. In that event, additional impairment charges or shortened useful lives of certain long-lived assets could be required.

Results of Operations – Continuing Operations

Wireless Test Solutions

Our WTS business designs and manufactures hardware and software tools for use by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Radio engineers, network improvement professionals and technicians, and others use these test tools to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks, and to verify the performance of the wireless networks once deployed.

Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be important to understanding our WTS business:

The wireless communications industry has historically experienced a dramatic rate of growth both in the United States and internationally. During the past several years, however, many wireless carriers have re-evaluated their network deployment plans in response to downturns in the capital markets, changing perceptions regarding industry growth, the adoption of new wireless technologies, increasing price competition for subscribers and a general economic slowdown in the United States and internationally. That trend appears to have just recently begun to change.

 

During fiscal year 2004, in response to consumer demand for improved network coverage, quality of service, and enhanced data services, domestic wireless carriers increased capital spending on their networks, which we believe results in increased demand for our WTS products. We expect this trend to continue in fiscal 2005.

Our European operation experienced year-over-year revenue growth primarily driven by sales of our Seven.Five product platform to European wireless carriers. We expect our European operation to continue to experience year-over-year revenue growth in fiscal 2005 based on the demand we are experiencing during the first quarter of fiscal 2005, as well as planned technology deployments by wireless carriers.

During the first half of fiscal 2004, we completed the development of our Seven.Five hardware platform and various related software applications, and began shipping products to customers in Europe, North America and Latin America. Seven.Five is a hardware and software solution that is flexible, scalable, and modular allowing our customers to work with all 2G, 2.5G and 3G technologies.

The Seven.Five product family consists of the following:

Seven.Five Solo: Suited for network deployment activities, Solo is a single calling module product available with a family of audio and data QoS algorithms. It is an entry-level product, capable of seamless migration to the Seven.Five Duo.

Seven.Five Duo: As networks mature, the power of a calling module plus a scanner is necessary to quickly and efficiently optimize networks. Duo supports up to two calling modules, which can have mixed technologies, and one multi-band, multi-technology RF scanner. A portability kit is available for in-building needs.

Seven.Five Multi: Designed for flexibility and scalability, Seven.Five Multi can house up to any combination of six calling modules or scanners in each chassis. Multiple chassis can be combined to allow for up to 96 calling modules. The customer can mix and match technologies for benchmarking applications or configure a system with similar technologies for optimization activities. Multi is also available with a portability kit for in-building and pedestrian testing needs.

Seven.Five Multi-Band, Multi-Technology RF Scanner: The most advanced scanner for field test applications. Capable of scans of over 3000 channels per second in multiple frequency bands, with multiple technologies, doing DVCC, BSIC and PN decoding simultaneously. The scanner offers spectrum analyzer-type measurements and full baseband decoding for GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE, IS-136, CDMA2000 and WCDMA.

Wireless Applications

 

Our wireless applications business designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. Our call box products provide emergency communication over existing wireless networks. In addition to the call box products, we provide system installation and long-term maintenance services. Currently, we havethere are approximately 14,000 call boxes installed, the majority of which are servicedthat we service and maintainedmaintain under long-term agreements.agreements which expire at various dates through February 2011.

 

Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be important to understanding our wireless applications business:

Anticipated projects to upgrade and expand existing emergency call box systems are concentrated with several customers that are agencies of California’s state and local governments. Due to California’s financial challenges, we are unable to forecast the timing of these projects and related revenue.

We are transitioning the distribution of our ChargeSource mobile power products to a new and exclusive distributor. We expect this transition to continue to take place through the second quarter of fiscal 2005. During this transition period, we are unable to accurately forecast the timing of the product roll out by our new distribution partner. However, based on our past experience of sales of similar products to national electronics retailers, and our estimated roll out timing, we expect revenue for the second half of fiscal 2005 to exceed the same for the first half of the fiscal year. We also expect that by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, revenue from the sale of our ChargeSource products to be on an annual run rate of approximately $25.0 million.

Approximately 78 percent of our call box revenue is derived from agencies of California’s state and local governments. The State of California is currently experiencing severe financial challenges. We believe these challenges have created uncertainty with respect to the spending patterns of our California-based customers. As a result, projects and the related contracts to upgrade and expand certain call box systems have been delayed. While we currently believe that these projects will move ahead during fiscal 2005, we are unable to forecast the timing of such events in the near-term.

Our wireless applications business also includes the ChargeSource family of mobile power products. Designed with the needs of the traveling professional in mind, our ChargeSource mobile power products provide a high level of functionality and compatibility in an industry-leading compact design. Our current and planned product offering consists of universal AC/DC, AC, and DC power adapters designed for the right mix of power output and functionality for most retail, OEM, and enterprise customers. Our ChargeSource products consist of a 70-wattare also universal ACallowing those who use rechargeable electronic devices to carry just one power adapter, our second-generation mobile power system.adapter. By simply changing the compact SmartTipsSmartTip connected to the end of the charging cable, theour universal AC power adapter isadapters are capable of charging and powering multiple target devices, including most notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. During the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the ChargeSource product offering was expanded with the introduction of the 70-watt universal DC power adapter. This universal DC power adapter allows traveling professionals to use all their existing ChargeSource SmartTips on the road or in the air. This device connects to the in-seat power outlet available on most major airlines or the cigarette lighter plug found in automobiles. Targus currently distributes both these products.

 

Until recently, most notebook computers required no more than 70-watts70 watts of power to operate. However, the personal computer industry is currently transitioning to notebook computers with increasing power requirements. As the power requirements increase, so does the size of the original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) AC chargerOEM power adapter sold with theeach notebook computer. To address this industry wide trend, we have developed 120-watt universal power adaptersa family of high-power ChargeSource products that are compatible with allmost legacy, current, and futureplanned notebook computers. These new ChargeSource products are able to deliver up to 120-watts120 watts of power in a very small form factor. The new ChargeSource product family, which isWe believe our patented electrical designs will continue to be the basis for even higher-power universal power adapters that are expected to begin shipping duringmeet evolving global standards, including the secondplanned standards of the European Union (“EU”), and the increasing power requirements of the notebook computer OEMs, and allow us to offer customers cutting edge technology without significantly increasing the size or weight of our products. We also expect these higher-power universal power adapters to continue to be significantly smaller and lighter than their OEM counterpart.

Historically, our ChargeSource mobile power products have been distributed by Targus Group International (“Targus”). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 consistswe terminated our relationship with Targus and entered into a strategic agreement with Belkin Corporation (“Belkin”). Under this agreement Belkin is granted exclusive worldwide distribution rights to distribute our ChargeSource products in several strategic end-market categories including electronic retailers, specialty retailers, OEM third party options and Fortune 1000 corporate customers. However, due to the exclusive nature of the following:

120-Watt Universal AC/DC Adapter — A universal adapter capable of charging most notebook computers requiring upour agreement with Belkin, our direct access to 120 watts of power, as well as cell phones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. This adapter is used in the office, home, hotel, as well as the automobile and airplane.

120-Watt Universal DC Adapter — A universal adapter capable of charging most notebook computers requiring up to 120 watts of power, as well as cell phones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. This adapter is used in the automobile and airplane.

60-Watt Hour Universal Battery — This universal battery is used to charge and operate all notebook computers, cell phones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

20-Watt AC/DC Adapter — Designed for those individuals who do not travel with a notebook computer, but have a need for a universal power adapter that can charge cell phones, PDAs, DVD players, digital cameras and camcorders, and other handheld devices. This adapter is used in the office, home, hotel, as well as the automobile and airplane.

The above products work with existing Smart Tips and are backwards compatible with the 70-watt adapters, which are expected to be phased out of production during the first quarter of fiscal 2004.certain significant distribution channels has been limited.

 

Early in fiscal 2004On March 20, 2003 and in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer ProductProducts Safety Commission (“CPSC”), we announcedvoluntarily initiated a voluntary product safety recall of approximately 125,000 detachable plugs used on our legacy ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. The detachable AC plug can crack if the plug’s swivel connector is extended beyond the 90 degrees of allowed rotation, creating the potential for electric shock. To date, no injuries have been reported. Approximately 75,000 units are believed to be in consumer’s hands, while another 50,000 are currently in the distribution channel. In conjunction with theadapters. This product safety recall the Companyimpacts approximately 125,000 units that were sold in fiscal 2003. Comarco and Targus entered into an agreement addressingto address the impact of the recall action. Due toUnder the recall action andterms of the agreement with Targus, we have accruedComarco issued a $3.2 million credit to Targus asin fiscal 2003 in consideration of a reduction of sales and additional recall costs of approximately $0.6full release. Of the $3.2 million classified in cost of revenuecredit issued to Targus in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, qualifying product returns totaling $2.1 million were received from Targus through October 31, 2003. Actual amounts may differ materially from our current estimates based on many factors, includingDuring the numberthird quarter of qualifying 70-watt universal adapters returnedfiscal 2004, the remaining $1.1 million unused credit was recorded as revenue, consistent with the expiration of the right of return and the term of the agreement. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 we accrued $183,000 in costs related to Comarco by Targusthe recall action in cost of revenue. We believe that any additional product recall costs will be minor and their customers, primarily consumer electronics retailers.any such costs will be expensed as incurred.

The following table sets forth certain items as a percentage of revenue from our audited consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001:2002:

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


   Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   

2004

 


 

2003

(Restated)


 

2002

(Restated)


 

Revenue:

            

Products

  

85.6

%

  

76.1

%

  

75.8

%

  85.2% 85.1% 75.4%

Services

  

14.4

 

  

23.9

 

  

24.2

 

  14.8  14.9  24.6 
  

  

  

  

 

 

  

100.0

 

  

100.0

 

  

100.0

 

  100.0  100.0  100.0 
  

  

  

  

 

 

Cost of revenue:

            

Products

  

56.5

 

  

36.0

 

  

34.8

 

  54.2  73.5  36.9 

Services

  

10.2

 

  

14.3

 

  

15.4

 

  9.2  10.6  14.8 
  

  

  

  

 

 

  

66.7

 

  

50.3

 

  

50.2

 

  63.4  84.1  51.7 
  

  

  

  

 

 

Gross profit:

            

Products

  

29.1

 

  

40.1

 

  

41.0

 

  31.0  11.6  38.5 

Services

  

4.2

 

  

9.6

 

  

8.8

 

  5.6  4.3  9.8 
  

  

  

  

 

 

  

33.3

 

  

49.7

 

  

49.8

 

  36.6  15.9  48.3 

Selling, general and administrative costs

  

24.6

 

  

24.9

 

  

24.8

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  28.8  24.3  22.6 

Asset impairment charges

  

22.8

 

  

—  

 

  

—  

 

    0.6   

Engineering and support costs

  

16.1

 

  

11.3

 

  

9.6

 

  

  

  

Operating income (loss) before severance costs

  

(30.2

)

  

13.5

 

  

15.4

 

Severance costs

  

—  

 

  

—  

 

  

2.7

 

Engineering and support expenses

  16.9  14.6  10.1 
  

  

  

  

 

 

Operating income (loss)

  

(30.2

)

  

13.5

 

  

12.7

 

  (9.1) (23.6) 15.6 

Other income, net

  

1.0

 

  

1.8

 

  

1.5

 

  0.7  1.1  1.8 

Minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary

  

0.4

 

  

(0.1

)

  

—  

 

  0.1  0.4  (0.1)
  

  

  

  

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  

(28.8

)

  

15.2

 

  

14.2

 

  (8.3) (22.1) 17.3 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  

(8.1

)

  

5.6

 

  

5.0

 

  (2.9) (8.2) 6.4 
  

  

  

  

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  

(20.7

)%

  

9.6

%

  

9.2

%

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  (5.4)% (13.9)% 10.9%
  

  

  

  

 

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenue

 

Total revenue for fiscal 20032004 was $36.8$34.3 million compared to $51.0$35.7 million for fiscal 2002,2003, a decrease of approximately $14.2$1.4 million or 27.84.0 percent. As discussed below, the decrease is attributable to decreased sales of our wireless test solutionapplication products and services partially offset by increased sales of our wireless applicationsWTS products. Total revenue for fiscal 20022003 was $51.0$35.7 million compared to $49.5$49.6 million for fiscal 2001, an increase2002, a decrease of approximately $1.5$13.9 million or 3.128.0 percent. The increase isdecrease was due to an $18.1 million decrease in sales of our WTS products and services, partially offset by a $6.5$4.2 million increase in sales of our wireless applications products partially offset by a 5.0 million decrease in sales of our wireless test solution products.and services.

 

For fiscal 20032004 as compared to the prior year, revenue from products decreased 18.83.8 percent to $31.5$29.2 million while revenue from services decreased 56.34.8 percent to $5.3$5.1 million. The product revenue decrease reflects the continuing softness in the wireless industry and decreased demand for our wireless test solutioncall box products, which declined $11.6$4.0 million or 53.167.2 percent, offset by an increase in sales of our WTS products of $1.9 million or 21.7 percent and an increase in sales of our ChargeSource products of $3.6$0.9 million or 31.15.9 percent, netincluding $1.1 million of a $3.2 millionrevenue recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 related to the reversal of an unused recall credit issued to our exclusive distributorinitially recognized in conjunction with the product safety recallfourth quarter of our 70-watt universal ChargeSource power adapter. See the section entitled “ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion.fiscal 2003. The services revenue decrease was due to our exit from the engineering services business during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Revenue from engineering services totaled $0.9 and $7.5 million for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The fiscal 2004 services revenue decrease was offset by a $600,000 increase in call box service revenue in the current year.

For fiscal 20022003 as compared to the prior year, revenue from products increased 3.6decreased 18.8 percent to $38.8$30.4 million, while revenue from services increased 1.6decreased 56.3 percent to $12.2$5.3 million. The product revenue growthdecrease reflected the softness in the wireless industry and decreased demand for our legacy WTS products, which declined $11.5 million or 56.7 percent, offset by an increase in sales of our ChargeSource products of $3.6 million or 31.1 percent, net of a $3.2 million credit issued to Targus in conjunction with the product safety recall of our 70-watt universal ChargeSource power adapter and a $0.9 million, or 17.9 percent, increase in call box product sales. See the section below titled“ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion. The services revenue decrease was due to increased salesour exit from our wireless applications segment, partially offset by decreased sales from our wireless test solutions segment. The services revenue growth was due to increased sales ofthe engineering services from our wireless test solutions segment.business during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

 

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

 

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 decreased $8.3 million or 27.6 percent to $21.7 million. As discussed below, we recorded non-recurring charges in the amount of $7.1 million to cost of sales in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin increased to 36.6 percent compared to 35.8 percent, adjusted for non-recurring charges, for fiscal 2003.

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $24.6$30.0 million compared to $25.7 million for fiscal 2002, a decreasean increase of approximately $1.1$4.4 million or 4.317.0 percent. Cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 included a non-cash inventory impairment charge, totaling approximately $1.3 million. This inventory impairment charge ismillion and a $5.6 million non-cash write-off of software development costs. These charges are attributable to our wireless test solutions business. See the section below entitled “Asset Impairment Charges” for additional discussion. Cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 also included approximately $0.6$0.2 million of costs accrued in connection with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal power adapters. See the section below entitled “ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion. Excluding the inventory impairment, software development write-off and product safety recall charges, total cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $22.8$22.9 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin for fiscal 2003 decreased to 38.235.8 percent compared to 49.748.3 percent for the prior fiscal year. As discussed below, the decrease in gross margin was primarily due to a change in our mix of business, our exit from engineering services, and the negative effect of significantly reduced sales and decreasing gross margins of our historically higher margin wireless test solution products.

 

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2002 increased 3.4 percent to $25.7 million compared with fiscal 2001. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin decreased slightly to 49.7 percent from 49.8 percent for fiscal 2001. While the gross margin for fiscal 2002 was comparable to the prior year, it was a result of increased sales volumes and margins of our wireless applications products offset by decreased sales volumes and margins of our wireless test solution products.

Selling, General and Administrative CostsExpenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million or 13.4 percent to $9.8 million in fiscal 2004. The increase was due to legal settlements and related fees in the amount of $2.0 million incurred during the first half of fiscal 2004, partially offset by reductions in other indirect costs and reduced legal fees in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2004.

 

Selling, general and administrative costs for fiscal 2003 were $9.1$8.7 million compared to $12.7$11.2 million for the prior fiscal year, a decrease of $3.6$2.5 million or 28.622.4 percent. This decrease was due to reduced staffing levels, selling expenses, and incentive compensation driven by significantly reduced sales of our wireless test solutionWTS products and services. Additionally, as of February 1, 2002 and in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” beginning in fiscal 2003, we no longer amortize goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives. For fiscal 2002, selling, general and administrative costs included $1.1 million of amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives.

Selling, general and administrative costs for fiscal 2002 increased 3.2 percent to $12.7 million compared to fiscal 2001. Excluding costs attributable to EDX Engineering, Inc. (“EDX”), which was acquired on December 7, 2000, selling, general and administrative costs for fiscal 2002 decreased $1.2 million in comparison to the prior year. This decrease was driven by lower sales of our wireless test solutions products during fiscal 2002, as well as enterprise-wide cost reductions that were put in place during fiscal 2001. These cost reductions, including eliminating direct sales and marketing efforts for our ChargeSource mobile power products, closing the sales and support office in London, and reorganizing our call box systems business, resulted in a significant reduction of indirect costs.amortized goodwill.

 

As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative costs were 24.628.8 percent, 24.924.3 percent, and 24.822.6 percent for fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, and, 2001,2002, respectively.

 

Asset Impairment Charges

 

DueDuring fiscal 2003, as a response to reduced demand for existing wireless test solutionslegacy WTS products in the wireless marketplace and our strategy of investing available resources in the development of Seven.Five, our new product platform, we have analyzed the carrying value of all assets attributable to our wireless test solutionsWTS business. Based on this analysis, we

recorded asset impairment charges totaling $8.4$12.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The following table sets forth the impaired assets and corresponding impairment charges (in thousands): for fiscal 2003:

Property and equipment

  

$

205

Software development costs

  

 

5,619

Goodwill and acquired intangible assets

  

 

2,583

   

   

$

8,407

   

Property and equipment

  $205

Software development costs (included in cost of revenue)

   5,619

Intangible assets (included in discontinued operations)

   2,583

Goodwill (included in discontinued operations)

   4,053
   

   $12,460
   

 

In addition to the asset impairment charges above, an inventory impairment charge totaling $1.3 million was recorded as cost of revenue during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The above impaired assets, as well as the inventory impairment charge, arewere exclusively related to our legacy 2G wireless test solutions products and dodid not include any assets related to our engineering services business, which ceased operations during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

As discussed in Note 11 of The exit costs associated with our exit from the accompanying financial statements, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” effective February 1, 2002. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed the required transitional impairment test under the new rules and recorded a non-cash charge of $2.9 million to write down fully the carrying value of the goodwill related to our EDX software reporting unit. This reporting unit is included in our wireless test solutions segment for financial reporting purposes, and the related goodwill was generated through our acquisition of EDX Engineering, Inc. during December 2000. Such charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of accounting change. In calculating the impairment charge, the fair value of the impaired reporting unit underlying the wireless test solutions segment was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. This charge writes off the entire carrying value of the recorded goodwill and accordingly, $2.9 million was recorded as a cumulative charge for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003. No comparable charge was recorded during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.engineering services business totaled $151,000.

 

ChargeSource Product Safety Recall

 

As discussed above, early inIn fiscal 2004 and in cooperation with the U.S. CPSC, we announced a voluntary product safety recall of approximately 125,000 detachable plugs used on our ChargeSource 70-Watt70-watt universal AC power adapter. In conjunction with the product safety recall, the Company and Targus, the exclusive distributor of the ChargeSource products at that time, entered into an agreement addressing the impact of the recall action. Accordingly, we have accrued both a $3.2 million credit due to Targus reducing sales and additional recall costs of approximately $0.6$0.2 million classified in cost of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004 in conjunction with the expiration of the right of return and the term of the agreement, we recognized the unused portion of the credit in the amount of $1.1 million as revenue.

 

Engineering and Support CostsExpenses

 

The Company capitalizesWe capitalize costs incurred for the development of software embedded in our wireless test solutions products that will be sold whensubsequent to establishing technological feasibility has been established.feasibility. These capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on anticipated future revenue and changes in hardware and software technologies. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and related overhead. Engineering and support costs for fiscal 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

   January 31,

 
   2004

  2003

 
   (In thousands) 

Engineering

  $7,087  $6,147 

Less: Capitalized software development

   (2,769)  (3,359)

Support costs

   1,494   2,406 
   


 


   $5,812  $5,194 
   


 


Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2004 were $5.8 million compared to $5.2 million for the prior fiscal year, an increase of approximately $0.6 million. Gross engineering and support costs, before reduction for capitalized software development costs, remained flat at $8.6 million in comparison to fiscal 2003. Engineering costs increased $0.9 million related to higher staffing levels for the development of our newly released ChargeSource products. Support costs decreased $0.9 million related to reduced staffing levels for the wireless test solutions department, consistent with the development and release of the Seven.Five product family, which operates under a single platform.

Engineering and support costs for fiscal 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

   

January 31,


 
   

2003


   

2002


 
   

(In thousands)

 

Engineering

  

$

6,704

 

  

$

9,024

 

Less: Capitalized software development

  

 

(3,359

)

  

 

(5,471

)

Support Costs

  

 

2,591

 

  

 

2,191

 

   


  


   

$

5,936

 

  

$

5,744

 

   


  


   January 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (In thousands) 

Engineering

  $6,147  $8,418 

Less: Capitalized software development

   (3,359)  (5,471)

Support costs

   2,406   2,056 
   


 


   $5,194  $5,003 
   


 


 

Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2003 were $5.9increased 3.8 percent to $5.2 million compared to $5.7 million for the prior fiscal year, an increase of approximately $0.2 million.2002. Gross engineering and support costs, before reduction for capitalized software development costs, decreased $1.9 million in comparison to fiscal 2002. This decrease is a result of our strategy of reducing the cost structure supporting our wireless test solutions business and developing a single flexible product platform. Offsetting this cash savings and consistent with the reduction in the number of on-going software development programs, capitalized software development costs decreased $2.1 million resulting in an increase in engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, of $0.2 million for fiscal 2003 in comparison to the prior fiscal year.

 

Engineering and support costs for fiscal 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

   

January 31,


 
   

2002


   

2001


 
   

(In thousands)

 

Engineering

  

$

9,024

 

  

$

7,501

 

Less: Capitalized software development

  

 

(5,471

)

  

 

(4,600

)

Support Costs

  

 

2,191

 

  

 

1,857

 

   


  


   

$

5,744

 

  

$

4,758

 

   


  


Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2002 increased 20.7 percent to $5.7 million compared to fiscal 2001. Excluding costs attributable to EDX, engineering and support costs net of capitalized software development for fiscal 2002 were $5.0 million compared to $4.7 million for fiscal 2001, an increase of $0.3 million or 6.4%. This increase was partially offset by increased capitalized software development costs totaling $5.5 million and $4.6 million for fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. The increases in gross engineering and capitalized software development costs were primarily due to continued investment in our hardware and software product development programs, which included GPRS and 1XRTT products (2.5G technologies), as well as 3G scanners and related applications.

Severance Costs

During the second quarter of fiscal 2001 and in conjunction with the disposition of our non-wireless businesses, we were required to record a $1.3 million charge to continuing operations for costs related to severance agreements for outgoing corporate staff. No similar costs were recorded in fiscal 2003 and 2002.

Other Income, net

 

Other income, net, consisting primarily of interest income, decreased approximately $0.5$0.1 million to $0.4$0.2 million for fiscal 20032004 compared to the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to lower invested cash balances and reduced interest rates earned on invested cash balances. Other income increased $150,000decreased $0.5 million to $0.9$0.4 million for fiscal 20022003 compared to fiscal 2001,2002, primarily as a result of higherlower invested cash balances for much of the fiscal year.2003.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002 and 2001 was 28.135.4 percent, 36.837.2 percent, and 35.336.8 percent, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate usedfluctuates due, in part, to computefluctuations in the incomeminority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary which is not tax benefit for fiscal 2003 is due to permanent differences in our taxable loss for fiscal 2003 as a result of non-deductible intangible asset impairment charges.effected.

 

Wireless Test Solutions

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


   Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   2004

 

2003

(restated)


 

2002

(restated)


 
  

(In thousands)

   (In thousands) 

Revenue

  

$

11,240

 

  

$

29,661

 

  

$

34,678

 

  $11,150  $10,090  $28,222 

Cost of revenue:

            

Cost of goods sold

  

 

3,675

 

  

 

10,496

 

  

 

11,230

 

   4,192   3,862   10,470 

Software development amortization

  

 

2,629

 

  

 

2,437

 

  

 

3,085

 

   2,772   2,629   2,437 

Inventory impairment

  

 

1,259

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Inventory impairment and software development write-off

      6,878    
  


  


  


  


 


 


Total cost of revenue

  

$

7,563

 

  

$

12,933

 

  

$

14,315

 

   6,964   13,369   12,907 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Gross profit

  

$

3,677

 

  

$

16,728

 

  

$

20,363

 

Gross profit (loss)

  $4,186  $(3,279) $15,315 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Gross margin

  

 

32.7

%

  

 

56.4

%

  

 

58.7

%

   37.5%  (32.5)%  54.3%
  


  


  


  


 


 


Revenue

 

Wireless test solutions revenue for fiscal 20032004 was $11.2 million compared to $29.6$10.1 million for fiscal 2003, an increase of $1.1 million or 10.5 percent. The increase reflects sales of our new product platform, Seven.Five, which was released in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

Wireless test solutions revenue for fiscal 2003 was $10.1 million compared to $28.2 million for fiscal 2002, a decrease of approximately $18.4$18.1 million or 62.164.2 percent. This decrease primarily reflects the reduced demand for our legacy 2G wireless test solution products, as well as reduced engineering services, which we ceased providing during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Revenue from engineering services for fiscal 2003 and 2002 totaled $0.9 million and $7.5 million, respectively.

 

For fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001, customers of our wireless test solutions business accounted for 30.5 percent, 58.2 percent, and 70.1 percent, respectively, of our annual revenue, and 30.0 percent, 66.0 percent, and 82.6 percent, respectively, of our annual gross profit. Due to the uncertainties associated with the spending patterns of our customers and the corresponding demand for our wireless test solution products, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience significant fluctuations in demand. Such fluctuations have caused and may continue to cause significant reductions in revenue and/or operating income, negatively affecting our business, financial condition, and operating results. We are currently unable to predict when the downturn in the wireless industry will cease to have a negative impact on our revenues and operating results.

Revenue from our wireless test solutions business for fiscal 2002 was $29.7 million, a decrease of $5.0 million or 14.5 percent compared to fiscal 2001. As previously discussed, the downturn in the wireless industry, which first impacted us in early fiscal 2002, reduced overall demand for our wireless test solution products.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

 

Wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 was $7.0 million compared to $13.4 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of approximately $6.4 million or 47.9 percent. Excluding the inventory impairment charge and software development write-off of $6.9 million recorded in fiscal 2003, gross margin increased 1.8 percent from 35.7 percent to 37.5 percent in fiscal 2004. The increase in margin is attributable to increased absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses and reduced labor costs when viewed as a percentage of revenue, driven by increased sales of our hardware and software tools.

Wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $7.6$13.4 million compared to $12.9 million for fiscal 2002, a decreasean increase of approximately $5.4$0.5 million or 41.53.6 percent. As discussed above, during fiscal 2003, we recorded a non-cash inventory impairment chargecharges totaling approximately $1.3$6.9 million. Excluding this asset impairment charge, wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $6.3$6.5 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin for fiscal 2003 decreased to 32.735.7 percent compared to 56.454.3 percent for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to decreased absorption of fixed costs attributable to dramatically lower revenue.

 

Cost of revenue from our wireless test solutions business for fiscal 2002 was $12.9 million, a decrease of $1.4 million or 9.7 percent compared to fiscal 2001. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin decreased to 56.4 percent from 58.7 percent for fiscal 2001. The decrease in cost of revenue was primarily due to decreased sales volumes of hardware and software tools. The decrease in gross margin is attributable to decreased absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses and increased labor costs, when viewed as a percentage of revenue, driven by lower sales of our hardware and software tools.

Wireless Applications

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


   Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   2004

 

2003

(restated)


 2002

 
  

(In thousands)

   (In thousands) 

Revenue

  

$

25,596

 

  

$

21,346

 

  

$

14,786

 

  $23,115  $25,596  $21,346 

Cost of revenue:

            

Cost of goods sold

  

 

16,907

 

  

 

12,596

 

  

 

10,357

 

   14,762   16,536   12,596 

Software development amortization

  

 

103

 

  

 

144

 

  

 

146

 

      103   144 

Inventory impairment

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  


  


  


  


 


 


Total cost of revenue

  

 

17,010

 

  

 

12,740

 

  

 

10,503

 

   14,762   16,639   12,740 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Gross profit

  

$

8,586

 

  

$

8,606

 

  

$

4,283

 

  $8,353  $8,957  $8,606 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Gross margin

  

 

33.5

%

  

 

40.3

%

  

 

29.0

%

   36.1%  35.0%  40.3%
  


  


  


  


 


 


 

Revenue

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2004 was $23.1 million compared to $25.6 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of $2.5 million or 9.7 percent. The decrease is primarily due to decreased call box products revenue of $4.0 million, partially offset by increased call box service revenue of $0.6 million and ChargeSource product sales of $0.9 million. In fiscal 2003 we completed a Text Telephony (“TTY”) call box upgrade for the hearing impaired for the County of Orange, California, and a system expansion for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (“MTC”) in California that contributed $2.5 and $1.2 million, respectively, to call box product sales. In fiscal 2004, we had no similar installation or upgrade projects. We believe that the current political and financial challenges facing the State of California have adversely impacted our call box product sales.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2004 we began shipping our newest generation of ChargeSource products, the 120-watt AC/DC and DC adapters. The increase in ChargeSource product sales of $0.9 million includes the $1.1 million unused recall credit issued to our former distributor in conjunction with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter.

 

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2003 was $25.6 million compared to $21.3 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $4.3 million or 20.0 percent. This increase was primarily due to increased sales of our ChargeSource mobile power products. Our combined ChargeSource sales increased approximately $3.6 million to $15.2 million for fiscal 2003, net of the $3.2 million credit issued to our exclusive distributor in conjunction with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter, as discussed above.

 

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2002 was $21.3 million, an increase of $6.6 million or 44.4 percent compared to fiscal 2001. The increase was attributable to increased sales of the ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter, our second-generation mobile power system that began shipping during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, and the introduction of the new ChargeSource 70-watt universal DC power adapter that began shipping during the third quarter of fiscal 2002.

BothAll ChargeSource products are currentlywere distributed exclusively by Targus under non-cancelable commitments.commitments during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002. For fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002, sales to Targus totaled approximately $15.0 million, $15.2 million, and $11.3 million, respectively. Under our new distributor agreement with Belkin, Belkin has certain non-cancelable commitments to purchase our ChargeSource products. In the event TargusBelkin is unable to perform under these commitments due to theirits inability to take delivery of ordered products and/or pay for such products in a timely manner, we would be required to establish alternative distribution channels. The financial impact of a material change in our relationship with TargusBelkin cannot be precisely quantified, but we believe that a six-to-twelve month disruption in the distribution of our ChargeSource products would have a negative impact on our revenue and operating results, which could also result in decreased liquidity. For fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001, sales to Targus totaled approximately $15.1 million, $11.3 million, and $4.8 million, respectively.

 

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

 

Wireless applications cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 was $14.8 million compared to $16.6 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of $1.9 million or 11.3 percent. As a percentage of revenue and excluding the recall credit and costs associated with the product safety recall incurred in fiscal 2003, gross margin for fiscal 2004 decreased to 36.1 percent from 43.0 percent. This decrease relates to ramp-up costs associated with the introduction of the ChargeSource 120-watt products.

Wireless applications cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $17.0$16.6 million compared to $12.7 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of $4.3$3.9 million or 33.530.1 percent. Excluding the cost of the product safety recall, cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $16.4 million. As a percentage of revenue and excluding the credit and costs associated with the product safety recall, gross margin for fiscal 2003 increased to 43.0 percent from 40.3 percent for fiscal 2002. The increase in wireless applications gross margin is primarily attributable to several higher-margin call box upgrade projects completed during fiscal 2003.

 

Cost of revenue of our wireless applications business for fiscal 2002 was $12.7 million, an increase of $2.2 million or 21.3 percent compared to fiscal 2001. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin increased to 40.3 percent from 29.0 percent for fiscal 2001. The increase in cost of revenue was primarily due to increased sales volumes of our ChargeSource mobile power products.

Software Development Costs

We capitalize software developed for sale or lease in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 86, “Accounting for Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” Software costs incurred subsequent to the determination of the technological feasibility of the software product are capitalized. Our policy is to capitalize the costs associated with development of new products but expense the costs associated with subsequent maintenance releases, if any. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether technological feasibility has been achieved for a particular software project. Capitalization ceases and amortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is available for general release to customers. Capitalized software development costs, net of related amortization, are compared to management’s estimate of projected revenues quarterly to determine if any impairment in value has occurred that would require an adjustment in the carrying value or change in expected useful lives under the guidelines established under SFAS No. 86. We also continually evaluate the recoverability of software acquired through acquisition or by direct purchase of technology.

We had $5.5 million of capitalized software at January 31, 2004, net of accumulated amortization of $3.4 million. Capitalized software amortization expense is included in cost of revenue. The amortization period for the software costs capitalized is the shorter of the economic life of the related product, typically two to four years, or based on expected unit sales under the sales ratio method.

DiscontinuedAccounts Receivable

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits and related terms based upon payment history and our customers’ current credit worthiness. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. Since our accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively few number of customers, a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the collectibility of our accounts receivable and our future operating results.

Specifically, our management must make estimates of the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable. Management analyzes specific customer accounts, historical bad debt, trends, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts in any accounting period. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our losses for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.

Inventory

We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase and/or manufacture the inventory (calculated on average costs, which approximates first-in, first-out basis) or the current estimated market value of the

inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements for the next twelve months. As experienced during fiscal 2003, demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. A significant increase in the demand for our products could result in a short-term increase in the cost of inventory purchases while a significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory on hand. In addition, our industry is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product development, and rapid product obsolescence that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Additionally, our forecasts of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if our inventory were determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize such costs in our cost of goods sold at the time of such determination. Therefore, although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and our operating results.

Income Taxes

We assess our deferred tax assets to determine the amount that we believe is “more likely than not” to be realized. We consider future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Various other indicators are also considered, including the existence of cumulative tax losses during recent years. If the Company can not generate sufficient taxable income during the 2005 fiscal year, it may be necessary to reserve some or all of the deferred tax assets. If we determine that we will not realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, we will establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, which will be charged to income tax expense in the period of such determination.

Valuation of Goodwill

Effective February 1, 2002, we implemented SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 establishes new standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminates amortization of goodwill, and sets forth methods for periodically evaluating goodwill for impairment.

Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value generally determined using a discounted cash flow methodology applied to the particular unit. This methodology differs from our previous policy, in accordance with accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows on an enterprise-wide basis to determine recoverability. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we recorded a non-cash charge of $4.1 million to write down fully the carrying value of the goodwill related to our EDX reporting unit. This reporting unit is included in our wireless test solutions segment for financial reporting purposes, and the related goodwill was generated through our acquisition of EDX Engineering, Inc. in December 2000. Such charge is reflected as a component of discontinued operations. Future impairments of intangible assets, if any, will be recorded as operating expenses.

We assess goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each year or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;

significant negative industry or economic trends;

significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period, and

our market capitalization relative to net book value.

The purchase method of accounting for acquisitions requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The

amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets impact future amortization. If the assumptions and estimates used to allocate the purchase price are not correct, purchase price adjustments or future asset impairment charges could be required.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets used in operations, including purchased intangible assets, when indicators of impairment, such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns that negatively impact our customers or markets, are present. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of assets is impaired based on comparison to the undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the comparison indicates that there is impairment, the impaired asset is written down to fair value, which is typically calculated using a weighted average of the market approach and the discounted expected future cash flows using a discount rate based upon our cost of capital. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Significant management judgment is required in the forecast of future operating results that is used in the preparation of expected discounted cash flows. It is reasonably possible that the estimates of anticipated future net revenue, the remaining estimated economic life of the products and technologies, or both, could differ from those used to assess the recoverability of these assets. In that event, additional impairment charges or shortened useful lives of certain long-lived assets could be required.

Results of Operations – Continuing Operations

 

As discussed above, we embarked on a plan to divest our non-wireless businesses, which included the defense and commercial staffing businesses. The divestiture plan was completed during November 2000.

Net loss from discontinued operations was $9,000 for fiscal 2001, which includes net income during phase-out of $348,000 on revenue of $21.7 million, less an after-tax loss of $357,000 on the disposition of our non-wireless businesses.

Liquidity and Capital ResourcesWireless Test Solutions

 

Our financial position remains strong, with cashWTS business designs and cash equivalentsmanufactures hardware and software tools for use by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Radio engineers, network improvement professionals and technicians, and others use these test tools to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks, and to verify the performance of $25.4 million as of January 31, 2003.the wireless networks once deployed.

 

Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be important to understanding our WTS business:

The wireless communications industry has historically experienced a dramatic rate of growth both in the United States and internationally. During the past several years, however, many wireless carriers have re-evaluated their network deployment plans in response to downturns in the capital markets, changing perceptions regarding industry growth, the adoption of new wireless technologies, increasing price competition for subscribers and a general economic slowdown in the United States and internationally. That trend appears to have just recently begun to change.

During fiscal year 2004, in response to consumer demand for improved network coverage, quality of service, and enhanced data services, domestic wireless carriers increased capital spending on their networks, which we believe results in increased demand for our WTS products. We expect this trend to continue in fiscal 2005.

Our European operation experienced year-over-year revenue growth primarily driven by sales of our Seven.Five product platform to European wireless carriers. We expect our European operation to continue to experience year-over-year revenue growth in fiscal 2005 based on the demand we are experiencing during the first quarter of fiscal 2005, as well as planned technology deployments by wireless carriers.

During the first half of fiscal 2004, we completed the development of our Seven.Five hardware platform and various related software applications, and began shipping products to customers in Europe, North America and Latin America. Seven.Five is a hardware and software solution that is flexible, scalable, and modular allowing our customers to work with all 2G, 2.5G and 3G technologies.

The Seven.Five product family consists of the following:

Seven.Five Solo: Suited for network deployment activities, Solo is a single calling module product available with a family of audio and data QoS algorithms. It is an entry-level product, capable of seamless migration to the Seven.Five Duo.

Seven.Five Duo: As networks mature, the power of a calling module plus a scanner is necessary to quickly and efficiently optimize networks. Duo supports up to two calling modules, which can have mixed technologies, and one multi-band, multi-technology RF scanner. A portability kit is available for in-building needs.

Seven.Five Multi: Designed for flexibility and scalability, Seven.Five Multi can house up to any combination of six calling modules or scanners in each chassis. Multiple chassis can be combined to allow for up to 96 calling modules. The customer can mix and match technologies for benchmarking applications or configure a system with similar technologies for optimization activities. Multi is also available with a portability kit for in-building and pedestrian testing needs.

Seven.Five Multi-Band, Multi-Technology RF Scanner: The most advanced scanner for field test applications. Capable of scans of over 3000 channels per second in multiple frequency bands, with multiple technologies, doing DVCC, BSIC and PN decoding simultaneously. The scanner offers spectrum analyzer-type measurements and full baseband decoding for GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE, IS-136, CDMA2000 and WCDMA.

Cash Flows from Operating ActivitiesWireless Applications

 

Cash providedOur wireless applications business designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. Our call box products provide emergency communication over existing wireless networks. In addition to the call box products, we provide system installation and long-term maintenance services. Currently, there are approximately 14,000 call boxes that we service and maintain under long-term agreements which expire at various dates through February 2011.

Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be important to understanding our wireless applications business:

Anticipated projects to upgrade and expand existing emergency call box systems are concentrated with several customers that are agencies of California’s state and local governments. Due to California’s financial challenges, we are unable to forecast the timing of these projects and related revenue.

We are transitioning the distribution of our ChargeSource mobile power products to a new and exclusive distributor. We expect this transition to continue to take place through the second quarter of fiscal 2005. During this transition period, we are unable to accurately forecast the timing of the product roll out by operating activities is primarily derivedour new distribution partner. However, based on our past experience of sales of similar products to national electronics retailers, and our estimated roll out timing, we expect revenue for the second half of fiscal 2005 to exceed the same for the first half of the fiscal year. We also expect that by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, revenue from the sale of our ChargeSource products to be on an annual run rate of approximately $25.0 million.

Approximately 78 percent of our call box revenue is derived from agencies of California’s state and local governments. The State of California is currently experiencing severe financial challenges. We believe these challenges have created uncertainty with respect to the spending patterns of our California-based customers. As a result, projects and the related contracts to upgrade and expand certain call box systems have been delayed. While we currently believe that these projects will move ahead during fiscal 2005, we are unable to forecast the timing of such events in the near-term.

Our wireless applications business also includes the ChargeSource family of mobile power products. Designed with the needs of the traveling professional in mind, our ChargeSource mobile power products provide a high level of functionality and compatibility in an industry-leading compact design. Our current and planned product offering consists of universal AC/DC, AC, and DC power adapters designed for the right mix of power output and functionality for most retail, OEM, and enterprise customers. Our ChargeSource products are also universal allowing those who use rechargeable electronic devices to carry just one power adapter. By simply changing the compact SmartTip connected to the end of the charging cable, our universal power adapters are capable of charging and powering multiple target devices, including most notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

Until recently, most notebook computers required no more than 70 watts of power to operate. However, the personal computer industry is currently transitioning to notebook computers with increasing power requirements. As power requirements increase, so does the size of the OEM power adapter sold with each notebook computer. To address this industry wide trend, we have developed a family of high-power ChargeSource products that are compatible with most legacy, current, and planned notebook computers. These new ChargeSource products are able to deliver up to 120 watts of power in a very small form factor. We believe our patented electrical designs will continue to be the basis for even higher-power universal power adapters that are expected to meet evolving global standards, including the planned standards of the European Union (“EU”), and the increasing power requirements of the notebook computer OEMs, and allow us to offer customers cutting edge technology without significantly increasing the size or weight of our products. We also expect these higher-power universal power adapters to continue to be significantly smaller and lighter than their OEM counterpart.

Historically, our ChargeSource mobile power products have been distributed by Targus Group International (“Targus”). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 we terminated our relationship with Targus and entered into a strategic agreement with Belkin Corporation (“Belkin”). Under this agreement Belkin is granted exclusive worldwide distribution rights to distribute our ChargeSource products in several strategic end-market categories including electronic retailers, specialty retailers, OEM third party options and Fortune 1000 corporate customers. However, due to the exclusive nature of our agreement with Belkin, our direct access to certain significant distribution channels has been limited.

On March 20, 2003 and in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (“CPSC”), we voluntarily initiated a product safety recall of our legacy ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapters. This product safety recall impacts approximately 125,000 units that were sold in fiscal 2003. Comarco and Targus entered into an agreement to address the impact of the recall action. Under the terms of the agreement Comarco issued a $3.2 million credit to Targus in fiscal 2003 in consideration of a full release. Of the $3.2 million credit issued to Targus in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, qualifying product returns totaling $2.1 million were received from Targus through October 31, 2003. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the remaining $1.1 million unused credit was recorded as revenue, consistent with the expiration of the right of return and the term of the agreement. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 we accrued $183,000 in costs related to the recall action in cost of revenue. We believe that any additional product recall costs will be minor and any such costs will be expensed as incurred.

The following table sets forth certain items as a percentage of revenue from our audited consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002:

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   

2004

 


  

2003

(Restated)


  

2002

(Restated)


 

Revenue:

          

Products

  85.2% 85.1% 75.4%

Services

  14.8  14.9  24.6 
   

 

 

   100.0  100.0  100.0 
   

 

 

Cost of revenue:

          

Products

  54.2  73.5  36.9 

Services

  9.2  10.6  14.8 
   

 

 

   63.4  84.1  51.7 
   

 

 

Gross profit:

          

Products

  31.0  11.6  38.5 

Services

  5.6  4.3  9.8 
   

 

 

   36.6  15.9  48.3 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  28.8  24.3  22.6 

Asset impairment charges

    0.6   

Engineering and support expenses

  16.9  14.6  10.1 
   

 

 

Operating income (loss)

  (9.1) (23.6) 15.6 

Other income, net

  0.7  1.1  1.8 

Minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary

  0.1  0.4  (0.1)
   

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  (8.3) (22.1) 17.3 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (2.9) (8.2) 6.4 
   

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  (5.4)% (13.9)% 10.9%
   

 

 

Consolidated

Revenue

Total revenue for fiscal 2004 was $34.3 million compared to $35.7 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of approximately $1.4 million or 4.0 percent. As discussed below, the decrease is attributable to decreased sales of our wireless application products and services partially offset by increased sales of our WTS products. Total revenue for fiscal 2003 was $35.7 million compared to $49.6 million for fiscal 2002, a decrease of approximately $13.9 million or 28.0 percent. The decrease was due to an $18.1 million decrease in sales of our WTS products and services, partially offset by a $4.2 million increase in sales of our wireless applications products and services.

For fiscal 2004 as compared to the prior year, revenue from products decreased 3.8 percent to $29.2 million while revenue from services decreased 4.8 percent to $5.1 million. The product revenue decrease reflects the decreased demand for our call box products, which declined $4.0 million or 67.2 percent, offset by an increase in sales of our WTS products of $1.9 million or 21.7 percent and an increase in sales of our ChargeSource products of $0.9 million or 5.9 percent, including $1.1 million of revenue recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 related to the reversal of an unused recall credit initially recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The services revenue decrease was due to our exit from the engineering services business during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Revenue from engineering services totaled $0.9 and $7.5 million for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The fiscal 2004 services revenue decrease was offset by a $600,000 increase in call box service revenue in the current year.

For fiscal 2003 as compared to the prior year, revenue from products decreased 18.8 percent to $30.4 million, while revenue from services decreased 56.3 percent to $5.3 million. The product revenue decrease reflected the softness in the wireless industry and decreased demand for our legacy WTS products, which declined $11.5 million or 56.7 percent, offset by an increase in sales of our ChargeSource products of $3.6 million or 31.1 percent, net of a $3.2 million credit issued to Targus in conjunction with the product safety recall of our 70-watt universal ChargeSource power adapter and a $0.9 million, or 17.9 percent, increase in call box product sales. See the section below titled“ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion. The services revenue decrease was due to our exit from the engineering services business during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 decreased $8.3 million or 27.6 percent to $21.7 million. As discussed below, we recorded non-recurring charges in the amount of $7.1 million to cost of sales in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin increased to 36.6 percent compared to 35.8 percent, adjusted for non-recurring charges, for fiscal 2003.

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $30.0 million compared to $25.7 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $4.4 million or 17.0 percent. Cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 included a non-cash inventory impairment charge, totaling approximately $1.3 million and a $5.6 million non-cash write-off of software development costs. These charges are attributable to our wireless test solutions business. See the section below entitled “Asset Impairment Charges” for additional discussion. Cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 also included approximately $0.2 million of costs accrued in connection with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal power adapters. See the section below entitled “ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion. Excluding the inventory impairment, software development write-off and product safety recall charges, total cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $22.9 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin for fiscal 2003 decreased to 35.8 percent compared to 48.3 percent for the prior fiscal year. As discussed below, the decrease in gross margin was primarily due to a change in our mix of business, our exit from engineering services, and the negative effect of significantly reduced sales and decreasing gross margins of our historically higher margin wireless test solution products.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million or 13.4 percent to $9.8 million in fiscal 2004. The increase was due to legal settlements and related fees in the amount of $2.0 million incurred during the first half of fiscal 2004, partially offset by reductions in other indirect costs and reduced legal fees in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2004.

Selling, general and administrative costs for fiscal 2003 were $8.7 million compared to $11.2 million for the prior fiscal year, a decrease of $2.5 million or 22.4 percent. This decrease was due to reduced staffing levels, selling expenses, and incentive compensation driven by significantly reduced sales of our WTS products and services. Cash provided by operating activities was $10.0 millionAdditionally, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and $8.1 millionOther Intangible Assets,” beginning in fiscal 2003, we no longer amortized goodwill.

As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative costs were 28.8 percent, 24.3 percent, and 22.6 percent for the years ended January 31,fiscal 2004, 2003, and, 2002, respectively.

 

Cash provided by operating activities duringAsset Impairment Charges

During fiscal 2003, as a response to reduced demand for legacy WTS products in the year ended January 31, 2003 was primarily a resultwireless marketplace and our strategy of investing available resources in the development of Seven.Five, we analyzed the carrying value of all assets attributable to our net income from continuing operations before non-cash charges (including cumulative effect of accounting change,WTS business. Based on this analysis, we recorded asset impairment charges provisiontotaling $12.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The following table sets forth the impaired assets and corresponding impairment charges (in thousands) for obsoletefiscal 2003:

Property and equipment

  $205

Software development costs (included in cost of revenue)

   5,619

Intangible assets (included in discontinued operations)

   2,583

Goodwill (included in discontinued operations)

   4,053
   

   $12,460
   

In addition to the asset impairment charges above, an inventory impairment charge totaling $1.3 million was recorded as cost of revenue during fiscal 2003. The above impaired assets, as well as the inventory impairment charge, were exclusively related to our legacy 2G wireless test solutions products and depreciation and amortization), collectiondid not include any assets related to our engineering services business, which ceased operations during the second quarter of $7.7 million of accounts receivable offset by a net change in deferred income taxes of $2.7 million, a decrease in current liabilities of $2.4 million, and an increase in both inventory and other assets of $1.2 million each.fiscal 2003. The exit costs associated with our exit from the engineering services business totaled $151,000.

 

Early inChargeSource Product Safety Recall

In fiscal 2004 and in cooperation with the U.S. CPSC, we announced a voluntary product safety recall of approximately 125,000 detachable plugs used on our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. The detachable AC plug can crack if the plug’s swivel connector is extended beyond the 90 degrees of allowed rotation, creating the potential for electric shock. To date, no injuries have been reported. Approximately 75,000 units are believed to be in the hands of consumers, while another 50,000 are currently in the distribution channel.

In conjunction with the product safety recall, the Company and Targus, the exclusive distributor of the ChargeSource products at that time, entered into an agreement addressing the impact of the recall action. Due to the recall action and the agreement with Targus,Accordingly, we have accrued both a $3.2 million credit due to Targus as a reduction ofreducing sales and additional recall costs of approximately $0.6$0.2 million classified in cost of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The credit to Targus is based on unsold and unopened units in the distribution channel expected to be returned to us within a six-month period. The accrued additional recall costs are related to replacing AC plugs in the hands of consumers.

Our methodology for estimating the additional recall costs involved estimating future costs to be incurred to replace the recalled AC plug based on expected returns and the costs to conduct the recall, particularly communication, replacement, and transportations costs. Our replacement and transportation cost estimates include costing for component parts and labor; we also obtained third party cost quotes for communication, fulfillment and administration services. The expected percentage of AC plugs to be replaced out of 75,000 units believed to be in the hands of consumers is an important assumption. Our current assumption is that approximately 20 percent of those units in the hands of the consumers will be replaced. To help understand the relative impact of the return rate assumption, a 10 percent point increase in the return rate would increase the estimated additional recall costs from $0.6 million to $0.7 million. We expect our cash outlays associated with this product safety recall to be financed from our existing cash balances.

The decrease in cash generation from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is primarily due to a significant decrease in current liabilities and amounts accrued in conjunction with the disposition of our non-wireless businesses during fiscal 2001. Also contributing to the decrease in cash generation was a $1.1 million increase in inventory. This increase is related to the introduction of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal DC power adapter that went into production duringDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2002. Additionally, during2004 in conjunction with the fourth quarterexpiration of fiscal 2002,the right of return and the term of the agreement, we also increased our inventoryrecognized the unused portion of certain componentsthe credit in anticipationthe amount of fourth quarter sales$1.1 million as revenue.

Engineering and Support Expenses

We capitalize costs incurred for the development of software embedded in our wireless test solutionsolutions products subsequent to establishing technological feasibility. These capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on anticipated future revenue and changes in hardware and software technologies. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and related overhead. Engineering and support costs for fiscal 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

   January 31,

 
   2004

  2003

 
   (In thousands) 

Engineering

  $7,087  $6,147 

Less: Capitalized software development

   (2,769)  (3,359)

Support costs

   1,494   2,406 
   


 


   $5,812  $5,194 
   


 


Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2004 were $5.8 million compared to $5.2 million for the prior fiscal year, an increase of approximately $0.6 million. Gross engineering and support costs, before reduction for capitalized software development costs, remained flat at $8.6 million in comparison to fiscal 2003. Engineering costs increased $0.9 million related to higher staffing levels for the development of our newly released ChargeSource products. Support costs decreased $0.9 million related to reduced staffing levels for the wireless test solutions department, consistent with the development and release of the Seven.Five product family, which operates under a single platform.

products. However, fourth quarter sales were lower than anticipatedEngineering and historical levels. These components were primarily consumed or written off duringsupport costs for fiscal 2003.2003 and 2002 are as follows:

   January 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (In thousands) 

Engineering

  $6,147  $8,418 

Less: Capitalized software development

   (3,359)  (5,471)

Support costs

   2,406   2,056 
   


 


   $5,194  $5,003 
   


 


Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2003 increased 3.8 percent to $5.2 million compared to fiscal 2002. Gross engineering and support costs, before reduction for capitalized software development costs, decreased $1.9 million in comparison to fiscal 2002. This decrease is a result of our strategy of reducing the cost structure supporting our wireless test solutions business and developing a single flexible product platform. Offsetting this cash savings and consistent with the reduction in the number of on-going software development programs, capitalized software development costs decreased $2.1 million resulting in an increase in engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, of $0.2 million for fiscal 2003 in comparison to the prior fiscal year.

 

Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesOther Income, net

 

NetOther income, net, consisting primarily of interest income, decreased approximately $0.1 million to $0.2 million for fiscal 2004 compared to the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to lower invested cash used in investing activities was $6.2balances and reduced interest rates earned on invested cash balances. Other income decreased $0.5 million to $0.4 million for fiscal 2003 compared to $8.7fiscal 2002, primarily as a result of lower invested cash balances for much of fiscal 2003.

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002 was 35.4 percent, 37.2 percent, and 36.8 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate fluctuates due, in part, to fluctuations in the minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary which is not tax effected.

Wireless Test Solutions

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


 
   (In thousands) 

Revenue

  $11,150  $10,090  $28,222 

Cost of revenue:

             

Cost of goods sold

   4,192   3,862   10,470 

Software development amortization

   2,772   2,629   2,437 

Inventory impairment and software development write-off

      6,878    
   


 


 


Total cost of revenue

   6,964   13,369   12,907 
   


 


 


Gross profit (loss)

  $4,186  $(3,279) $15,315 
   


 


 


Gross margin

   37.5%  (32.5)%  54.3%
   


 


 


Revenue

Wireless test solutions revenue for fiscal 2004 was $11.2 million compared to $10.1 million for fiscal 2003, an increase of $1.1 million or 10.5 percent. The increase reflects sales of our new product platform, Seven.Five, which was released in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

Wireless test solutions revenue for fiscal 2003 was $10.1 million compared to $28.2 million for fiscal 2002, and $9.4a decrease of approximately $18.1 million or 64.2 percent. This decrease primarily reflects the reduced demand for our legacy 2G wireless test solution products, as well as reduced engineering services, which we ceased providing during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Revenue from engineering services for fiscal 2001. In all periods, capital expenditures for property2003 and equipment, acquisitions,2002 totaled $0.9 million and software development constituted substantially all of our cash used in investing activities. The development of software is critical to our products currently under development.

On July 31, 2001, the Company acquired an 18 percent equity stake in SwissQual for $1.0$7.5 million, in cash. Based in Zuchwil, Switzerland, SwissQual is a developer of voice quality systems and software for measuring, monitoring, and optimizing the quality of mobile, fixed, and IP-based voice and data communications. Under this alliance, Comarco and SwissQual will jointly develop, sell, and support wireless network quality of service and optimization products for the European marketplace. In addition to expanding our access to European wireless carriers, SwissQual will provide domain expertise and development guidance in the evolution of 2.5G and 3G system test solutions.

On December 7, 2000, we acquired all the outstanding common stock of EDX for 257,428 shares of our common stock, valued at $4.2 million on the day the transaction closed, and $2.3 million in cash.respectively.

 

Cash Flows from Financing ActivitiesCost of Revenue and Gross Margin

 

Net cash provided by financing activitiesWireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 was $0.2$7.0 million compared to $13.4 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of approximately $6.4 million or 47.9 percent. Excluding the inventory impairment charge and software development write-off of $6.9 million recorded in fiscal 2003, gross margin increased 1.8 percent from 35.7 percent to 37.5 percent in fiscal 2004. The increase in margin is attributable to increased absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses and reduced labor costs when viewed as a percentage of revenue, driven by increased sales of our hardware and software tools.

Wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $13.4 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $2.2$12.9 million for fiscal 2002, and net cash provided by financing activitiesan increase of approximately $0.5 million or 3.6 percent. As discussed above, during fiscal 2003, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling approximately $6.9 million. Excluding this asset impairment charge, wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $6.5 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin for fiscal 2003 decreased to 35.7 percent compared to 54.3 percent for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to decreased absorption of fixed costs attributable to dramatically lower revenue.

Wireless Applications

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  2002

 
   (In thousands) 

Revenue

  $23,115  $25,596  $21,346 

Cost of revenue:

             

Cost of goods sold

   14,762   16,536   12,596 

Software development amortization

      103   144 
   


 


 


Total cost of revenue

   14,762   16,639   12,740 
   


 


 


Gross profit

  $8,353  $8,957  $8,606 
   


 


 


Gross margin

   36.1%  35.0%  40.3%
   


 


 


Revenue

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2004 was $23.1 million compared to $25.6 million for fiscal 2001. In all periods, proceeds from the2003, a decrease of $2.5 million or 9.7 percent. The decrease is primarily due to decreased call box products revenue of $4.0 million, partially offset by increased call box service revenue of $0.6 million and ChargeSource product sales of common stock issued through employee and director stock option plans, offset by the repurchase of our common stock, constituted substantially all of our cash provided by and used in financing activities.

During 1992, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to 3.0 million shares of our common stock. From program inception through January 31, 2003, we repurchased approximately 2.5 million shares for an average price of $8.22 per share. During$0.9 million. In fiscal 2003 we repurchased approximately 44,000 sharescompleted a Text Telephony (“TTY”) call box upgrade for the hearing impaired for the County of Orange, California, and a system expansion for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (“MTC”) in the open market for an average price of $9.15 per share.

California that contributed $2.5 and $1.2 million, respectively, to call box product sales. In fiscal 2004, we had no similar installation or upgrade projects. We believe that the current political and financial challenges facing the State of California have adversely impacted our existing cashcall box product sales.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2004 we began shipping our newest generation of ChargeSource products, the 120-watt AC/DC and cash equivalent balances will provide us sufficient funds to satisfy our cash requirements for at leastDC adapters. The increase in ChargeSource product sales of $0.9 million includes the next twelve months. In addition$1.1 million unused recall credit issued to our cash and cash equivalent balances, we expect to derive a portionformer distributor in conjunction with the product safety recall of our liquidity from our cash flows from operations. As discussed above, certain factors and events could negatively affect our cash flows from operations, including:ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter.

 

Due

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2003 was $25.6 million compared to $21.3 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $4.3 million or 20.0 percent. This increase was primarily due to increased sales of our ChargeSource mobile power products. Our combined ChargeSource sales increased approximately $3.6 million to $15.2 million for fiscal 2003, net of the uncertainties associated$3.2 million credit issued to our exclusive distributor in conjunction with the spending patternsproduct safety recall of our customersChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter, as discussed above.

All ChargeSource products were distributed exclusively by Targus under non-cancelable commitments during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and the corresponding demand for2002. For fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002, sales to Targus totaled approximately $15.0 million, $15.2 million, and $11.3 million, respectively. Under our wireless test solutions products, we have experienced and expectnew distributor agreement with Belkin, Belkin has certain non-cancelable commitments to continue to experience significant fluctuations in demand. Such fluctuations have caused and may continue to cause significant reductions in revenue and operating results,

purchase our ChargeSource products. In the event Targus, the exclusive distributor of our ChargeSource products,Belkin is unable to perform under their non-cancelablethese commitments due to theirits inability to take delivery of theordered products and/or pay for such products in a timely manner, we would be required to establish alternative distribution channels.

We are focused The financial impact of a material change in our relationship with Belkin cannot be precisely quantified, but we believe that a six-to-twelve month disruption in the distribution of our ChargeSource products would have a negative impact on preserving our cash balances by continuously monitoring expenses, identifying cost savings,revenue and investing onlyoperating results, which could also result in those development programs and products most likely to contribute to our profitability.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have identified the following as critical accounting policies to our company: revenue recognition, software development costs, accounts receivable, inventory, income taxes, valuation of goodwill, and valuation of long-lived assets.decreased liquidity.

 

Cost of Revenue Recognitionand Gross Margin

 

We generally recognizeWireless applications cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 was $14.8 million compared to $16.6 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of $1.9 million or 11.3 percent. As a percentage of revenue and excluding the recall credit and costs associated with the product revenue upon shipmentsafety recall incurred in fiscal 2003, gross margin for fiscal 2004 decreased to 36.1 percent from 43.0 percent. This decrease relates to ramp-up costs associated with the introduction of products provided there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is deemed probable. For our wireless test solution products that are integrated with embedded software, we recognize revenue using the residual method pursuant to requirements of Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” and other applicable revenue recognition guidance and interpretations. Under the residual method, we allocate revenue to the undelivered element, typically maintenance, based on its respective fair value, determined by the price charged when that element is sold separately.ChargeSource 120-watt products.

 

We recognize serviceWireless applications cost of revenue asfor fiscal 2003 was $16.6 million compared to $12.7 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of $3.9 million or 30.1 percent. Excluding the services are performed. Maintenancecost of the product safety recall, cost of revenue from customer supportfor fiscal 2003 was $16.4 million. As a percentage of revenue and product upgrades, including maintenance bundledexcluding the credit and costs associated with the original product sale,safety recall, gross margin for fiscal 2003 increased to 43.0 percent from 40.3 percent for fiscal 2002. The increase in wireless applications gross margin is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance agreement, typically 12 months. Revenue for services under long-term contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method on the basis of percentage of costs incurredprimarily attributable to date on a contract, relative to the estimated total contract costs. Profit estimates on long-term contracts are revised periodically based on changes in circumstances and any losses on contracts are recognized in the period that such losses become know.several higher-margin call box upgrade projects completed during fiscal 2003.

 

Significant management judgments must be made and used in connection with the revenue recognized in any accounting period. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our revenue for any period if our management made different judgments.

Software Development Costs

 

We capitalize software developed for sale or lease in accordance with SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 86, “Accounting for Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” Software costs incurred subsequent to the determination of the technological feasibility of the software product are capitalized. Our policy is to capitalize the costs associated with development of new products but expense the costs associated with newsubsequent maintenance releases, which consist of enhancements or increased functionality of software imbedded in our existing products.if any. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether technological feasibility has been achieved for a particular software project. Capitalization ceases and amortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is available for general release to customers. Capitalized software development costs, net of related amortization, are compared to management’s estimate of projected revenues quarterly to determine if any impairment in value has occurred that would require an adjustment in the carrying value or change in expected useful lives under the guidelines established under SFAS No. 86. We also continually evaluate the recoverability of software acquired through acquisition or by direct purchase of technology.

 

We have $5.6had $5.5 million of capitalized software as ofat January 31, 2003,2004, net of accumulated amortization of $3.8$3.4 million. Capitalized software amortization expense is included in cost of revenue. The amortization period for the software costs capitalized is the shorter of the economic life of the related product, typically two to four years, or based on expected unit sales under the sales ratio method, typically two to four years.method.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits and related terms based upon payment history and the customer’sour customers’ current credit worthiness. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. Since our accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively few number of customers, a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the collectibility of our accounts receivable and our future operating results.

 

Specifically, our management must make estimates of the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable. Management analyzes specific customer accounts, historical bad debt, trends, customer concentrations, customer

credit-worthiness, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts in any accounting period. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our losses for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.

 

Inventory

 

We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase and/or manufacture the inventory (calculated on average costs, which approximates first-in, first-out basis) or the current estimated market value of the

inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements for the next twelve months. As demonstratedexperienced during fiscal 2003, demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. A significant increase in the demand for our products could result in a short-term increase in the cost of inventory purchases while a significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory quantities on hand. In addition, our industry is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product development, and rapid product obsolescence that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Additionally, our forecasts of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if our inventory were determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize such costs in our cost of goods sold at the time of such determination. Therefore, although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and our operating results.

 

Income Taxes

 

We assess our deferred tax assets to determine the amount that we believe is “more likely than not” to be realized. We consider future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Various other indicators are also considered, including the existence of cumulative tax losses during recent years. If the Company can not generate sufficient taxable income during the 2005 fiscal year, it may be necessary to reserve some or all of the deferred tax assets. If we determine that we will not realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, we will establish a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, which will be charged to income tax expense in the period of such determination.

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

Effective February 1, 2002, we implemented SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 establishes new standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminates amortization of goodwill, and sets forth methods for periodically evaluating goodwill for impairment.

Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value generally determined using a discounted cash flow methodology applied to the particular unit. This methodology differs from our previous policy, in accordance with accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows on an enterprise-wide basis to determine recoverability. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we recorded a non-cash charge of $4.1 million to write down fully the carrying value of the goodwill related to our EDX reporting unit. This reporting unit is included in our wireless test solutions segment for financial reporting purposes, and the related goodwill was generated through our acquisition of EDX Engineering, Inc. in December 2000. Such charge is reflected as a component of discontinued operations. Future impairments of intangible assets, if any, will be recorded as operating expenses.

We assess goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each year or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

Significantsignificant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,results;

 

Significantsignificant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business,business;

 

Significantsignificant negative industry or economic trends,trends;

 

Significantsignificant decline in our stock price for a sustained period, and

 

Ourour market capitalization relative to net book value.

When we determine that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and projecting cash flows.

In our fiscal year ended January 31, 2003, SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” became effective and, as a result we ceased to amortize approximately $10.1 million of goodwill acquired prior to July 1, 2001. We recorded $1.1 million of amortization on these amounts during fiscal 2002. In lieu of amortization, we perform an annual impairment review of our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible balance upon the initial adoption of SFAS No. 142.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed the required transitional impairment test under the new rules and recorded a non-cash charge of $2.9 million to write down fully the carrying value of the goodwill related to our EDX reporting unit.

 

The purchase method of accounting for acquisitions requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The

amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets impact future amortization. If the assumptions and estimates used to allocate the purchase price are not correct, purchase price adjustments or future asset impairment charges could be required.

 

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate long-lived assets used in operations, including goodwill and purchased intangible assets, when indicators of impairment, such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns that negatively impact our customers or markets, are present. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of assets is impaired based on comparison to the undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the comparison indicates that there is impairment, the impaired asset is written down to fair value, which is typically calculated using a weighted average of the market approach and the discounted expected future cash flows using a discount rate based upon our cost of capital. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Significant management judgment is required in the forecast of future operating results that is used in the preparation of expected discounted cash flows. It is reasonably possible that the estimates of anticipated future net revenue, the remaining estimated economic life of the products and technologies, or both, could differ from those used to assess the recoverability of these assets. In that event, additional impairment charges or shortened useful lives of certain long-lived assets could be required.

 

Results of Operations – Continuing Operations

Wireless Test Solutions

Our WTS business designs and manufactures hardware and software tools for use by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Radio engineers, network improvement professionals and technicians, and others use these test tools to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks, and to verify the performance of the wireless networks once deployed.

Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be important to understanding our WTS business:

The wireless communications industry has historically experienced a dramatic rate of growth both in the United States and internationally. During the past several years, however, many wireless carriers have re-evaluated their network deployment plans in response to downturns in the capital markets, changing perceptions regarding industry growth, the adoption of new wireless technologies, increasing price competition for subscribers and a general economic slowdown in the United States and internationally. That trend appears to have just recently begun to change.

During fiscal year 2004, in response to consumer demand for improved network coverage, quality of service, and enhanced data services, domestic wireless carriers increased capital spending on their networks, which we believe results in increased demand for our WTS products. We expect this trend to continue in fiscal 2005.

Our European operation experienced year-over-year revenue growth primarily driven by sales of our Seven.Five product platform to European wireless carriers. We expect our European operation to continue to experience year-over-year revenue growth in fiscal 2005 based on the demand we are experiencing during the first quarter of fiscal 2005, as well as planned technology deployments by wireless carriers.

During the first half of fiscal 2004, we completed the development of our Seven.Five hardware platform and various related software applications, and began shipping products to customers in Europe, North America and Latin America. Seven.Five is a hardware and software solution that is flexible, scalable, and modular allowing our customers to work with all 2G, 2.5G and 3G technologies.

The Seven.Five product family consists of the following:

Seven.Five Solo: Suited for network deployment activities, Solo is a single calling module product available with a family of audio and data QoS algorithms. It is an entry-level product, capable of seamless migration to the Seven.Five Duo.

Seven.Five Duo: As networks mature, the power of a calling module plus a scanner is necessary to quickly and efficiently optimize networks. Duo supports up to two calling modules, which can have mixed technologies, and one multi-band, multi-technology RF scanner. A portability kit is available for in-building needs.

Seven.Five Multi: Designed for flexibility and scalability, Seven.Five Multi can house up to any combination of six calling modules or scanners in each chassis. Multiple chassis can be combined to allow for up to 96 calling modules. The customer can mix and match technologies for benchmarking applications or configure a system with similar technologies for optimization activities. Multi is also available with a portability kit for in-building and pedestrian testing needs.

Seven.Five Multi-Band, Multi-Technology RF Scanner: The most advanced scanner for field test applications. Capable of scans of over 3000 channels per second in multiple frequency bands, with multiple technologies, doing DVCC, BSIC and PN decoding simultaneously. The scanner offers spectrum analyzer-type measurements and full baseband decoding for GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE, IS-136, CDMA2000 and WCDMA.

Wireless Applications

Our wireless applications business designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. Our call box products provide emergency communication over existing wireless networks. In addition to the call box products, we provide system installation and long-term maintenance services. Currently, there are approximately 14,000 call boxes that we service and maintain under long-term agreements which expire at various dates through February 2011.

Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be important to understanding our wireless applications business:

Anticipated projects to upgrade and expand existing emergency call box systems are concentrated with several customers that are agencies of California’s state and local governments. Due to California’s financial challenges, we are unable to forecast the timing of these projects and related revenue.

We are transitioning the distribution of our ChargeSource mobile power products to a new and exclusive distributor. We expect this transition to continue to take place through the second quarter of fiscal 2005. During this transition period, we are unable to accurately forecast the timing of the product roll out by our new distribution partner. However, based on our past experience of sales of similar products to national electronics retailers, and our estimated roll out timing, we expect revenue for the second half of fiscal 2005 to exceed the same for the first half of the fiscal year. We also expect that by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, revenue from the sale of our ChargeSource products to be on an annual run rate of approximately $25.0 million.

Approximately 78 percent of our call box revenue is derived from agencies of California’s state and local governments. The State of California is currently experiencing severe financial challenges. We believe these challenges have created uncertainty with respect to the spending patterns of our California-based customers. As a result, projects and the related contracts to upgrade and expand certain call box systems have been delayed. While we currently believe that these projects will move ahead during fiscal 2005, we are unable to forecast the timing of such events in the near-term.

Our wireless applications business also includes the ChargeSource family of mobile power products. Designed with the needs of the traveling professional in mind, our ChargeSource mobile power products provide a high level of functionality and compatibility in an industry-leading compact design. Our current and planned product offering consists of universal AC/DC, AC, and DC power adapters designed for the right mix of power output and functionality for most retail, OEM, and enterprise customers. Our ChargeSource products are also universal allowing those who use rechargeable electronic devices to carry just one power adapter. By simply changing the compact SmartTip connected to the end of the charging cable, our universal power adapters are capable of charging and powering multiple target devices, including most notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

Until recently, most notebook computers required no more than 70 watts of power to operate. However, the personal computer industry is currently transitioning to notebook computers with increasing power requirements. As power requirements increase, so does the size of the OEM power adapter sold with each notebook computer. To address this industry wide trend, we have developed a family of high-power ChargeSource products that are compatible with most legacy, current, and planned notebook computers. These new ChargeSource products are able to deliver up to 120 watts of power in a very small form factor. We believe our patented electrical designs will continue to be the basis for even higher-power universal power adapters that are expected to meet evolving global standards, including the planned standards of the European Union (“EU”), and the increasing power requirements of the notebook computer OEMs, and allow us to offer customers cutting edge technology without significantly increasing the size or weight of our products. We also expect these higher-power universal power adapters to continue to be significantly smaller and lighter than their OEM counterpart.

Historically, our ChargeSource mobile power products have been distributed by Targus Group International (“Targus”). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 we terminated our relationship with Targus and entered into a strategic agreement with Belkin Corporation (“Belkin”). Under this agreement Belkin is granted exclusive worldwide distribution rights to distribute our ChargeSource products in several strategic end-market categories including electronic retailers, specialty retailers, OEM third party options and Fortune 1000 corporate customers. However, due to the exclusive nature of our agreement with Belkin, our direct access to certain significant distribution channels has been limited.

On March 20, 2003 and in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (“CPSC”), we voluntarily initiated a product safety recall of our legacy ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapters. This product safety recall impacts approximately 125,000 units that were sold in fiscal 2003. Comarco and Targus entered into an agreement to address the impact of the recall action. Under the terms of the agreement Comarco issued a $3.2 million credit to Targus in fiscal 2003 in consideration of a full release. Of the $3.2 million credit issued to Targus in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, qualifying product returns totaling $2.1 million were received from Targus through October 31, 2003. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the remaining $1.1 million unused credit was recorded as revenue, consistent with the expiration of the right of return and the term of the agreement. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 we accrued $183,000 in costs related to the recall action in cost of revenue. We believe that any additional product recall costs will be minor and any such costs will be expensed as incurred.

The following table sets forth certain items as a percentage of revenue from our audited consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002:

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   

2004

 


  

2003

(Restated)


  

2002

(Restated)


 

Revenue:

          

Products

  85.2% 85.1% 75.4%

Services

  14.8  14.9  24.6 
   

 

 

   100.0  100.0  100.0 
   

 

 

Cost of revenue:

          

Products

  54.2  73.5  36.9 

Services

  9.2  10.6  14.8 
   

 

 

   63.4  84.1  51.7 
   

 

 

Gross profit:

          

Products

  31.0  11.6  38.5 

Services

  5.6  4.3  9.8 
   

 

 

   36.6  15.9  48.3 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  28.8  24.3  22.6 

Asset impairment charges

    0.6   

Engineering and support expenses

  16.9  14.6  10.1 
   

 

 

Operating income (loss)

  (9.1) (23.6) 15.6 

Other income, net

  0.7  1.1  1.8 

Minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary

  0.1  0.4  (0.1)
   

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  (8.3) (22.1) 17.3 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (2.9) (8.2) 6.4 
   

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  (5.4)% (13.9)% 10.9%
   

 

 

Consolidated

Revenue

Total revenue for fiscal 2004 was $34.3 million compared to $35.7 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of approximately $1.4 million or 4.0 percent. As discussed below, the decrease is attributable to decreased sales of our wireless application products and services partially offset by increased sales of our WTS products. Total revenue for fiscal 2003 was $35.7 million compared to $49.6 million for fiscal 2002, a decrease of approximately $13.9 million or 28.0 percent. The decrease was due to an $18.1 million decrease in sales of our WTS products and services, partially offset by a $4.2 million increase in sales of our wireless applications products and services.

For fiscal 2004 as compared to the prior year, revenue from products decreased 3.8 percent to $29.2 million while revenue from services decreased 4.8 percent to $5.1 million. The product revenue decrease reflects the decreased demand for our call box products, which declined $4.0 million or 67.2 percent, offset by an increase in sales of our WTS products of $1.9 million or 21.7 percent and an increase in sales of our ChargeSource products of $0.9 million or 5.9 percent, including $1.1 million of revenue recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 related to the reversal of an unused recall credit initially recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The services revenue decrease was due to our exit from the engineering services business during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Revenue from engineering services totaled $0.9 and $7.5 million for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. The fiscal 2004 services revenue decrease was offset by a $600,000 increase in call box service revenue in the current year.

For fiscal 2003 as compared to the prior year, revenue from products decreased 18.8 percent to $30.4 million, while revenue from services decreased 56.3 percent to $5.3 million. The product revenue decrease reflected the softness in the wireless industry and decreased demand for our legacy WTS products, which declined $11.5 million or 56.7 percent, offset by an increase in sales of our ChargeSource products of $3.6 million or 31.1 percent, net of a $3.2 million credit issued to Targus in conjunction with the product safety recall of our 70-watt universal ChargeSource power adapter and a $0.9 million, or 17.9 percent, increase in call box product sales. See the section below titled“ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion. The services revenue decrease was due to our exit from the engineering services business during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 decreased $8.3 million or 27.6 percent to $21.7 million. As discussed below, we recorded non-recurring charges in the amount of $7.1 million to cost of sales in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin increased to 36.6 percent compared to 35.8 percent, adjusted for non-recurring charges, for fiscal 2003.

Total cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $30.0 million compared to $25.7 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $4.4 million or 17.0 percent. Cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 included a non-cash inventory impairment charge, totaling approximately $1.3 million and a $5.6 million non-cash write-off of software development costs. These charges are attributable to our wireless test solutions business. See the section below entitled “Asset Impairment Charges” for additional discussion. Cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 also included approximately $0.2 million of costs accrued in connection with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal power adapters. See the section below entitled “ChargeSource Product Safety Recall” for additional discussion. Excluding the inventory impairment, software development write-off and product safety recall charges, total cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $22.9 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin for fiscal 2003 decreased to 35.8 percent compared to 48.3 percent for the prior fiscal year. As discussed below, the decrease in gross margin was primarily due to a change in our mix of business, our exit from engineering services, and the negative effect of significantly reduced sales and decreasing gross margins of our historically higher margin wireless test solution products.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million or 13.4 percent to $9.8 million in fiscal 2004. The increase was due to legal settlements and related fees in the amount of $2.0 million incurred during the first half of fiscal 2004, partially offset by reductions in other indirect costs and reduced legal fees in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2004.

Selling, general and administrative costs for fiscal 2003 were $8.7 million compared to $11.2 million for the prior fiscal year, a decrease of $2.5 million or 22.4 percent. This decrease was due to reduced staffing levels, selling expenses, and incentive compensation driven by significantly reduced sales of our WTS products and services. Additionally, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” beginning in fiscal 2003, we no longer amortized goodwill.

As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative costs were 28.8 percent, 24.3 percent, and 22.6 percent for fiscal 2004, 2003, and, 2002, respectively.

Asset Impairment Charges

During fiscal 2003, as a response to reduced demand for legacy WTS products in the wireless marketplace and our strategy of investing available resources in the development of Seven.Five, we analyzed the carrying value of all assets attributable to our WTS business. Based on this analysis, we recorded asset impairment charges totaling $12.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The following table sets forth the impaired assets and corresponding impairment charges (in thousands) for fiscal 2003:

Property and equipment

  $205

Software development costs (included in cost of revenue)

   5,619

Intangible assets (included in discontinued operations)

   2,583

Goodwill (included in discontinued operations)

   4,053
   

   $12,460
   

In addition to the asset impairment charges above, an inventory impairment charge totaling $1.3 million was recorded as cost of revenue during fiscal 2003. The above impaired assets, as well as the inventory impairment charge, were exclusively related to our legacy 2G wireless test solutions products and did not include any assets related to our engineering services business, which ceased operations during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The exit costs associated with our exit from the engineering services business totaled $151,000.

ChargeSource Product Safety Recall

In fiscal 2004 and in cooperation with the U.S. CPSC, we announced a voluntary product safety recall of approximately 125,000 detachable plugs used on our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. In conjunction with the product safety recall, the Company and Targus, the exclusive distributor of the ChargeSource products at that time, entered into an agreement addressing the impact of the recall action. Accordingly, we accrued both a $3.2 million credit due to Targus reducing sales and additional recall costs of approximately $0.2 million classified in cost of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004 in conjunction with the expiration of the right of return and the term of the agreement, we recognized the unused portion of the credit in the amount of $1.1 million as revenue.

Engineering and Support Expenses

We capitalize costs incurred for the development of software embedded in our wireless test solutions products subsequent to establishing technological feasibility. These capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on anticipated future revenue and changes in hardware and software technologies. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and related overhead. Engineering and support costs for fiscal 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

   January 31,

 
   2004

  2003

 
   (In thousands) 

Engineering

  $7,087  $6,147 

Less: Capitalized software development

   (2,769)  (3,359)

Support costs

   1,494   2,406 
   


 


   $5,812  $5,194 
   


 


Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2004 were $5.8 million compared to $5.2 million for the prior fiscal year, an increase of approximately $0.6 million. Gross engineering and support costs, before reduction for capitalized software development costs, remained flat at $8.6 million in comparison to fiscal 2003. Engineering costs increased $0.9 million related to higher staffing levels for the development of our newly released ChargeSource products. Support costs decreased $0.9 million related to reduced staffing levels for the wireless test solutions department, consistent with the development and release of the Seven.Five product family, which operates under a single platform.

Engineering and support costs for fiscal 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

   January 31,

 
   2003

  2002

 
   (In thousands) 

Engineering

  $6,147  $8,418 

Less: Capitalized software development

   (3,359)  (5,471)

Support costs

   2,406   2,056 
   


 


   $5,194  $5,003 
   


 


Engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, for fiscal 2003 increased 3.8 percent to $5.2 million compared to fiscal 2002. Gross engineering and support costs, before reduction for capitalized software development costs, decreased $1.9 million in comparison to fiscal 2002. This decrease is a result of our strategy of reducing the cost structure supporting our wireless test solutions business and developing a single flexible product platform. Offsetting this cash savings and consistent with the reduction in the number of on-going software development programs, capitalized software development costs decreased $2.1 million resulting in an increase in engineering and support costs, net of capitalized software development costs, of $0.2 million for fiscal 2003 in comparison to the prior fiscal year.

Other Income, net

Other income, net, consisting primarily of interest income, decreased approximately $0.1 million to $0.2 million for fiscal 2004 compared to the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to lower invested cash balances and reduced interest rates earned on invested cash balances. Other income decreased $0.5 million to $0.4 million for fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002, primarily as a result of lower invested cash balances for much of fiscal 2003.

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002 was 35.4 percent, 37.2 percent, and 36.8 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate fluctuates due, in part, to fluctuations in the minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary which is not tax effected.

Wireless Test Solutions

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


 
   (In thousands) 

Revenue

  $11,150  $10,090  $28,222 

Cost of revenue:

             

Cost of goods sold

   4,192   3,862   10,470 

Software development amortization

   2,772   2,629   2,437 

Inventory impairment and software development write-off

      6,878    
   


 


 


Total cost of revenue

   6,964   13,369   12,907 
   


 


 


Gross profit (loss)

  $4,186  $(3,279) $15,315 
   


 


 


Gross margin

   37.5%  (32.5)%  54.3%
   


 


 


Revenue

Wireless test solutions revenue for fiscal 2004 was $11.2 million compared to $10.1 million for fiscal 2003, an increase of $1.1 million or 10.5 percent. The increase reflects sales of our new product platform, Seven.Five, which was released in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

Wireless test solutions revenue for fiscal 2003 was $10.1 million compared to $28.2 million for fiscal 2002, a decrease of approximately $18.1 million or 64.2 percent. This decrease primarily reflects the reduced demand for our legacy 2G wireless test solution products, as well as reduced engineering services, which we ceased providing during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Revenue from engineering services for fiscal 2003 and 2002 totaled $0.9 million and $7.5 million, respectively.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

Wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 was $7.0 million compared to $13.4 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of approximately $6.4 million or 47.9 percent. Excluding the inventory impairment charge and software development write-off of $6.9 million recorded in fiscal 2003, gross margin increased 1.8 percent from 35.7 percent to 37.5 percent in fiscal 2004. The increase in margin is attributable to increased absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses and reduced labor costs when viewed as a percentage of revenue, driven by increased sales of our hardware and software tools.

Wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $13.4 million compared to $12.9 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $0.5 million or 3.6 percent. As discussed above, during fiscal 2003, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling approximately $6.9 million. Excluding this asset impairment charge, wireless test solutions cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $6.5 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin for fiscal 2003 decreased to 35.7 percent compared to 54.3 percent for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to decreased absorption of fixed costs attributable to dramatically lower revenue.

Wireless Applications

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  2002

 
   (In thousands) 

Revenue

  $23,115  $25,596  $21,346 

Cost of revenue:

             

Cost of goods sold

   14,762   16,536   12,596 

Software development amortization

      103   144 
   


 


 


Total cost of revenue

   14,762   16,639   12,740 
   


 


 


Gross profit

  $8,353  $8,957  $8,606 
   


 


 


Gross margin

   36.1%  35.0%  40.3%
   


 


 


Revenue

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2004 was $23.1 million compared to $25.6 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of $2.5 million or 9.7 percent. The decrease is primarily due to decreased call box products revenue of $4.0 million, partially offset by increased call box service revenue of $0.6 million and ChargeSource product sales of $0.9 million. In fiscal 2003 we completed a Text Telephony (“TTY”) call box upgrade for the hearing impaired for the County of Orange, California, and a system expansion for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (“MTC”) in California that contributed $2.5 and $1.2 million, respectively, to call box product sales. In fiscal 2004, we had no similar installation or upgrade projects. We believe that the current political and financial challenges facing the State of California have adversely impacted our call box product sales.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2004 we began shipping our newest generation of ChargeSource products, the 120-watt AC/DC and DC adapters. The increase in ChargeSource product sales of $0.9 million includes the $1.1 million unused recall credit issued to our former distributor in conjunction with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter.

Wireless applications revenue for fiscal 2003 was $25.6 million compared to $21.3 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $4.3 million or 20.0 percent. This increase was primarily due to increased sales of our ChargeSource mobile power products. Our combined ChargeSource sales increased approximately $3.6 million to $15.2 million for fiscal 2003, net of the $3.2 million credit issued to our exclusive distributor in conjunction with the product safety recall of our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter, as discussed above.

All ChargeSource products were distributed exclusively by Targus under non-cancelable commitments during fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002. For fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002, sales to Targus totaled approximately $15.0 million, $15.2 million, and $11.3 million, respectively. Under our new distributor agreement with Belkin, Belkin has certain non-cancelable commitments to purchase our ChargeSource products. In the event Belkin is unable to perform under these commitments due to its inability to take delivery of ordered products and/or pay for such products in a timely manner, we would be required to establish alternative distribution channels. The financial impact of a material change in our relationship with Belkin cannot be precisely quantified, but we believe that a six-to-twelve month disruption in the distribution of our ChargeSource products would have a negative impact on our revenue and operating results, which could also result in decreased liquidity.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin

Wireless applications cost of revenue for fiscal 2004 was $14.8 million compared to $16.6 million for fiscal 2003, a decrease of $1.9 million or 11.3 percent. As a percentage of revenue and excluding the recall credit and costs associated with the product safety recall incurred in fiscal 2003, gross margin for fiscal 2004 decreased to 36.1 percent from 43.0 percent. This decrease relates to ramp-up costs associated with the introduction of the ChargeSource 120-watt products.

Wireless applications cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $16.6 million compared to $12.7 million for fiscal 2002, an increase of $3.9 million or 30.1 percent. Excluding the cost of the product safety recall, cost of revenue for fiscal 2003 was $16.4 million. As a percentage of revenue and excluding the credit and costs associated with the product safety recall, gross margin for fiscal 2003 increased to 43.0 percent from 40.3 percent for fiscal 2002. The increase in wireless applications gross margin is primarily attributable to several higher-margin call box upgrade projects completed during fiscal 2003.

Discontinued Operations

On January 6, 2004, we sold the assets of the reporting unit EDX. This reporting unit was formerly included in the wireless test solutions segment, and has been classified as discontinued operations.

Income from discontinued operations was $596,000 for fiscal 2004, which includes income from operations of $258,000 on revenue of $1.1 million, plus an after-tax gain of $319,000 on the sale of EDX. The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2003 and 2002 was $5.2 million and $324,000, respectively. The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2003 included the asset impairment charges in the amount of $6.6 million to write-off the goodwill and intangible assets related to the EDX reporting unit. These charges were offset by a $1.1 million tax benefit. Excluding these items income from discontinued operations would have been $300,000 in fiscal 2003. The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2002 included amortization of EDX related goodwill and intangible assets in the amount of $700,000. Excluding amortization expense, income from discontinued operations would have been $100,000 in fiscal 2002.

Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

The Company has restated its previously issued financial statements for the items described below:

Estimated employee bonuses were accrued at the end of the fiscal 2003. Prior to the filing of the Company’s fiscal 2003 Form 10-K, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors decreased the estimated bonus award by approximately $600,000 but the Company did not adjust the bonus accrual. The fiscal 2003 operating results have been restated to reflect reduced bonus expense of $600,000. The restatement adjustment was allocated between selling, general and administrative costs and engineering and product support costs in the amount of $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Prior to the 2004 fiscal year, the Company allocated revenue from the sales of its wireless test solutions products between the product and first year maintenance using an estimate of the fair value of such maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price. The Company has determined that the fair value of the first year maintenance based on vendor specific objective evidence was higher than the previously estimated percentage, 10 percent versus 5 percent. See note 3 for a further discussion of the Company’s revenue recognition policies. The fiscal 2003 and 2002 financial statements have been restated using the actual fair value of the first year maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price. The effect of the restatement was to increase revenue in fiscal 2003 and 2002 by $187,000 and $216,000, respectively. The restatement attributable to this matter also decreased January 31, 2001 retained earnings by $497,000.

During fiscal 2001, the Company completed the sale of its defense and commercial staffing businesses. The sales and operations of the businesses sold were reported as discontinued operations. At the time of the sale, the Company recognized liabilities for contingencies and various costs associated with exiting these businesses. The Company has now concluded that the reserves for contingencies recognized during fiscal 2001 and earlier periods did not satisfy the probable and reasonably estimable criteria applicable to accounting for such contingencies. Accordingly, January 31, 2001 retained earnings has been restated and increased by $474,000, net of tax expense of $273,000. The Company also did not adjust these accrued liabilities for subsequent changes in the original estimates of the costs associated with exiting the discontinued businesses. The Company has restated its fiscal 2003 and 2002 financial statements to reflect changes in the estimated costs of exiting the discontinued operations. The pre-tax effect of the restatement adjustments has been to decrease the loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 2003 and 2002 by $37,000 and $86,000, respectively.

During fiscal 2003, the Company recorded the costs attributable to collecting a note which was received during fiscal 2001 as partial consideration for the sale of its commercial staffing business. These costs, which included the write-off of principal and accrued interest, and legal fees, totaled approximately $341,000 and were charged against various divestiture liabilities originally recognized at the time of the sale. The fiscal 2003 financial statements have been restated to recognize these costs as a bad debt expense charged against continuing operations which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

During fiscal 2003, the Company recorded estimated losses associated with the recall of its legacy ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. Included in the estimated loss were costs attributable to a third-party service bureau engaged to administer the Company’s recall efforts. These specific costs should have been charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, the fiscal 2003 financial statements have been restated to reduce the estimated cost of the recall recorded during fiscal 2003. This restatement had the effect of reducing fiscal 2003 cost of revenue by $371,000.

During fiscal 2003, the Company recognized a $2,926,000 million transitional adjustment, net of tax of zero, for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This transitional adjustment was attributable to the Company’s EDX reporting unit. The Company has since determined that the amount recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle should have been reported as a fiscal 2003 goodwill impairment and reflected in fiscal 2003 continuing operations. The fiscal 2003 financial statements have been restated accordingly. During fiscal 2004, the Company sold the net assets of the EDX reporting unit. Accordingly, all of the current and prior operations of that reporting unit have been reclassified to discontinued operations, including the aforementioned goodwill impairment change (see note 6).

Effective the beginning of fiscal 2003 and in conjunction with the implementation of SFAS No. 142, the Company re-evaluated the useful lives of its identifiable intangible assets, including acquired algorithms with a net book value of $255,000 and an original historical cost basis of $1 million. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the software algorithms were being amortized over five years. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, it was initially concluded that the software algorithms had an indefinite useful life and therefore were not subject to amortization, but rather, a periodic evaluation for impairment. It has now been concluded that the original useful life of five years should have been applied after the adoption of SFAS No. 142. As a result, fiscal 2003 results of operations are being restated to reflect additional amortization expense of $200,000. The remaining $55,000 in net book value of the software algorithms as of January 31, 2003 was amortized to expense during the first half of fiscal 2004.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of EDX Engineering, Inc. Approximately $3.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to identifiable intangible assets with a tax basis of zero. At the time, the Company did not record the required deferred tax liability of $1,268,000 related to the temporary difference between the financial reporting book value and the tax basis. Such an entry also would have resulted in a corresponding increase to goodwill of $1,268,000. The financial statements have been restated to reflect the effects of recording the incremental increase to deferred tax liabilities and goodwill at the time EDX was acquired. As a consequence, amortization expense and deferred tax benefit have increased by $141,000 during the 2002 fiscal year. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 at the beginning of fiscal 2003, amortization of goodwill ceased. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the EDX goodwill and identifiable intangibles were determined to be fully impaired and were written off. As a consequence, the restated fiscal year 2003 financial statements reflect an additional charge to write-off the incremental net book value of goodwill of $1,127,000. This incremental charge was offset by incremental deferred tax benefit of $1,127,000. During the 2004 fiscal year, EDX was sold and reported as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the incremental effects of the restatements adjustments described in this paragraph have been reclassified to discontinued operations.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company wrote off $5,619,000 of capitalized software costs. The write off was originally recorded to a line item labeled “Asset impairment charges.” The 2003 financial statements have been restated to reclassify the $5,619,000 write-off of capitalized software to cost of revenue.

As a result of the foregoing adjustments, income tax expense for continuing operations for fiscal 2003 and 2002 (including the tax benefit of $1,127,000 described in the preceding paragraph related to EDX) has been decreased by $902,000 and $62,000, respectively. Income tax expense for discontinued operations for fiscal 2003 and 2002 has been decreased by $1.1 million and $172,000, respectively. The impact of the income tax adjustments on fiscal 2001 and prior years, decreased January 31, 2001 retained earnings by $92,000.

Presented below are tables which present the impact of these adjustments to amounts previously reported for fiscal 2003 and 2002:

Fiscal 2003 Statement of Operations

   As previously
reported


  Restatement
adjustments


  Reclassification
for
discontinued
operations


  As restated

 

Revenue

  $36,836  $187  $(1,337) $35,686 

Cost of revenue

   24,573   5,448   (13)  30,008 
   


 


 


 


Gross profit

   12,263   (5,261)  (1,324)  5,678 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   9,052   (59)  (307)  8,686 

Asset impairment charges

   8,407   (1,566)  (6,636)  205 

Engineering and support expenses

   5,936   (200)  (542)  5,194 
   


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   (11,132)  (3,436)  6,161   (8,407)

Other income, net

   375         375 

Minority interest

   141         141 
   


 


 


 


Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

   (10,616)  (3,436)  6,161   (7,891)

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (2,984)  (902)  953   (2,933)
   


 


 


 


Loss from continuing operations

   (7,632)  (2,534)  5,208   (4,958)

Discontinued operations

      23   (5,208)  (5,185)
   


 


 


 


Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change

   (7,632)  (2,511)     (10,143)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (2,926)  2,926       
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $(10,558) $415  $  $(10,143)
   


 


 


 


Basic income (loss) per common share:

                 

Loss from continuing operations

  $(1.09) $(0.36) $0.74  $(0.71)

Discontinued operations

         (0.74)  (0.74)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (0.42)  0.42       
   


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(1.51) $0.06  $  $(1.45)
   


 


 


 


Diluted income (loss) per common share:

                 

Loss from continuing operations

  $(1.09) $(0.36) $0.74  $(0.71)

Discontinued operations

         (0.74)  (0.74)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (0.42)  0.42       
   


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(1.51) $0.06  $  $(1.45)
   


 


 


 


Summarized below are the balance sheet accounts at January 31, 2003 which changed as a result of the restatement.

January 31, 2003 Balance Sheet

   As previously
reported


  As restated

Other current assets

  $1,391  $951

Total current assets

   37,621   37,188

Intangible assets, net

   706   506

Total assets

   50,955   50,315

Deferred Revenue

   3,552   3,647

Accrued liabilities

   5,845   4,243

Total current liabilities

   12,093   10,688

Retained earnings

   25,518   26,283

Stockholders’ equity

   37,421   38,186

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

   50,955   50,315

Summarized below are the changes to the fiscal 2002 statement of operations as a result of the restatement and the reclassification for discontinued operations resulting from the disposal of EDX.

Fiscal 2002 Statement of Operations

   As previously
reported


  Restatement
adjustment


  Reclassification
for
discontinued
operations


  As restated

 

Revenue

  $51,007  $216  $(1,655) $49,568 

Cost of revenue

   25,673      (26)  25,647 
   


 


 


 


Gross profit

   25,334   216   (1,629)  23,921 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   12,680   141   (1,626)  11,195 

Asset impairment charges

             

Engineering and support expenses

   5,744      (741)  5,003 
   


 


 


 


Operating income

   6,910   75   738   7,723 

Other income, net

   909         909 

Minority interest

   (50)        (50)
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income taxes

   7,769   75   738   8,582 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   2,859   (62)  359   3,156 
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

   4,910   137   379   5,426 

Discontinued operations

      55   (379)  (324)
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $4,910  $192  $  $5,102 
   


 


 


 


Basic income per common share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

  $0.70  $0.02  $0.05  $0.77 

Discontinued operations

      0.01   (0.05)  (0.04)
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $0.70  $0.03  $  $0.73 
   


 


 


 


Diluted income per common share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

  $0.66  $0.02  $0.05  $0.73 

Discontinued operations

         (0.05)  (0.05)
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $0.66  $0.02  $  $0.68 
   


 


 


 


Retained earnings at January 31, 2001 as previously reported was decreased by $158,000 as a result of the restatement adjustments described herein.

The restatement had no effect on net cash provided by or used in operating, investing or financing activities for fiscal 2003 or 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our financial position remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents of $15.0 million as of January 31, 2004 and no outstanding debt.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities was $6.4 million for the year ended January 31, 2004 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $10.3 million for the year ended January 31, 2003. Our loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million in fiscal 2004, coupled with the fact that sales increased in the second half of the fiscal year, causing accounts receivable to increase $8.3 million. Additionally, inventory increased $2.1 million reflecting increased purchases to fill our back log of orders. These uses of cash were offset by increases in current liabilities of $3.2 million.

Cash provided by operating activities is primarily derived from the sale of our products. Cash provided by operating activities was $10.3 million and $8.1 million for the years ended January 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Early in fiscal 2004 and in cooperation with the U.S. CPSC, we announced a voluntary product safety recall of approximately 125,000 detachable plugs used on our ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. The detachable AC plug can crack if the plug’s swivel connector is extended beyond the 90 degrees of allowed rotation, creating the potential for electric shock. To date, no injuries have been reported.

In conjunction with the product safety recall, the Company and Targus entered into an agreement addressing the impact of the recall action. Due to the recall action and the agreement with Targus, we accrued a $3.2 million credit to Targus as a reduction of sales and additional recall costs of approximately $0.2 million classified in cost of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The credit to Targus was based on unsold and unopened units in the distribution channel expected to be returned to us within a six-month period. The accrued additional recall costs were related to replacing AC plugs in the hands of consumers.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $4.4 million for fiscal 2004 compared to $6.2 million for fiscal 2003 and $8.7 million for fiscal 2002. In all periods, capital expenditures for property and equipment, acquisitions, and software development constituted substantially all of our cash used in investing activities. The development of software is critical to our products currently under development.

On January 6, 2004, we sold the assets of the reporting unit EDX for $0.6 million in cash and recognized a gain of $0.5 million.

On July 31, 2001, we acquired an 18 percent equity stake in SwissQual for $1.0 million in cash. Based in Zuchwil, Switzerland, SwissQual is a developer of voice quality systems and software for measuring, monitoring, and optimizing the quality of mobile, fixed, and IP-based voice and data communications. Under this alliance, Comarco and SwissQual will jointly develop, sell, and support wireless network quality of service and optimization products for the European marketplace. In addition to expanding our access to European wireless carriers, SwissQual will provide domain expertise and development guidance in the evolution of 2.5G and 3G system test solutions.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.5 million for fiscal 2004 and $0.2 million for fiscal 2003 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $2.2 million for fiscal 2002. In all periods, proceeds from the sales of common stock issued through employee and director stock option plans, offset by the repurchase of our common stock, constituted substantially all of our cash flows from financing activities.

During 1992, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to 3.0 million shares of our common stock. From program inception through January 31, 2004, we repurchased approximately 2.6 million shares for an average price of $8.22 per share. During fiscal 2004, we repurchased approximately 26,000 shares in the open market for an average price of $7.61 per share.

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalent balances will provide us sufficient funds to satisfy our cash requirements for at least the next twelve months. In addition to our cash and cash equivalent balances, we expect to derive a portion of our liquidity from our cash flows from operations. As discussed above, certain factors and events could negatively affect our cash flows from operations, including:

Due to the uncertainties associated with the spending patterns of our customers and the corresponding demand for our WTS products, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience significant fluctuations in demand. Such fluctuations have caused and may continue to cause significant reductions in revenue and operating results,

In the event Targus or Belkin, the distributors of our ChargeSource products, are unable to perform under their non-cancelable commitments due to their inability to take delivery of the products and/or pay for such products in a timely manner, we would be required to establish alternative distribution channels.

We are focused on preserving our cash balances by continuously monitoring expenses, identifying cost savings, and investing only in those development programs and products most likely to contribute to our profitability.

Contractual Obligations

In the course of our business operations, we incur certain commitments to make future payments under contracts such as operating leases and purchase orders. Payments under these contracts are summarized as follows as of January 31, 2004 (in thousands):

   Payments due by Period

   Less than
1 year


  

1 to 3

years


  

3 to 5

years


Operating lease obligations

  $601  $365  $11

Purchase obligations

   1,383   —     —  
   

  

  

   $1,984  $365  $11
   

  

  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of the FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” SFAS No. 145 eliminates the requirements to classify gains and losses from the extinguishment of indebtedness as extraordinary, requires certain lease modifications to be treated the same as a sale-leaseback transaction, and makes other non-substantive technical corrections to existing pronouncements. SFAS No. 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, with earlier adoption encouraged. Management does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our results of operation or financial position.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 addresses the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs associated with exit and disposal activities, including restructuring activities. SFAS No. 146 also addresses recognition of certain costs related to terminating a contract that is not a capital lease, costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees and termination of benefits provided to employees that are involuntarily terminated under the terms of a one-time benefit arrangement that is not an ongoing benefit arrangement or an individual deferred compensation contract. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. We are in the process of evaluating the adoption of SFAS No. 146 and its impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In October 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” The EITF indicated that this guidance is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of these issues on our financial position and results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.” This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002, and the Company does not have any guarantees.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This Interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the Interpretation. The Interpretation applies immediately to variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interests in variable interest entities obtained after January 31, 2003. The application of this Interpretation isdid not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. The Interpretation requires certain disclosures in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003 if it is reasonably possible that we will consolidate or disclose information about variable interest entities when the Interpretation becomes effective. In October, 2003 the FASB deferred the effective date of this Interpretation for pre-existing variable interest entities to no later than February 2004. The Company has no variable interest entities whichthat would require disclosure or consolidations under FIN No. 46.

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46 (FIN No. 46-R), which incorporated the October 2003 deferral provisions and clarified and revised accounting guidance for all variable interest entities. All variable interest entities, regardless of when created, are required to be evaluated under FIN No. 46-R no later than the first interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN No. 46-R will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has no variable interest entities that would require consolidation or disclosure.

In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both debt and equity and requires an issuer to classify the following instruments as liabilities in its balance sheet:

A financial instrument issued in the form of shares that is mandatorily redeemable and embodies an unconditional obligation that requires the issuer to redeem it by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date or upon an event that is certain to occur;

A financial instrument, other than an outstanding share, that embodies an obligation to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares, or is indexed to such an obligation, and requires the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets; and

A financial instrument that embodies an unconditional obligation that the issuer must settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares if the monetary value of the obligation is based solely or predominantly on (1) a fixed monetary amount, (2) variations in something other than the fair value of the issuer’s equity shares, or (3) variations inversely related to changes in the fair value of the issuer’s equity shares.

Certain provisions of SFAS No. 150 are effective immediately. However, generally SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments as of the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2004. SFAS No. 150 is to be implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 150 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Currency Risk

 

We are exposed to the risk of changes in currency exchange rates. As of January 31, 2003,2004, we had no material accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies. Our standard terms require customers to pay for our products and services in U.S. dollars. For those orders denominated in foreign currencies, we may limit our exposure to losses from foreign currency transactions through forward foreign exchange contracts. To date, sales denominated in foreign currencies have not been significant and we have not entered into any foreign exchange contracts.

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing the income we receive from our investments without significantly increasing risk. Some of the securities that we have invested in may be subject to market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. For example, if we hold a security that was issued with a fixed interest rate at the then-prevailing rate and the prevailing interest rate later rises, the principal amount of our investment will probably decline in value. To minimize this risk, we maintain a significant portion of our cash balances in money market funds. In general, money market funds are not subject to interest rate risk because the interest paid on such funds fluctuates with the prevailing interest rate.

 

We do not hold any derivative financial instruments.

 

Our cash and cash equivalents have maturities dates of three months or less and the fair value approximates the carrying value in our financial statements.

 

Equity Price Risk

 

Our short-term investments consist primarily of balances maintained in a non-qualified deferred compensation plan funded by our executives and directors. We value these investments using the closing market value for the last day of each month. These investments are subject to market price volatility. We reflect these investments on our balance sheet at their market value, with the unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings. We have also invested in equity instruments of SwissQual, a privately held company. We evaluate whether any decline in value of certain public and non-public equity investments was other than temporary. We had no such impairments during fiscal 2003.2004.

 

Due to the inherent risk associated with some of our investments, and in light of current stock market conditions, we may incur future losses on the sales, write-downs, or write-offs of our investments. We do not currently hedge against equity price changes.

ITEM 8.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

   

Page



Independent Auditors’ Report

  

33

Financial Statements:

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets, January 31, 20032004 and 20022003

  

34

Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years Ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002

  

35

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, Years Ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002

  

36

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years Ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002

  

37

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  

38

Schedule II — Reserves, ThreeValuation and Qualifying Accounts, Years Ended January 31, 20032004

  

68

67

 

All other schedules are omitted because the required information is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Comarco, Inc.:

 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Comarco, Inc. and Subsidiariessubsidiaries as listedof January 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the accompanying index.three-year period ended January 31, 2004. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 financial position of Comarco, Inc. and Subsidiariessubsidiaries as of January 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended January 31, 2003,2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in NotesNote 2 5,to the consolidated financial statements, the 2003 and 112002 consolidated financial statements have been restated.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, effective February 1, 2002, Comarco, Inc. and subsidiaries adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as required for the accounting for goodwill and other intangiblesintangible assets.

 

/s/    KPMG LLP

 

Orange County,Costa Mesa, California

March 28, 2003May 9, 2004

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

  January 31,

  

January 31, 2003


  

January 31, 2002


  2004

  2003
(Restated)


ASSETS

            

Current Assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

  

$

25,387

  

$

21,288

  $15,047  $25,385

Short-term investments

  

 

2,386

  

 

3,325

   2,251   2,386

Accounts receivable, net

  

 

2,053

  

 

9,694

   8,982   1,194

Amounts due from affiliate

   2,627   673

Inventory

  

 

3,656

  

 

6,002

   6,150   3,656

Deferred tax assets, net

  

 

2,748

  

 

1,475

   3,502   2,748

Assets of discontinued operations

      195

Other current assets

  

 

1,391

  

 

922

   199   951
  

  

  

  

Total current assets

  

 

37,621

  

 

42,706

   38,758   37,188

Property and equipment, net

  

 

3,532

  

 

3,834

   3,131   3,525

Software development costs, net

  

 

5,558

  

 

10,139

   5,536   5,558

Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net

  

 

3,100

  

 

8,118

Deferred tax assets, net

   181   

Intangible assets, net

   1,488   506

Goodwill

   2,394   2,394

Other assets

  

 

1,144

  

 

1,145

   1,133   1,144
  

  

  

$

50,955

  

$

65,942

  

  

  

  

  $52,621  $50,315
  

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

            

Current Liabilities:

            

Accounts payable

  

$

310

  

$

200

  $537  $307

Deferred revenue

  

 

3,552

  

 

5,299

   5,476   3,647

Liabilities of discontinued operations

      105

Deferred compensation

   2,251   2,386

Accrued liabilities

  

 

5,845

  

 

7,186

   5,281   4,243
  

  

  

  

Total current liabilities

  

 

9,707

  

 

12,685

   13,545   10,688

Deferred compensation

  

 

2,386

  

 

3,325

Deferred tax liabilities, net

  

 

877

  

 

2,269

      877

Minority interest

  

 

564

  

 

76

   185   564

Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)

      

Commitments and contingencies

      

Stockholders’ Equity:

            

Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding at January 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

Common stock, $0.10 par value, 50,625,000 shares authorized; 7,049,565 and 6,978,014 shares outstanding at January 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

  

 

705

  

 

698

Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding at January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

      

Common stock, $0.10 par value, 50,625,000 shares authorized; 7,284,374 and 7,049,565 shares outstanding at January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

   728   705

Additional paid-in capital

  

 

11,198

  

 

10,813

   13,126   11,198

Retained earnings

  

 

25,518

  

 

36,076

   25,037   26,283
  

  

  

  

Total stockholders’ equity

  

 

37,421

  

 

47,587

   38,891   38,186
  

  

  

  

  

$

50,955

  

$

65,942

  $52,621  $50,315
  

  

  

  

 

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

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


   Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   2004

 2003
(Restated)


 

2002

(Restated)


 

Revenue:

            

Products

  

$

31,522

 

  

$

38,836

 

  

$

37,479

 

  $29,208  $30,372  $37,397 

Services

  

 

5,314

 

  

 

12,171

 

  

 

11,985

 

   5,057   5,314   12,171 
  


  


  


  


 


 


  

 

36,836

 

  

 

51,007

 

  

 

49,464

 

   34,265   35,686   49,568 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Cost of revenue:

            

Products

  

 

20,803

 

  

 

18,350

 

  

 

17,213

 

   18,591   26,229   18,324 

Services

  

 

3,770

 

  

 

7,323

 

  

 

7,605

 

   3,135   3,779   7,323 
  


  


  


  


 


 


  

 

24,573

 

  

 

25,673

 

  

 

24,818

 

   21,726   30,008   25,647 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Gross profit

  

 

12,263

 

  

 

25,334

 

  

 

24,646

 

   12,539   5,678   23,921 

Selling, general and administrative costs

  

 

9,052

 

  

 

12,680

 

  

 

12,285

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   9,848   8,686   11,195 

Asset impairment charges

  

 

8,407

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

      205    

Engineering and support costs

  

 

5,936

 

  

 

5,744

 

  

 

4,758

 

  


  


  


Operating income (loss) before severance costs

  

 

(11,132

)

  

 

6,910

 

  

 

7,603

 

Severance costs

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,325

 

Engineering and support expenses

   5,812   5,194   5,003 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Operating income (loss)

  

 

(11,132

)

  

 

6,910

 

  

 

6,278

 

   (3,121)  (8,407)  7,723 

Other income, net

  

 

375

 

  

 

909

 

  

 

762

 

   237   375   909 

Minority interest in (earnings) loss of subsidiary

  

 

141

 

  

 

(50

)

  

 

(7

)

   34   141   (50)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  

 

(10,616

)

  

 

7,769

 

  

 

7,033

 

   (2,850)  (7,891)  8,582 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  

 

(2,984

)

  

 

2,859

 

  

 

2,483

 

   (1,008)  (2,933)  3,156 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  

 

(7,632

)

  

 

4,910

 

  

 

4,550

 

Discontinued operations (Note 6)

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(9

)

  


  


  


Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

(7,632

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

  


  


  


Cumulative effect of accounting change

  

 

(2,926

)

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   (1,842)  (4,958)  5,426 

Discontinued operations

   596   (5,185)  (324)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net income (loss)

  

 

(10,558

)

  

 

4,910

 

  

 

4,541

 

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,102 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of accounting change:

         

Basic

  

$

(1.09

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

Basic income (loss) per share:

   

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(0.26) $(0.71) $0.77 

Discontinued operations

   0.09   (0.74)  (0.05)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Diluted

  

$

(1.09

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

Net income (loss)

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.72 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share:

         

Basic

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

Diluted income (loss) per share:

   

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(0.26) $(0.71) $0.73 

Discontinued operations

   0.09   (0.74)  (0.05)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Diluted

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

Net income (loss)

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.68 
  


  


  


  


 


 


 

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

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    

Common Stock Par Value


   

Additional Paid-in Capital


     

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income


   

Retained Earnings


   

Total


 

Balance at January 31, 2000, 6,510,543 shares

    

 

651

 

  

 

4,475

 

    

 

3

 

  

 

26,625

 

  

 

31,754

 

Net income

    

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

    

 

 

  

 

4,541

 

  

 

4,541

 

Exercise of stock options, 392,270 shares

    

 

39

 

  

 

2,039

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

2,078

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

    

 

—  

 

  

 

2,413

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

2,413

 

Purchase and retirement of common stock, 99,597 shares

    

 

(10

)

  

 

(1,657

)

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(1,667

)

Minority interest resulting from exercise of subsidiary options

    

 

—  

 

  

 

41

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

41

 

Issuance of common stock to acquire subsidiary minority interest, 5,916 shares

    

 

1

 

  

 

87

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

88

 

Issuance of common stock to acquire outstanding shares of EDX Engineering, 257,428 shares

    

 

26

 

  

 

4,221

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

4,247

 

    


  


    


  


  


  Common Stock
Par Value


 Additional
Paid-in
Capital


 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


 Retained
Earnings
(Restated)


 Total

 

Balance at January 31, 2001, 7,066,560 shares

    

$

707

 

  

$

11,619

 

    

$

3

 

  

$

31,166

 

  

$

43,495

 

Net income

    

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

    

 

 

  

 

4,910

 

  

 

4,910

 

Balance at January 31, 2001, as restated, 7,066,560 shares

  $707  $11,619  $    3  $31,324  $43,653 

Net income, as restated

            5,102   5,102 

Exercise of stock options, 24,375 shares

    

 

2

 

  

 

282

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

284

 

   2   282         284 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

    

 

—  

 

  

 

657

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

657

 

      657         657 

Purchase and retirement of common stock, 208,700 shares

    

 

(21

)

  

 

(2,657

)

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(2,678

)

   (21)  (2,657)        (2,678)

Minority interest resulting from exercise of subsidiary options

    

 

—  

 

  

 

(280

)

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(280

)

      (280)        (280)

Issuance of common stock to acquire subsidiary minority interest, 95,779 shares

    

 

10

 

  

 

1,192

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

1,202

 

   10   1,192         1,202 

Recognition of unrealized holding loss on available for sale securities

    

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

    

 

(3

)

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(3

)

         (3)     (3)
    


  


    


  


  


  


 


 


 


 


Balance at January 31, 2002, 6,978,014 shares

    

$

698

 

  

$

10,813

 

    

$

 

  

$

36,076

 

  

$

47,587

 

Net loss

    

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

    

 

 

  

 

(10,558

)

  

 

(10,558

)

Balance at January 31, 2002, as restated, 6,978,014 shares

   698   10,813      36,426   47,937 

Net loss, as restated

            (10,143)  (10,143)

Exercise of stock options, 53,625 shares

    

 

5

 

  

 

247

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

252

 

   5   247         252 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

    

 

—  

 

  

 

586

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

586

 

      586         586 

Purchase and retirement of common stock, 43,943 shares

    

 

(4

)

  

 

(398

)

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(402

)

   (4)  (398)        (402)

Minority interest resulting from exercise of subsidiary options

    

 

—  

 

  

 

(564

)

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(564

)

      (564)        (564)

Issuance of common stock to acquire subsidiary minority interest, 61,869 shares

    

 

6

 

  

 

514

 

    

 

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

520

 

   6   514         520 
    


  


    


  


  


  


 


 


 


 


Balance at January 31, 2003, 7,049,565 shares

    

 

705

 

  

 

11,198

 

    

 

 

  

 

25,518

 

  

 

37,421

 

Balance at January 31, 2003, as restated, 7,049,565 shares

   705   11,198      26,283   38,186 

Net loss

            (1,246)  (1,246)

Exercise of stock options, 71,250 shares

   7   299         306 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

      348         348 

Purchase and retirement of common stock, 25,640 shares

   (3)  (192)        (195)

Minority interest resulting from exercise of subsidiary options

      (1)        (1)

Issuance of common stock to acquire subsidiary minority interest, 189,199 shares

   19   1,474         1,493 
    


  


    


  


  


  


 


 


 


 


Balance at January 31, 2004, 7,284,374 shares

  $728  $13,126  $  $25,037  $38,891 
  


 


 


 


 


 

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

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


   Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   2004

 2003
(Restated)


 

2002

(Restated)


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

            

Net income (loss)

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(1,842) $(4,958) $5,426 

Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

            

Asset impairment charges

  

 

8,407

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

      5,824    

Cumulative effect of accounting change

  

 

2,926

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Depreciation and amortization

  

 

4,844

 

  

 

5,671

 

  

 

5,231

 

   5,190   4,864   5,671 

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment

  

 

154

 

  

 

(16

)

  

 

(6

)

   58   154   (16)

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

  

 

586

 

  

 

657

 

  

 

2,413

 

   348   586   657 

Deferred income taxes

  

 

(2,665

)

  

 

1,521

 

  

 

54

 

   (1,812)  (2,665)  1,521 

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

  

 

(56

)

  

 

180

 

  

 

24

 

   559   24   310 

Provision for obsolete inventory

  

 

3,585

 

  

 

340

 

  

 

166

 

   (344)  3,585   340 

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary

  

 

(141

)

  

 

50

 

  

 

7

 

   (34)  (141)  50 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

            

Accounts receivable

  

 

7,655

 

  

 

(1,502

)

  

 

(1,464

)

   (8,347)  8,331   (1,700)

Amounts due from Affiliate

   (1,954)  (673)   

Inventory

  

 

(1,239

)

  

 

(1,065

)

  

 

(591

)

   (2,150)  (1,239)  (1,065)

Other assets

  

 

(1,168

)

  

 

833

 

  

 

1,607

 

   764   (125)  1,182 

Deferred compensation

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(174

)

  

 

174

 

         (174)

Current liabilities

  

 

(2,371

)

  

 

(3,298

)

  

 

8,670

 

Accounts payable

   230   111   (842)

Deferred revenue

   1,829   (1,934)  (1,702)

Accrued liabilities

   1,099   (1,449)  (1,509)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

  

 

9,959

 

  

 

8,107

 

  

 

20,826

 

Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

   (6,406)  10,295   8,149 
  


 


 


  


  


  


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

            

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments

  

 

—  

 

  

 

72

 

  

 

12

 

         72 

Purchases of property and equipment

  

 

(2,125

)

  

 

(2,177

)

  

 

(2,505

)

   (1,749)  (2,125)  (2,167)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

  

 

131

 

  

 

20

 

  

 

14

 

   12   131   20 

Investment in SwissQual

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(1,073

)

  

 

—  

 

         (1,073)

Software development costs

  

 

(3,770

)

  

 

(5,471

)

  

 

(4,641

)

   (2,769)  (3,770)  (5,471)

Acquired intangible assets

  

 

(451

)

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

   (520)  (451)   

Cash paid for acquisition of minority interest

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(118

)

  

 

—  

 

         (118)

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(2,324

)

Cash received from sale of business

   600       
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

  

 

(6,215

)

  

 

(8,747

)

  

 

(9,444

)

   (4,426)  (6,215)  (8,737)
  


 


 


  


  


  


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

            

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

  

 

252

 

  

 

284

 

  

 

2,078

 

   306   252   284 

Proceeds from issuance of subsidiary common stock

  

 

370

 

  

 

240

 

  

 

88

 

   359   370   240 

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  

 

(402

)

  

 

(2,678

)

  

 

(1,667

)

   (195)  (402)  (2,678)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  

 

220

 

  

 

(2,154

)

  

 

499

 

   470   220   (2,154)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents — continuing operations

  

 

3,964

 

  

 

(2,794

)

  

 

11,881

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents — discontinued operations

  

 

135

 

  

 

(821

)

  

 

7,958

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents—continuing operations

   (10,362)  4,300   (2,742)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents—discontinued operations

   24   (199)  (840)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  

 

4,099

 

  

 

(3,615

)

  

 

19,839

 

   (10,338)  4,101   (3,582)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  

 

21,288

 

  

 

24,903

 

  

 

5,064

 

   25,385   21,284   24,866 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  

$

25,387

 

  

$

21,288

 

  

$

24,903

 

  $15,047  $25,385  $21,284 
  


  


  


  


 


 


 

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

 

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.    Organization

1.Organization

 

Comarco, Inc., through its subsidiary Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (collectively, “Comarco” or the “Company”), is a leading provider of wireless test solutions for the wireless industry. Comarco also designs and manufactures emergency call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. (“CWT”) was incorporated in the stateState of Delaware in September 1993. During October 1999,

2.Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

The Company has restated its previously issued financial statements for the items described below:

Estimated employee bonuses were accrued at the end of the fiscal 2003. Prior to the filing of the Company’s fiscal 2003 Form 10-K, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors decreased the estimated bonus award by approximately $600,000 but the Company embarkeddid not adjust the bonus accrual. The fiscal 2003 operating results have been restated to reflect reduced bonus expense of $600,000. The restatement adjustment was allocated between selling, general and administrative costs and engineering and product support costs in the amount of $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Prior to the 2004 fiscal year, the Company allocated revenue from the sales of its wireless test solutions products between the product and first year maintenance using an estimate of the fair value of such maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price. The Company has determined that the fair value of the first year maintenance based on vendor specific objective evidence was higher than the previously estimated percentage, 10 percent versus 5 percent. See note 3 for a planfurther discussion of the Company’s revenue recognition policies. The fiscal 2003 and 2002 financial statements have been restated using the actual fair value of the first year maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price. The effect of the restatement was to divestincrease revenue in fiscal 2003 and 2002 by $187,000 and $216,000, respectively. The restatement attributable to this matter also decreased January 31, 2001 retained earnings by $497,000.

During fiscal 2001, the Company completed the sale of its non-wireless businesses, which included the defense and commercial staffing businesses. The sales and operations of the businesses sold were reported as discontinued operations. At the time of the sale, the Company recognized liabilities for contingencies and various costs associated with exiting these businesses. The Company has now concluded that the reserves for contingencies recognized during fiscal 2001 and earlier periods did not satisfy the probable and reasonably estimable criteria applicable to accounting for such contingencies. Accordingly, January 31, 2001 retained earnings has been restated and increased by $474,000, net of tax expense of $273,000. The Company also did not adjust these accrued liabilities for subsequent changes in the original estimates of the costs associated with exiting the discontinued businesses. The Company has restated its fiscal 2003 and 2002 financial statements to reflect changes in the estimated costs of exiting the discontinued operations. The pre-tax effect of the restatement adjustments has been to decrease the loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 2003 and 2002 by $37,000 and $86,000, respectively.

During fiscal 2003, the Company recorded the costs attributable to collecting a note which was received during fiscal 2001 as partial consideration for the sale of its commercial staffing business. These costs, which included the write-off of principal and accrued interest, and legal fees, totaled approximately $342,000 and were charged against various divestiture plan was completed during November 2000.liabilities originally recognized at the time of the sale. The fiscal 2003 financial statements have been restated to recognize these costs as a bad debt expense charged against continuing operations which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

During fiscal 2003, the Company recorded estimated losses associated with the recall of its legacy ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. Included in the estimated loss were costs attributable to a third-party service bureau engaged to administer the Company’s recall efforts. These specific costs should have been charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, the fiscal 2003 financial statements have been restated to reduce the estimated cost of the recall recorded during fiscal 2003. This restatement had the effect of reducing fiscal 2003 cost of revenue by $371,000.

During fiscal 2003, the Company recognized a $2,926,000 million transitional adjustment, net of tax of zero, for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This transitional adjustment was attributable to the Company’s EDX reporting unit. The Company has since determined that the amount recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle should have been reported as a fiscal 2003 goodwill impairment and reflected in fiscal 2003 continuing operations. The fiscal 2003 financial statements have been restated accordingly. During fiscal 2004, the Company sold the net assets of the EDX reporting unit. Accordingly, all of the current and prior operations of that reporting unit have been reclassified to discontinued operations, including the aforementioned goodwill impairment change (see note 6).

Effective the beginning of fiscal 2003 and in conjunction with the implementation of SFAS No. 142, the Company re-evaluated the useful lives of its identifiable intangible assets, including acquired algorithms with a net book value of $255,000 and an original historical cost basis of $1 million. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the software algorithms were being amortized over five years. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, it was initially concluded that the software algorithms had an indefinite useful life and therefore were not subject to amortization, but rather, a periodic evaluation for impairment. It has now been concluded that the original useful life of five years should have been applied after the adoption of SFAS No. 142. As a result, fiscal 2003 results of operations are being restated to reflect additional amortization expense of $200,000. The remaining $55,000 in net book value of the software algorithms as of January 31, 2003 was amortized to expense during the first half of fiscal 2004.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of EDX Engineering, Inc. Approximately $3.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to identifiable intangible assets with a tax basis of zero. At the time, the Company did not record the required deferred tax liability of $1,268,000 related to the temporary difference between the financial reporting book value and the tax basis. Such an entry also would have resulted in a corresponding increase to goodwill of $1,268,000. The financial statements have been restated to reflect the effects of recording the incremental increase to deferred tax liabilities and goodwill at the time EDX was acquired. As a consequence, amortization expense and deferred tax benefit have increased by $141,000 during the 2002 fiscal year. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 at the beginning of fiscal 2003, amortization of goodwill ceased. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the EDX goodwill and identifiable intangibles were determined to be fully impaired and were written off. As a consequence, the restated fiscal year 2003 financial statements reflect an additional charge to write-off the incremental net book value of goodwill of $1,127,000. This incremental charge was offset by incremental deferred tax benefit of $1,127,000. During the 2004 fiscal year, EDX was sold and reported as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the incremental effects of the restatements adjustments described in this paragraph have been reclassified to discontinued operations.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company wrote off $5,619,000 of capitalized software costs. The write off was originally recorded to a line item labeled “Asset impairment charges.” The 2003 financial statements have been restated to reclassify the $5,619,000 write-off of capitalized software to cost of revenue.

As a result of the foregoing adjustments, income tax expense for continuing operations consist solelyfor fiscal 2003 and 2002 (including the tax benefit of $1,127,000 described in the preceding paragraph related to EDX) has been decreased by $902,000 and $62,000, respectively. Income tax expense for discontinued operations for fiscal 2003 and 2002 has been decreased by $1.1 million and $172,000, respectively. The impact of the operationsincome tax adjustments on fiscal 2001 and prior years decreased January 31, 2001 retained earnings by $92,000.

Presented below are tables which present the impact of CWT.these adjustments to amounts previously reported for fiscal 2003 and 2002:

 

2.    SummaryFiscal 2003 Statement of Significant Accounting PoliciesOperations

   As previously
reported


  Restatement
adjustments


  Reclassification
for
discontinued
operations


  As restated

 

Revenue

  $36,836  $187  $(1,337) $35,686 

Cost of revenue

   24,573   5,448   (13)  30,008 
   


 


 


 


Gross profit

   12,263   (5,261)  (1,324)  5,678 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   9,052   (59)  (307)  8,686 

Asset impairment charges

   8,407   (1,566)  (6,636)  205 

Engineering and support expenses

   5,936   (200)  (542)  5,194 
   


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   (11,132)  (3,436)  6,161   (8,407)

Other income, net

   375         375 

Minority interest

   141         141 
   


 


 


 


Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

   (10,616)  (3,436)  6,161   (7,891)

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (2,984)  (902)  953   (2,933)
   


 


 


 


Loss from continuing operations

   (7,632)  (2,534)  5,208   (4,958)

Discontinued operations

      23   (5,208)  (5,185)
   


 


 


 


Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change

   (7,632)  (2,511)     (10,143)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (2,926)  2,926       
   


 


 


 


Net loss

  $(10,558) $415  $  $(10,143)
   


 


 


 


Basic income (loss) per common share:

                 

Loss from continuing operations

  $(1.09) $(0.36) $0.74  $(0.71)

Discontinued operations

         (0.74)  (0.74)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (0.42)  0.42       
   


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(1.51) $0.06  $  $(1.45)
   


 


 


 


Diluted income (loss) per common share:

                 

Loss from continuing operations

  $(1.09) $(0.36) $0.74  $(0.71)

Discontinued operations

         (0.74)  (0.74)

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   (0.42)  0.42       
   


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(1.51) $0.06  $  $(1.45)
   


 


 


 


Summarized below are the balance sheet accounts at January 31, 2003 which changed as a result of the restatement.

January 31, 2003 Balance Sheet

   As previously
reported


  As restated

Other current assets

  $1,391  $951

Total current assets

   37,621   37,188

Intangible assets, net

   706   506

Total assets

   50,955   50,315

Deferred Revenue

   3,552   3,647

Accrued liabilities

   5,845   4,243

Total current liabilities

   12,093   10,688

Retained earnings

   25,518   26,283

Stockholders’ equity

   37,421   38,186

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

   50,955   50,315

Summarized below are the changes to the fiscal 2002 statement of operations as a result of the restatement and the reclassification for discontinued operations resulting from the disposal of EDX.

Fiscal 2002 Statement of Operations

   As previously
reported


  Restatement
adjustments


  Reclassification
for
discontinued
operations


  As restated

 

Revenue

  $51,007  $216  $(1,655) $49,568 

Cost of revenue

   25,673      (26)  25,647 
   


 


 


 


Gross profit

   25,334   216   (1,629)  23,921 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   12,680   141   (1,626)  11,195 

Engineering and support expenses

   5,744      (741)  5,003 
   


 


 


 


Operating income

   6,910   75   738   7,723 

Other income, net

   909         909 

Minority interest

   (50)        (50)
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income taxes

   7,769   75   738   8,582 

Income tax expense (benefit)

   2,859   (62)  359   3,156 
   


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

   4,910   137   379   5,426 

Discontinued operations

      55   (379)  (324)
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $4,910  $192  $  $5,102 
   


 


 


 


Basic income per common share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

  $0.70  $0.02  $0.05  $0.77 

Discontinued operations

      0.01   (0.05)  (0.04)
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $0.70  $0.03  $  $0.73 
   


 


 


 


Diluted income per common share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

  $0.66  $0.02  $0.05  $0.73 

Discontinued operations

         (0.05)  (0.05)
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $0.66  $0.02  $  $0.68 
   


 


 


 


Retained earnings at January 31, 2001 as previously reported was increased by $158,000 as a result of the restatement adjustments described herein.

The restatement had no effect on net cash provided by or used in operating, investing or financing activities for fiscal 2003 or 2002.

3.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation:

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Comarco, Inc., CWT, and wholly owned subsidiaries primarily reported as discontinued operations.CWT. All material intercompany balances, transactions, and profits have been eliminated.

 

Use of Estimates:

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Certain accounting principles require subjective and complex judgments to be used in the preparation of financial statements. Accordingly, a different financial presentation could result depending on the judgments, estimates, or assumptions that are used. Such estimates and assumptions include, but are not specifically limited to, those required in the valuation of long-lived assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, and valuation allowances for deferred tax assets.

 

Revenue Recognition:

 

Revenue from product sales is generally recognized upon shipment of products provided there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed andor determinable, and collectibility is deemed probable.reasonably assured. For the Company’sour wireless test solutionsolutions products that are integrated with embedded software, the Company’s revenue is recognized using the residual method pursuant to the requirements of Statement of Position No. 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” and other applicable revenue recognition guidance and interpretations. Under the residual method, revenue is allocated to the undelivered element, typically maintenance, based on its respective fair value, with the fair value determined by the price charged when that element is sold separately. The revenue allocated to the maintenance element is amortized to revenue evenly over the term of the maintenance commitment made at the time of the sale. The costs associated with honoring the maintenance commitment are charged to expense as incurred. The revenue attributable to the delivered product is the

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

residual amount after subtracting the revenue allocated to the un-delivered element from the sales price. The revenue attributable to the delivered product is recognized following the policy for product sales described above.

 

Revenue from services is recognized as the services are performed. Maintenance revenue from customer support and product upgrades, including maintenance bundled with original product sale,extended warranty sales is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance agreement, typically 12 months. Revenue for services under long-term contracts isfrom our engineering services business, which ceased operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, was recognized using the percentage-of-completion method on the basis of percentage of costs incurred to date on a contract, relative to the estimated total contract costs. Profit estimates on fixed price contracts arewere revised periodically based on changes in circumstances and any anticipated losses on contracts arewere recognized in the period that such losses become known.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

All highly liquid investments with original maturity dates of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the amounts shown in the financial statements.

 

Short-Term Investments:

 

Short-term investments consist of balances maintained in a non-qualified deferred compensation plan funded by Company executives and directors. These investments are tradable at the discretion of the funding executives and directors and are subject to claims by the Company’s general creditors. Accordingly, these investments are classified as trading securities. Trading securities are recorded at market value based on current market quotes and totaled $2.4$2.3 million and $3.3$2.4 million as of January 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, respectively. Unrealized holding gains (losses) on these short-term investments recordedrecognized for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, and 2001 were $627,000, ($384,000), ($170,000), and ($547,000)170,000), respectively, and are reflected as a reduction inadjustments to both the short-term investments and the deferred compensation liability.

 

Inventory:

 

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (calculated on average cost, which approximates first-in, first-out basis) or the current estimated market value.

 

Property and Equipment:

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements, and major renewals are capitalized; maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of the property and equipment. The expected useful lives of office furnishings and fixtures are five to seven years, and of equipment and purchased software are two to five years.

 

Research and Development and Software Development Costs:

 

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and have been included in engineering and support costs. Costs incurred for the development of software embedded in the Company’s wireless test solutions products that will be sold are capitalized when technological feasibility has been established. These capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on anticipated future revenue and changes in hardware and software technologies. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and related overhead.

 

Amortization of software development costs begins when the product is available for general release. Amortization is provided on a product-by-product basis on the shorter of the straight-line method over periods ranging from two to five years or the sales ratio method that is based on expected unit sales and the estimated life of the product. Unamortized software development costs determined to be in excess of net realizable value of the related product areis expensed immediately. During fiscal 2003, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge totaling $5.6 million included in cost of revenue related to capitalized software development costs.costs related to the strategy the Company developed to invest available resources in the development of Seven.Five, a new product platform.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets:

 

Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination, is recorded at cost.

 

Effective February 1, 2002, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”)SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 establishesestablished new standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminateseliminated amortization of goodwill, and setsset forth methods for periodically evaluating goodwill for impairment.

Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value asgenerally determined using a discounted cash flow methodology applied to the particular unit. This methodology differs from the Company’s previous policy, in accordance with accounting standards existing at that time, of using undiscounted cash flows on an enterprise-wide basis under SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of” to determine recoverability. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company completed the required transitional impairment test under the new rules and recorded a non-cash charge of $2.9 million to write down fully the carrying value of the goodwill

related to the Company’s EDX software reporting unit. This reporting unit is included in the Company’s wireless test solutions segment for financial reporting purposes, and the related goodwill was generated through the Company’s acquisition of EDX Engineering, Inc. during December 2000. Such charge is reflected net of tax of zero as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. An annual impairment review will beis performed during the fourth quarter of each year. Future impairments of intangible assets, if any, will be recorded as operating expenses.

 

Long-Lived Assets:

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company evaluates long-lived assets, including intangible assets other than goodwill, for impairment when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. Factors considered important which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. If such assets are identified to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

Assets to be disposed of would beare separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would beare presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 144, the Company accounted for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS 121, “Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of.”

 

Investment in SwissQual:

 

On July 31, 2001, the Company acquired an 18 percent equity stake in SwissQual for $1.0 million in cash. Based in Zuchwil, Switzerland, SwissQual is a developer of voice quality systems and software for measuring, monitoring, and optimizing the quality of mobile, fixed, and IP-based voice and data communications. This investment is accounted for under the cost method and is included in other assets onin the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Income Taxes:

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.bases and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance where it is “more likely than not” that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Minority Interest:

 

During the years ended January 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, the Company issued 128,00069,000 and 61,000128,000 shares of CWT stock, respectively, from the exercise of CWT stock options, which resulted in the creation of a minority interest. The option holder is required to hold the CWT stock purchased from the exercise of the stock options for at least six months.

 

In 2004, the Company acquired 130,000 minority shares of CWT by the issuance of 189,199 shares of Company common stock.

In 2003, the Company acquired an additional 39,000 minority shares of CWT by the issuance of 61,869 shares of Company common stock.

In 2002, the Company acquired an additional 57,000 minority shares of CWT through the payment of $118,000 in cash and the issuance of 95,779 shares of company stock.

 

Under the purchase method of accounting, the excess purchase price of $788,000 of the minority interest in CWT over the fair value of the proportionate share of the identifiable net assets of CWT has been recordedrecognized as goodwill. During 2003 and 2002, the Company recognized goodwill of $216,000 and $794,000, respectively.definite-lived intangible assets attributable to intellectual property rights.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers:

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are principally on deposit in a short-term asset management account at a large financial institution. Accounts receivable potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company’s customer base is comprised primarily of large companies. The Company generally does not require collateral for accounts receivable. When required, the Company maintains allowances for credit losses, and to date such losses have been within management’s expectations.

 

One customer accounted for 4138 percent and 43 percent of total revenue in 2003.2004 and 2003, respectively. Two customers each accounted for between 12 percent and 22 percent of total revenue in 2002. Two customers each accounted for between 13 percent and 15 percent of total revenue in 2001.

 

Segment Reporting:

 

The Company adoptedfollows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” for the year ended January 31, 2000. SFAS No. 131which establishes standards for the manner in which public companies report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The method for determining what information to report is based on the way management organizes the operating segments within a company for making operating decisions and assessing financial performances. The Company organizes its segment reporting on the basis of product/service type.

 

The Company’s chief executive officer (“CEO”) is its chief operating decision-maker. The financial information that the CEO reviews to manage and evaluate the business and allocate resources is similar to the information presented in the accompanying statements of income focusing on revenues and gross profit for each segment. The Company operates in two business segments: wireless test solutions and wireless application.applications.

 

Net IncomeEarnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during the period excluding the dilutive effect of potential common stock, which consists of stock options and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common stock outstanding during the period. The effect of such potential common stock is computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Stock-Based Compensation:

 

The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. The Company accounts for stock option grants using the intrinsic method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and FASB Interpretation No. 44 (“FIN 44”), “Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock-Based Compensation, an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for the stock option grants. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards during the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s Net Income (Loss), Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share, and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts as follows:

 

   Years ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


 

Net income (loss):

             

As reported

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,102 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

   (632)  (621)  (585)
   


 


 


Pro forma

  $(1,878) $(10,764) $4,517 
   


 


 


Earnings (loss) per common share—basic:

             

As reported

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.73 

Pro forma

   (0.26)  (1.53)  0.64 

Earnings (loss) per common share—diluted:

             

As reported

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.68 

Pro forma

   (0.26)  (1.53)  0.58 

 

   

Years ended January 31,


 
   

2003


   

2002


   

2001


 

Net income (loss):

               

As reported

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

  

 

(621

)

  

 

(585

)

  

 

(656

)

   


  


  


Pro forma

  

$

(11,179

)

  

$

4,325

 

  

$

3,885

 

   


  


  


Earnings (Loss) per common share — basic:

               

As reported

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

Pro forma

  

 

(1.60

)

  

 

0.61

 

  

 

0.58

 

Earnings (Loss) per common share — diluted:

               

As reported

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

Pro forma

  

 

(1.60

)

  

 

0.56

 

  

 

0.50

 

The per share weighted-average fair value of employee and director stock options granted during the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 was $3.62, $3.77, and $6.64, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

   Years ended January 31,

   2004

  2003

  2002

Expected dividend yield

  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%

Expected volatility

  46.2%  43.2%  43.9%

Risk-free interest rate

  3.0%  4.1%  4.6%

Expected life

  6 years  6 years  6 years

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments have been determined using available market information. The estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have an effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The fair value of current financial assets, current liabilities, and other assets are estimated to be equal to their carrying amounts.

 

Reclassifications:

 

Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Comprehensive Income:

 

SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” requires additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements to reflect net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, net of income tax. The Company had no unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities and therefore there was no difference between net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.2002.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Stock Split:NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In October 2000, the Company affected a stock split of three shares for every two of common stock outstanding. All references in the consolidated financial statements to the number of shares and to per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect this stock split.

3.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of the FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” SFAS No. 145 eliminates the requirements to classify gains and losses from the extinguishment of indebtedness as extraordinary, requires certain lease modifications to be treated the same as a sale-leaseback transaction, and makes other non-substantive technical corrections to existing pronouncements. SFAS No. 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, with earlier adoption encouraged. Management does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operation or financial position.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 addresses the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs associated with exit and disposal activities, including

restructuring activities. SFAS No. 146 also addresses recognition of certain costs related to terminating a contract that is not a capital lease, costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees and termination of benefits provided to employees that are involuntarily terminated under the terms of a one-time benefit arrangement that is not an ongoing benefit arrangement or an individual deferred compensation contract. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company is in the process of evaluating the adoption of SFAS No. 146 and its impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In October 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” The EITF indicated that this guidance is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of these issues on its financial position and results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.” This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002, and the Company does not have any guarantees.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.

4.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This Interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the Interpretation. The Interpretation applies immediately to variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interests in variable interest entities obtained after January 31, 2003. The application of this Interpretation isdid not expected to have a material effect on the Company’sour financial statements. The Interpretation requires certain disclosures in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003 if it is reasonably possible that the Companywe will consolidate or disclose information about variable interest entities when the Interpretation becomes effective. In October 2003, the FASB deferred the effective date of this Interpretation for pre-existing variable interest entities to no later than February 2004. The Company has no variable interest entities whichthat would require disclosure or consolidations under FIN No. 46.

 

4.    Asset Impairment ChargesIn December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46 (FIN No. 46-R), which incorporated the October 2003 deferral provisions and clarified and revised accounting guidance for all variable interest entities. All variable interest entities, regardless of when created, are required to be evaluated under FIN No. 46-R no later than the first interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN No. 46-R will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has no variable interest entities that would require consolidation or disclosure.

 

DueIn May 2003, FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both debt and equity and requires an issuer to classify the following instruments as liabilities in its balance sheet:

A financial instrument issued in the form of shares that is mandatorily redeemable and embodies an unconditional obligation that requires the issuer to redeem it by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date or upon an event that is certain to occur;

A financial instrument, other than an outstanding share, that embodies an obligation to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares, or is indexed to such an obligation, and requires the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets; and

A financial instrument that embodies an unconditional obligation that the issuer must settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares if the monetary value of the obligation is based solely or predominantly on (1) a fixed monetary amount, (2) variations in something other than the fair value of the issuer’s equity shares, or (3) variations inversely related to changes in the fair value of the issuer’s equity shares.

Certain provisions of SFAS No. 150 are effective immediately. However, generally SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments as of the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2004. SFAS No. 150 is to be implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 150 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

5.Asset Impairment Charges

During fiscal 2003, the Company experienced reduced demand for existingits legacy wireless test solutions products in the wireless marketplace and the Company’smarketplace. The Company developed a strategy of investing available resources in the development of Seven.Five, a new product platform, and management has analyzed the carrying value of all assets attributable to the Company’s wireless test solutions business. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded asset impairment charges totaling $8.4$12.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The following table sets forth the impaired assets and corresponding impairment charges (in thousands):

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Property and equipment

  

$

205

Software development costs

  

 

5,619

Intangible assets

  

 

2,583

   

   

$

8,407

   

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   (Restated)

Property and equipment

  $205

Software development costs (included in cost of revenue)

   5,619

Intangible assets (included in discontinued operations)

   2,583

Goodwill (included in discontinued operations)

   4,053
   

   $12,460
   

During the 2004 fiscal year, the reporting unit (EDX) that gave rise to the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges was sold. As a consequence, all of the current and prior operations of that reporting unit have been reclassified to discontinued operations, including the aforementioned goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge (see note 6).

 

In addition to the asset impairment charges above, an inventory impairment charge, totaling $1.3 million was recorded as cost of revenue in fiscal 2003. The above asset impairment charges, as well as the inventory impairment charge are exclusively related to the Company’s legacy 2G wireless test solution products and do not include any assets related to the Company’s engineering services business, which ceased operations during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The exit costs associated with our exit from the engineering services business totaled $151,000.

 

5.    Acquisition

6.Discontinued Operations

 

On December 7, 2000,January 6, 2004, Comarco acquired allsold the assets of the outstanding shares of stock of EDX Engineering, Inc. (“EDX”), a leading developer of system planning tools forreporting unit EDX. This reporting unit was formerly included in the wireless communications industry. Consideration for the acquisition consisted of approximately $2.3 million in cash and 257,428 shares of the Company’s common stock. The excess purchase price paid over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill of $3.4 million and acquired identifiable intangible assets of $3.2 million consisting primarily of completed technology and customer base were recognized.

In fiscal 2003, Comarco implemented SFAS No. 142 and recorded a non-cash charge of $2.9 million net of tax of zero to write-down fully the carrying value of the goodwill related to the EDX reporting unit. This charge is non-operational and is reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. Additionally, during the second quarter, Comarco recorded a non-cash impairment charge totaling $2.6 million related to the EDX acquired identifiable intangible assets.

The purchase price for the acquisition of EDX during the year ended January 31, 2001 was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair market value at the date of the acquisition. The total cost of the acquisition during the year ended January 31, 2001 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

Cash paid for acquisition, net

  

$

2,324

Common stock issued

  

 

4,247

Assumed liabilities

  

 

254

   

Purchase price

  

$

6,825

   

Unaudited pro forma statement of income information has not been presented because the effects of the EDX acquisition were not significant.

6.    Discontinued Operations

In July 1999, Comarco embarked on a plan to dispose of its non-wireless businesses. This plan, which was formalized in October 1999, involved selling the Company’s defense and commercial staffing businesses. The disposition plan was completed with the sixth and final disposition transaction closing on November 17, 2000.test solutions segment.

 

Pursuant to APB 30, “ReportingSFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Results of Operations — Reporting the Effects ofImpairment or Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions,Long-Lived Assets,” the consolidated financial statements of Comarco have been reclassified to segregate the revenue, costs and expenses, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of the non-wireless businesses.EDX. The net operating results, net assets, liabilities, and net cash flows of the non-wireless businessesEDX have been reported as “discontinued operations.” Gross proceeds from the disposition transactionssale totaled $11.0 million.$600,000.

Additionally, during fiscal 2001, the Company sold its defense and commercial staffing businesses, the non-wireless businesses. Adjustments made to the estimated exit costs of these businesses are recorded as discontinued operations.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Following is summarized financial information for the discontinued operations (in thousands):

 

   

Years Ended January 31,


 
   

2003


  

2002


  

2001


 

Revenue

  

$

  —

  

$

  —

  

$

21,700

 

Income from discontinued operations (net of income tax expense of $0, $0, and $249, respectively)

  

 

  

 

  

 

348

 

Loss on disposal of businesses (net of income tax expense of $427)

  

 

  

 

  

 

(357

)

   

  

  


Loss from discontinued operations

  

$

  

$

  

$

(9

)

   

  

  


   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  2003

  2002

 

Revenue

  $1,068  $1,337   1,654 
   

  


 


Income from discontinued operations of EDX (net of income tax expense (benefit) of $148, ($954), and ($360), respectively)

  $258  $(5,209) $(379)

Income from discontinued operations of non-wireless businesses (net of income tax expense (benefit) of $11, $13 and ($31), respectively)

   19   24   55 

Gain on disposal of EDX business (net of income tax expense of $183)

   319       
   

  


 


Income (loss) from discontinued operations

  $596  $(5,185) $(324)
   

  


 


 

7.    Accounts Receivable

7.Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consist of the following (in thousands):

 

  

January 31,


   January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   2004

 2003

 

Trade accounts receivable

  

$

2,273

 

  

$

9,970

 

  $9,576  $1,411 

Less: Allowances for doubtful accounts

  

 

(220

)

  

 

(276

)

   (594)  (217)
  


  


  


 


  

$

2,053

 

  

$

9,694

 

  $8,982  $1,194 
  


  


  


 


 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recordedrecognized a credit to one of our customers in the amount of $3.2 million, applied as a reduction of receivables. As discussed in Note 21, thereceivables and revenue. The credit was issued to our ChargeSource product line distributor in conjunction with a voluntary product safety recall of our 70-watt AC power adapters.

 

8.    InventoryDuring the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the remaining $1.1 million unused credit was recognized as revenue, upon the expiration of the right of return in accordance with the recall agreement with Targus Group International (“Targus”).

8.Inventory

 

Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):

 

  

January 31,


  January 31,

  

2003


  

2002


  2004

  2003

Raw materials

  

$

2,483

  

$

4,657

  $4,022  $2,483

Work-in-process

  

 

352

  

 

420

   599   352

Finished goods

  

 

821

  

 

925

   1,529   821
  

  

  

  

  

$

3,656

  

$

6,002

  $6,150  $3,656
  

  

  

  

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded as cost of revenue a non-cash inventory impairment charge, totaling $1.4$1.3 million. As discussed in Note 4,5, the inventory impairment charge was related to the Company’s legacy 2G wireless test solutions products. During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company analyzed the inventory impairment reserve established in the prior quarter. Based on this analysis and during the third quarter of fiscal 2003, the inventory impairment reserve was reduced by approximately $144,000, and recorded as a reduction in cost of revenue.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

9.    Property and EquipmentNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

9.Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

 

  

January 31,


   January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   2004

 2003

 

Office furnishings and fixtures

  

$

1,652

 

  

$

1,537

 

  $1,758  $1,648 

Equipment

  

 

9,054

 

  

 

9,145

 

   8,586   9,046 

Purchased software

  

 

432

 

  

 

413

 

   377   432 
  


  


  


 


  

 

11,138

 

  

 

11,095

 

   10,721   11,126 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  

 

(7,606

)

  

 

(7,261

)

   (7,590)  (7,601)
  


  


  


 


  

$

3,532

 

  

$

3,834

 

  $3,131  $3,525 
  


  


  


 


During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, equipment and purchased software with a cost basis of $1.8 million and $116,000 and accumulated depreciation of $1.8 million and $106,000, respectively, were retired upon completion of a fixed asset physical inventory.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded a non-cash property and equipment impairment charge in the amount of $205,000, relating to assets with a cost basis of $1.7 million. As discussed in Note 4,5, the property and equipment impairment charge was related to the Company’s legacy 2G wireless test solutions products.

 

10.    Software Development Costs

10.Software Development Costs

 

Software development costs consist of the following (in thousands):

 

  

January 31,


   January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   2004

 2003

 

Capitalized software development costs

  

$

9,362

 

  

$

18,056

 

  $8,978  $9,362 

Less: Accumulated amortization

  

 

(3,804

)

  

 

(7,917

)

   (3,442)  (3,804)
  


  


  


 


  

$

5,558

 

  

$

10,139

 

  $5,536  $5,558 
  


  


  


 


 

Capitalized software development costs for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 and 2001 totaled $2.8 million, $3.8 million, $5.5 million, and $4.6$5.5 million, respectively. Included in the capitalized software development costs for the year ended January 31, 2003 is approximately $0.4 million paid to SwissQual, an affiliate of the Company, for software development services related to Seven.Five, the Company’s new product platform, released in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Amortization of software development costs for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 and 2001 totaled $2.8 million, $2.7 million, $2.6 million, and $3.2$2.6 million, respectively, and have been reported in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, fully amortized software development costs totaling $3.2 million and the corresponding accumulated amortization were retired.

During the second quarter ended July 31, 2002, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge included in cost of revenue totaling $5.6 million related to capitalized software development costs. As noted in Note 4,5, the asset impairment charge was attributable to the Company’s legacy 2G wireless test solutions products.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

11.    Goodwill and Acquired Intangible AssetsNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

11.Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill and acquired intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

January 31,


 
   

2003


   

2002


 

Purchased technology

  

$

—  

 

  

$

1,790

 

Customer base

  

 

—  

 

  

 

930

 

Goodwill

  

 

2,796

 

  

 

5,941

 

Other acquired intangible assets

  

 

1,451

 

  

 

1,450

 

   


  


   

 

4,247

 

  

 

10,111

 

Less: Accumulated amortization

  

 

(1,147

)

  

 

(1,993

)

   


  


   

$

3,100

 

  

$

8,118

 

   


  


   January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


 

Goodwill

  $2,394  $2,394 
   


 


Acquired intangible assets:

         

Definite-lived intangible assets:

         

Software algorithms

  $255  $255 

License rights

   971   451 

Intellectual property rights

   788    
   


 


    2,014   706 

Less: accumulated amortization

   (526)  (200)
   


 


Total acquired intangible assets, net

  $1,488  $506 
   


 


 

The following table presents goodwill by reportable segment:

   Wireless
Applications


  Wireless Test
Solutions


  Total

Balance as of January 31, 2003

  $496  $1,898  $2,394
   

  

  

Balance as of January 31, 2004

  $496  $1,898  $2,394
   

  

  

The following table presents the future expected amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):

   Amortization
Expense


Fiscal year:

    

2005

  $422

2006

   360

2007

   293

2008

   126

2009

   113

Thereafter

   174
   

Total estimated amortization expense

  $1,488
   

The Company ceased amortizing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets beginning February 1, 2002 upon adoption of SFAS No. 142. Amortization of definite-lived acquired intangible assets for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 amounted to $176,000, $1,057,000,$326,000, $200,000, and $434,000,$331,000, respectively.

 

As discussed in Notes 2 and 4, $2.95, $4.1 million of goodwill and $2.6 million of intangible assets including purchased technology and customer base were written-off in fiscal 2003. During fiscal 2004, the Company acquired $520,000 in license rights related to mobile phone technologies. Additionally, the Company recognized $788,000 of intellectual property rights through the purchase of 189,199 minority shares of CWT. During fiscal 2003, the Company acquired $451,000 in softwarelicense rights that will enable the wireless test solutions business unit to increase its product offerings. Additionally, the Company acquired $216,000 of additional Goodwill through the purchase of 61,869 minority shares of CWT.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As required by SFAS No. 142, the Company ceased amortizing goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives beginning February 1, 2002. The Company recorded $1.1 millionrecognized $420,000 of goodwill amortization in fiscal 2002 that will not recur in future years.

 

The following supplemental pro forma information presents the Company’s net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share information as if the Company had been accounting for its goodwill under SFAS No. 142 for all periods presented (in thousands):

 

   

Years Ended

January 31,


   

2003


   

2002


  

2001


Net income (loss) — as reported

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

  

$

4,541

Adjustments:

             

Amortization of goodwill, net of tax

  

 

—  

 

  

 

670

  

 

276

   


  

  

Net income (loss) — as adjusted

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

5,580

  

$

4,817

   


  

  

Adjusted basic net income (loss) per share

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.79

  

$

0.71

   


  

  

Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.75

  

$

0.64

   


  

  

   Years Ended January 31,

   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


Net income (loss)—as reported

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,102

Adjustments:

            

Amortization of goodwill

         420
   


 


 

Net income (loss)—as adjusted

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,522
   


 


 

Adjusted basic net income (loss) per share

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.78
   


 


 

Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.74
   


 


 

 

12.    Accrued Liabilities

12.Accrued Liabilities

 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

  

January 31,


  January 31,

  

2003


  

2002


  2004

  

2003

(restated)


Accrued payroll and related expenses

  

$

2,341

  

$

3,684

  $1,403  $1,710

Accrued divestiture liabilities

  

 

804

  

 

1,411

   213   275

Uninvoiced receipts

  

 

765

  

 

696

   1,383   765

Accrued product safety recall costs

  

 

554

  

 

—  

      183

Accrued legal and professional fees

  

 

524

  

 

433

   548   534

Accrued federal and state income taxes

   496   14

Accrued travel expenses

  

 

177

  

 

155

   42   177

Accrued temporary labor

   108   31

Due to affiliate

   352   

Other

  

 

680

  

 

807

   736   554
  

  

  

  

  

$

5,845

  

$

7,186

  $5,281  $4,243
  

  

  

  

13.ChargeSource Product Recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, on March 20, 2003, Comarco voluntarily initiated a product safety recall of certain of its ChargeSource AC power adapters. This product safety recall impacts approximately 125,000 units that were sold in fiscal 2003. Comarco and Targus, the Company’s former distributor of ChargeSource products, entered into an agreement to address the potential impact of the recall action on Targus. Under the terms of the agreement Comarco issued a $3.2 million credit to Targus in fiscal 2003 in consideration of a full release. Additionally, of the $3.2 million credit issued to Targus in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, qualifying product returns totaling $2.1 million were received from Targus through September 14, 2003, the date through which returns were allowed under the terms of the agreement. The remaining unused portion of the credit in the amount of $1.1 million was recognized as revenue during the third quarter ended October 31, 2003.

Additionally, in fiscal 2003 the Company accrued $183,000 in costs related to the recall action.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the use of the product recall accrual (in thousands):

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

13.    Income TaxesNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Product Recall

Liability

1/31/03

(restated)


  Adjustments

 Payments

 

Product Recall

Liability

01/31/04


$        183  $        (67) $        (116) $         —

  
 
 

Any additional product recall costs will be charged to expense as incurred and the Company believes that any additional recall costs will be minor.

14.Warranty Arrangements

Standard Warranty

The Company records an accrual for estimated warranty costs as products are sold. Warranty costs are estimated based on periodic analysis of historical experience. Changes in the estimated warranty accruals are recorded when the change in estimate is identified. A summary of the standard warranty accrual activity is shown in the table below (in thousands):

   January 31,

 
   2004

  2003

 

Beginning balance

  $313  $278 

Accruals for warranties issued during the period

   511   638 

Utilization

   (542)  (603)
   


 


   $282  $313 
   


 


Extended Warranty

Revenue for our extended warranty contracts is deferred and recognized on a straight line basis over the contract period. Costs incurred under separately priced extended warranty arrangements are expensed as incurred. A summary of the extended warranty activity is shown in the table below (in thousands):

   January 31,

 
   2004

  2003

 

Beginning balance

  $2,265  $3,861 

Recognition of revenue

   (2,094)  (2,541)

Deferral of revenue for new contracts

   1,733   945 
   


 


   $1,904  $2,265 
   


 


COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

15.Income Taxes

 

Income taxes from continuing operations consist of the following amounts (in thousands):

 

  

Years Ended
January 31,


  Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


  2004

 

2003

(restated)


 

2002

(restated)


 

Federal:

            

Current

  

$

(305

)

  

$

1,346

 

  

$

1,939

  $415  $(295) $1,523 

Deferred

  

 

(2,192

)

  

 

1,331

 

  

 

45

   (1,049)  (2,159)  1,432 

State:

            

Current

  

 

(114

)

  

 

(8

)

  

 

490

   417   (111)  (3)

Deferred

  

 

(373

)

  

 

190

 

  

 

9

   (791)  (368)  204 
  


  


  

  


 


 


  

$

(2,984

)

  

$

2,859

 

  

$

2,483

  $(1,008) $(2,933) $3,156 
  


  


  

  


 


 


 

During the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, the Company recognized a credit to additional paid-in capital and a debitcorresponding to the reduction of income taxtaxes payable in the amounts of $348,000, $586,000, and $657,000, and $2,413,000, respectively, relating toas a result of the tax benefit from exercises of Company nonqualified stock options.

 

The effective income tax rate oron income before income taxesfrom continuing operations differs from the United States statutory income tax rates for the reasons set forth in the table below (dollars in thousands).

 

   

Years Ended January 31,


 
   

2003


   

2002


   

2001


 
   

Amount


   

Percent Pretax Income


   

Amount


   

Percent Pretax Income


   

Amount


   

Percent Pretax Income


 

Computed “expected” tax on income before income taxes

  

$

(3,609

)

  

(34.0

)%

  

$

2,641

 

  

34.0

%

  

$

2,391

 

  

34.0

%

State tax, net of federal benefit

  

 

(336

)

  

(3.2

)

  

 

466

 

  

6.0

 

  

 

329

 

  

4.7

 

Research credit

  

 

(174

)

  

(1.6

)

  

 

(476

)

  

(6.1

)

  

 

(297

)

  

(4.2

)

MIC credit

  

 

(30

)

  

(0.3

)

  

 

(176

)

  

(2.3

)

  

 

—  

 

  

—  

 

Intangible asset impairment

  

 

960

 

  

9.0

 

  

 

—  

 

  

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

—  

 

Goodwill

  

 

—  

 

  

—  

 

  

 

404

 

  

5.2

 

  

 

—  

 

  

—  

 

Other, net

  

 

205

 

  

2.0

 

  

 

—  

 

  

—  

 

  

 

60

 

  

0.8

 

   


  

  


  

  


  

Income tax expense (benefit)

  

$

(2,984

)

  

28.1

%

  

$

2,859

 

  

36.8

%

  

$

2,483

 

  

35.3

%

   


  

  


  

  


  

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


 
   Amount

  Percent
Pretax
Income


  Amount

  Percent
Pretax
Income


  Amount

  Percent
Pretax
Income


 

Computed “expected” tax on income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  $(969) (34.0)% $(2,683) (34.0)% $2,918  34.0%

State tax, net of federal benefit

   (198) (6.9)  (253) (3.2)  515  6.0 

Research credit

   (170) (6.0)  (174) (2.2)  (476) (5.5)

MIC credit

        (30) (0.4)  (176) (2.1)

Goodwill

             404  4.7 

Other, net

   329  11.5   207  2.6   (29) (0.3)
   


 

 


 

 


 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  $(1,008) (35.4)% $(2,933) (37.2)% $3,156  36.8%
   


 

 


 

 


 

 

The tax rates shown above are fortotal income tax expense (benefit) on income from continuing operations.recorded for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was recorded as follows (in thousands):

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


 

Tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations

  $(1,008) $(2,933) $3,156 

Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations

   342   (941)  (391)
   


 


 


   $(666) $(3,874) $2,765 
   


 


 


COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at January 31, 20032004 and 20022003 are as follows (in thousands):

 

  

January 31,


   January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   2004

 

2003

(restated)


 

Deferred tax assets:

         

Accounts receivable

  

$

158

 

  

$

181

 

  $321  $158 

Inventory

  

 

1,848

 

  

 

451

 

   1,795   1,848 

Property and equipment, principally due to differing depreciation methods

  

 

82

 

  

 

174

 

   86   82 

Employee benefits, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes

  

 

1,207

 

  

 

1,605

 

   1,253   1,207 

Accrued liabilities for financial reporting purposes

  

 

213

 

  

 

456

 

   440   213 

Research and manufacturer investment credit carryforwards

  

 

729

 

  

 

330

 

Research and manufacturer investment credit carry forwards

   1,533   729 

Deferred revenue

   1,123    

Other

  

 

191

 

  

 

64

 

   (233)  191 
  


  


  


 


Total gross deferred tax assets

  

 

4,428

 

  

 

3,261

 

   6,318   4,428 

Less valuation allowance

  

 

(225

)

  

 

—  

 

      (225)
  


  


  


 


Net deferred tax assets

  

$

4,203

 

  

$

3,261

 

  $6,318  $4,203 
  


  


  


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

         

Software development costs

  

 

2,223

 

  

 

4,055

 

   2,309   2,223 

Property and equipment, principally due to differing depreciation methods

  

 

109

 

  

 

—  

 

   326   109 
  


  


  


 


Total deferred tax liabilities

  

$

2,332

 

  

$

4,055

 

  $2,635  $2,332 
  


  


  


 


Net deferred tax asset (liability)

  

$

1,871

 

  

$

(794

)

Net deferred tax asset

  $3,683  $1,871 
  


  


  


 


 

The Company has federal and state research and experimentation credit carryforwardscarry forwards of $200,000$637,000 and $498,000,$881,000, which expire through 2022 and indefinitely, respectively. Additionally, for state tax purposes, the Company has a manufacturer investment credit carryforward of $30,000,$15,000, which expires through 2010.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. There was a $225,000 valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of January 31, 2003, relating to state research and experimentation credits which are not “more likely than not” to be realized, and no valuation allowance for the year ended January 31, 2002.2004.

 

14.    Stock Compensation

16.Stock Compensation

 

Comarco, Inc. has stock-based compensation plans under which outside directors and certain employees receive stock options. The employee stock option plans and a director stock option plan provide that officers, key employees, and directors may be granted options to purchase up to 2,704,337 shares of common stock of the Company at not less than 100 percent of the fair market value at the date of grant, unless the optionee is a 10 percent shareholder of the Company, in which case the price must not be less than 110 percent of the fair market value. Figures for these plans reflect a 3-for-2 stock split declared during the year ended January 31, 2001. The options are exercisable in installments determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; however, no employee option may be exercised prior to one year following the grant of the option. The options expire as determined by the committee, but no later than ten years and one week after the date of grant (five years for

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

10 percent shareholders). These plans expire through December 2010. Transactions and other information relating to these plans for the three years ended January 31, 20032004 are summarized below:

 

  

Outstanding Options


  

Number of Shares


     

Weighted-Average Exercise Price


  Outstanding Options

Balance, January 31, 2000

  

988,500

 

    

$

8.45

Options granted

  

273,750

 

    

 

21.45

Options canceled or expired

  

(20,810

)

    

 

13.83

Options exercised

  

(392,270

)

    

 

5.30

  

       Number of
Shares


 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price


Balance, January 31, 2001

  

849,170

 

    

 

14.02

  849,170  $14.02

Options granted

  

200,500

 

    

 

13.58

  200,500   13.58

Options canceled or expired

  

(86,400

)

    

 

17.47

  (86,400)  17.47

Options exercised

  

(24,375

)

    

 

11.64

  (24,375)  11.64
  

       

 

Balance, January 31, 2002

  

938,895

 

    

 

13.66

  938,895   13.66

Options granted

  

82,500

 

    

 

7.92

  82,500   7.92

Options canceled or expired

  

(117,500

)

    

 

17.04

  (117,500)  17.04

Options exercised

  

(53,625

)

    

 

4.71

  (53,625)  4.71
  

       

 

Balance, January 31, 2003

  

850,270

 

    

$

13.21

  850,270   13.21

Options granted

  123,000   7.54

Options canceled or expired

  (97,000)  16.14

Options exercised

  (71,250)  4.30
  

       

 

Balance, January 31, 2004

  805,020  $12.77
  

 

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 31, 2003:2004:

 

  

Options Outstanding


 

Options Exercisable


  Options Outstanding

  Options Exercisable

Range of
Exercise Prices


  

Number Outstanding


  

Weighted-Avg. Remaining Contractual Life


  

Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price


 

Number Exercisable


  

Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price


  

Number

Outstanding


  

Weighted-Avg.
Remaining

Contractual Life


 

Weighted-Avg.

Exercise Price


  

Number

Exercisable


  

Weighted-Avg.

Exercise Price


$ 3.04 to 5.75

  

101,250

  

1.5 years

  

$4.27

 

101,250

  

$4.27

7.65 to 9.67

  

142,500

  

6.8          

  

8.45

 

82,500

  

8.75

$ 3.42 to 5.75  45,000            0.9 years $5.36  45,000  $5.36
6.91 to 9.67  250,500            7.7  8.05  71,250   9.00

10.00 to 12.41

  

155,645

  

6.4          

  

11.44

 

103,895

  

11.32

  131,145            5.5  11.51  99,145   11.48

13.21 to 17.50

  

278,375

  

5.9          

  

14.58

 

212,000

  

14.54

  235,875            5.0  14.52  201,125   14.52

19.33 to 23.67

  

172,500

  

7.4          

  

21.74

 

101,250

  

21.49

  142,500            6.3  21.63  106,875   21.63

  
  
  
 
  
  
     
   

$ 3.04 to 23.67

  

850,270

  

5.9 years

  

$13.21

 

600,895

  

$12.63

$ 3.42 to 23.67  805,020            5.9 years  12.77  523,395   13.86
  
       
     
     
   

 

Stock options exercisable at January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 523,395, 600,895, and 2001 were 600,895, 561,707, and 426,988, respectively, at weighted-average exercise prices of $13.86, $12.63, $11.50, and $9.43,$11.50, respectively. Shares available under the plans for future grants at January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 197,437, 223,437, and 2001 were 223,437, 188,437, and 333,188, respectively.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

The per share weighted-average fair value of employee and director stock options granted during the years ended January 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 was $3.77, $6.64, and $10.36, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   

Years ended January 31,


   

2003


  

2002


  

2001


Expected dividend yield

  

0.0%

  

0.0%

  

0.0%

Expected volatility

  

43.2%

  

43.9%

  

39.1%

Risk-free interest rate

  

4.1%

  

4.6%

  

6.2%

Expected life

  

6 years

  

6 years

  

6 years

 

CWT also has a subsidiary stock option plan. Under this plan, officers and key employees of CWT may be granted options to purchase up to 600,000 shares of common stock of CWT at not less than 100 percent of the fair market value at the date of grant.

 

As of January 31, 2003,2004, the Company owned 3,157,0003,287,000 out of the 3,254,0003,308,000 outstanding shares of CWT common stock. The fair market value of the shares and the exercise dates of the options are determined by the Compensation Committeecompensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; however, no option may be exercised prior to one year following the grant of the option. The options expire as determined by the Committee,compensation committee, but not later than ten years and one week after the date of grant.

 

In years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, no options were granted. In the year ended January 31, 2001, 7,000 options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $13.22 per share. In the year ended January 31, 2002, 61,000 options were exercised at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.93 per share, and 6,000 options were canceled at a weighted-average exercise price of $14.68 per share. In the year ended January 31, 2003, 128,000 options were exercised at a weighted-average exercise price of $2.89 per share, and 6,000 options were canceled at a weighted-average exercise price of $17.62 per share. In the year ended January 31, 2004, 69,000 options were exercised at a weighted-average exercise price of $5.20. Stock options exercisable at January 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 79,000, 148,000, and 2001 were 148,000, 282,000, and 346,250, respectively, at weighted-average exercise prices of $9.29, $7.38, $5.56, and $5.34,$5.56, respectively. Shares available under the plan for future grants at January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 were 198,000, 192,000,198,000, and 186,000,192,000, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about CWT stock options outstanding at January 31, 2003:2004:

 

   

Options Outstanding


 

Options Exercisable


Range of Exercise Prices


  

Number Outstanding


  

Weighted-Avg. Remaining Contractual Life


  

Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price


 

Number Exercisable


  

Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price


$ 2.53 to 4.30

  

84,000

  

1.9 years

  

$3.67

 

84,000

  

$3.67

11.97 to 13.22

  

61,000

  

2.9          

  

11.99

 

61,000

  

11.99

17.62

  

3,000

  

4.1          

  

17.62

 

3,000

  

17.62


  
  
  
 
  

$ 2.53 to 17.62

  

148,000

  

2.4 years

  

$7.38

 

148,000

  

$7.38

   
       
   

  

Options Outstanding


 

Options Exercisable


Range of

Exercise Prices


 

Number

Outstanding


 

Weighted-Avg.
Remaining

Contractual Life


 

Weighted-Avg.

Exercise Price


 

Number

Exercisable


 

Weighted-Avg.

Exercise Price


$                4.30

 30,000 0.9 years $  4.30 30,000 $  4.30

11.97 to 13.22

 46,000 1.9           12.00 46,000 12.00

17.62

 3,000 3.1           17.62 3,000 17.62
  
     
  

$ 4.30 to 17.62

 79,000 1.6 years $  9.29 79,000 $  9.29
  
     
  

The Company applies APB No. 25 in accounting for its plans and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share data):

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

   

Years ended January 31,


 
   

2003


   

2002


   

2001


 

Net income (loss):

               

As reported

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

  

 

(621

)

  

 

(585

)

  

 

(656

)

   


  


  


Pro forma

  

$

(11,179

)

  

$

4,325

 

  

$

3,885

 

   


  


  


Earnings (Loss) per common share — basic:

               

As reported

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

Pro forma

  

 

(1.60

)

  

 

0.61

 

  

 

0.58

 

Earnings (Loss) per common share — diluted:

               

As reported

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

Pro forma

  

 

(1.60

)

  

 

0.56

 

  

 

0.50

 

Pro forma net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share reflect only options granted since February 1, 1995. Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts presented above because compensation cost is reflected over the options’ vesting periods of four years and compensation cost for options granted prior to February 1, 1995 is not considered.

 

15.    Earnings (Loss) Per ShareNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

17.Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

The Company calculates earnings (loss) per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Under SFAS No. 128, basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Since the Company incurred a net loss for fiscal 2004 and 2003, basic and diluted net loss per share were the same because the inclusion of 29,008 and 38,858 potentially dilutive securities, respectively, would have been anti-dilutive. The reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


   Years Ended January 31,

 
  

2003


   

2002


   

2001


   2004

 

2003

(restated)


 

2002

(restated)


 

Basic:

            

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  

$

(7,632

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,550

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(1,842) $(4,958) $5,426 

Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

   7,139   6,993   7,035 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

  

$

(1.09

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

  $(0.26) $(0.71) $0.77 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net loss from discontinued operations

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

(9

)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

  $596  $(5,185) $(324)

Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

   7,139   6,993   7,035 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Basic loss per share from discontinued operations

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  


  


  


Cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

(2,926

)

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

  


  


  


Basic loss per share from cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

(0.42

)

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

Basic earning (loss) per share from discontinued operations

  $0.09  $(0.74) $(0.05)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net income (loss)

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,102 

Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

   7,139   6,993   7,035 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.70

 

  

$

0.67

 

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.72 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Diluted:

            

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  

$

(7,632

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,550

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $(1,842) $(4,958) $5,426 

Effect of subsidiary options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(228

)

  

 

(307

)

         (228)
  


  


  


  


 


 


Net income (loss) used in calculation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

  

$

(7,632

)

  

$

4,682

 

  

$

4,243

 

Income (loss) used in calculation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

  $(1,842) $(4,958) $5,198 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

   7,139   6,993   7,035 

Effect of dilutive securities — stock options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

93

 

  

 

254

 

Effect of dilutive securities—stock options

         93 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,128

 

  

 

7,005

 

   7,139   6,993   7,128 
  


  


  


  


 


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

  

$

(1.09

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

  $(0.26) $(0.71) $0.73 
  


  


  


  


 


 


   

Years Ended January 31,


 
   

2003


   

2002


   

2001


 

Net loss from discontinued operations

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

(9

)

Effect of subsidiary options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

   


  


  


Net loss used in calculation of diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

(9

)

   


  


  


Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

Effect of dilutive securities — stock options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

93

 

  

 

254

 

   


  


  


Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,128

 

  

 

7,005

 

   


  


  


Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

   


  


  


Cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

(2,926

)

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

Effect of subsidiary options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

   


  


  


Net loss used in calculation of diluted loss per share from cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

(2,926

)

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

   


  


  


Weighted average shares outstanding

  

$

6,993

 

  

$

7,035

 

  

$

6,751

 

Effect of dilutive securities — stock options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

93

 

  

 

254

 

   


  


  


Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted loss per share from cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

6,993

 

  

$

7,128

 

  

$

7,005

 

   


  


  


Diluted loss per share from cumulative effect of accounting change

  

$

(0.42

)

  

$

—  

 

  

$

—  

 

   


  


  


Net income (loss)

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,910

 

  

$

4,541

 

Effect of subsidiary options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

(228

)

  

 

(307

)

   


  


  


Net income (loss) used in calculation of diluted earnings per share

  

$

(10,558

)

  

$

4,682

 

  

$

4,234

 

   


  


  


Weighted average shares outstanding

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,035

 

  

 

6,751

 

Effect of dilutive securities — stock options

  

 

—  

 

  

 

93

 

  

 

254

 

   


  


  


Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share

  

 

6,993

 

  

 

7,128

 

  

 

7,005

 

   


  


  


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  

$

(1.51

)

  

$

0.66

 

  

$

0.61

 

   


  


  


COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

16.    Related Party TransactionsNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   Years Ended January 31,

 
   2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

  $596  $(5,185) $(324)

Effect of subsidiary options

   (7)      
   


 


 


Net earnings (loss) used in calculation of diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

  $589  $(5,185) $(324)
   


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding

   7,139   6,993   7,035 

Effect of dilutive securities—stock options

   29       
   


 


 


Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

   7,168   6,993   7,035 
   


 


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations

  $0.09  $(0.74) $(0.05)
   


 


 


Net income (loss)

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $5,102 

Effect of subsidiary options

         (228)
   


 


 


Net income (loss) used in calculation of diluted earnings per share

  $(1,246) $(10,143) $4,874 
   


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding

   7,139   6,993   7,035 

Effect of dilutive securities—stock options

         93 
   


 


 


Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share

   7,139   6,993   7,128 
   


 


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.17) $(1.45) $0.68 
   


 


 


18.Related Party Transactions

 

On July 31, 2001, the Company acquired an 18 percent equity stake in SwissQual for $1.0 million in cash. Based in Zuchwil, Switzerland, SwissQual is a developer of voice quality systems and software for measuring, monitoring, and optimizing the quality of mobile, fixed, and IP-based voice and data communications. This investment is accounted for under the cost method and is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

SalesShipments to SwissQual for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and 2001 totaled $3.4 million, $1.6 million, $0, and $0, respectively. The accountsAccounts receivable balancebalances due from SwissQual at January 31, 2004 and 2003 were $2.6 million and 2002,$0.7 million, respectively. Additionally, shipments to SwissQual during the last two fiscal years have been deferred until receipt of payment. The amount deferred at January 31, 2004 and 2003 was $211,000$2.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively, included in deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

$0, respectively. Additionally, duringCOMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company entered into a revenue sharing agreement with SwissQual whereby SwissQual receives 10% of the revenue on all Seven.Five product sales, less associated hardware costs. At January 31, 2004, the Company had accrued $352,000 relating to amounts payable to SwissQual under the revenue sharing agreement. As of January 31, 2004, no amounts had been paid to SwissQual under the revenue sharing agreement.

During fiscal 2003, the Company entered into a software development agreement whereby SwissQual will develop software to be integrated into Seven.Five. In fiscal 2003 we paid SwissQual $400,000 under the software development agreement which has been classifiedto convert existing SwissQual software to operate in capitalized software development costs, afterthe US environment. Because technological feasibility had been established, consistent with the Company’s policy for capitalization of internal software development costs.costs were capitalized.

 

17.    Employee Benefit Plans

19.Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Company has a Savings and Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) that provides benefits to eligible employees. Under the Plan, as restated effective January 1, 2001, employees are eligible to participate on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, provided they are at least 18 years of age, by contributing between 1 percent and 20 percent of pre-tax earnings. Company contributions match employee contributions at levels as specified in the Plan document. In addition, the Company may contribute a portion of its net profits as determined by the Board of Directors. Company contributions, which consist of matching contributions, with respect to the Plan for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 were approximately $398,000, $511,000, and $699,000, and $733,000, respectively. During fiscal 2004, the Company made $165,000 of matching contributions through forfeited matching funds previously contributed to the plan.

 

The Company also maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan funded by Company executives and directors. See note 23 for further discussion.

 

20.18.    Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

   Years Ended January 31,

   2004

  2003

  2002

   (In thousands)

Cash paid during the year for:

            

Interest

  $1  $23  $21

Income taxes

   2   594   1,429

In fiscal 2004, the Company issued 189,199 shares of Cash Flow Information and Noncash Investing and Financing Activitiesthe Company’s common stock with a fair value of $1,493,000 in connection with the purchase of CWT shares held by minority interests.

   

Years Ended January 31,


   

2003


  

2002


  

2001


   

(In thousands)

Cash paid during the year for:

            

Interest

  

$

23

  

$

21

  

$

131

Income taxes

  

 

594

  

 

1,429

  

 

1,013

 

In fiscal 2003, the Company issued 61,869 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $520,000 in connection with the purchase of CWT shares held by minority interests.

 

In December 2001, the Company issued 95,779 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $1,202,000 in connection with the purchase of CWT shares held by minority interests.

In January 2001, the Company issued 5,916 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the purchase of CWT shares held by minority interests.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

In December 2000, the Company acquired the outstanding stock of EDX for 257,428 shares of Company stock and approximately $2.3 million in cash (Note 5).NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following is a supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions in connection with the EDX acquisition for the year ended January 31, 2001 (in thousands):

Fair value of assets acquired

  

$

6,825

 

Assumed liabilities

  

 

(254

)

Common stock issued

  

 

(4,247

)

   


Cash paid for acquisition, net

  

$

2,324

 

   


19.    Business Segment Information

21.Business Segment Information

 

The Company has two reportable operating segments: wireless test solutions and wireless applications. Wireless test solutions designs and manufactures hardware and software tools for use by wireless carriers, equipment vendors, and others. Radio frequency engineers, professional technicians, and others use these tools to design, deploy, and optimize wireless networks, and to verify the performance of the wireless networks once deployed.

 

Wireless applications designs and manufactures call box systems and mobile power products for notebook computers, cellular telephones, PDAs, and other handheld devices. Call box products provide emergency communication over existing wireless networks. In addition to the call box products, the Company provides system installation and long-term maintenance services. Currently, there are approximately 14,000 call boxes are installed, the majority of which are servicedthat we service and maintainedmaintain under long-term agreements.

 

Performance measurement and resource allocation for the reportable segments are based on many factors. The primary financial measures used are revenue and gross profit. The revenue, gross profit, gross margin, income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, and total assets attributable to these segments are as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Year Ended January 31, 2003


   Year Ended January 31, 2004

 
  

Wireless Test

Solutions


   

Wireless

Applications


   

Corporate


  

Total


   Wireless Test
Solutions


 Wireless
Applications


 Corporate

 Total

 

Revenue

  

$

11,240

 

  

$

25,596

 

  

$

—  

  

$

36,836

 

  $11,150  $23,115  $  $34,265 

Cost of revenue

  

 

7,563

 

  

 

17,010

 

  

 

—  

  

 

24,573

 

   6,964   14,762      21,726 
  


  


  

  


  


 


 


 


Gross profit

  

$

3,677

 

  

$

8,586

 

  

$

—  

  

$

12,263

 

  $4,186  $8,353  $  $12,539 
  


  


  

  


  


 


 


 


Gross margin

  

 

32.7

%

  

 

33.5

%

  

 

—  

  

 

33.3

%

   37.5%  36.1%     36.6%
  


  


  

  


  


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  $(2,265) $(804) $219  $(2,850)
  


 


 


 


Assets

  

$

15,114

 

  

$

12,002

 

  

$

23,839

  

$

50,955

 

  $18,160  $12,252  $22,209  $52,621 
  


  


  

  


  


 


 


 


  

Year Ended January 31, 2003

(restated)


 
  Wireless Test
Solutions


 Wireless
Applications


 Corporate

 Total

 

Revenue

  $10,090  $25,596  $  $35,686 

Cost of revenue

   13,369   16,639      30,008 
  


 


 


 


Gross profit (loss)

  $(3,279) $8,957  $  $5,678 
  


 


 


 


Gross margin

   (32.5)%  35.0%     15.9%
  


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  $(10,890) $3,152  $(153) $(7,891)
  


 


 


 


Assets

  $14,914  $12,002  $23,399  $50,315 
  


 


 


 


  

Year Ended January 31, 2002

(restated)


 
  Wireless Test
Solutions


 Wireless
Applications


 Corporate

 Total

 

Revenue

  $28,222   21,346  $  $49,568 

Cost of revenue

   12,907   12,740      25,647 
  


 


 


 


Gross profit

  $15,315  $8,606  $  $23,921 
  


 


 


 


Gross margin

   54.3%  40.3%     48.2%
  


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations before income taxes

  $4,171  $3,633  $778  $8,582 
  


 


 


 


Assets

  $31,876  $10,725  $24,468  $67,069 
  


 


 


 


COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

   

Year Ended January 31, 2002


 
   

Wireless Test

Solutions


   

Wireless

Applications


   

Corporate


  

Total


 

Revenue

  

$

29,661

 

  

$

21,346

 

  

$

—  

  

$

51,007

 

Cost of revenue

  

 

12,933

 

  

 

12,740

 

  

 

—  

  

 

25,673

 

   


  


  

  


Gross profit

  

$

16,728

 

  

$

8,606

 

  

$

—  

  

$

25,334

 

   


  


  

  


Gross margin

  

 

56.4

%

  

 

40.3

%

  

 

—  

  

 

49.7

%

   


  


  

  


Assets

  

$

30,749

 

  

$

10,725

 

  

$

24,468

  

$

65,942

 

   


  


  

  


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   

Year Ended January 31, 2001


 
   

Wireless Test

Solutions


   

Wireless

Applications


   

Corporate


  

Total


 

Revenue

  

$

34,678

 

  

$

14,786

 

  

$

—  

  

$

49,464

 

Cost of revenue

  

 

14,315

 

  

 

10,503

 

  

 

—  

  

 

24,818

 

   


  


  

  


Gross profit

  

$

20,363

 

  

$

4,283

 

  

$

—  

  

$

24,646

 

   


  


  

  


Gross margin

  

 

58.7

%

  

 

29.0

%

  

 

—  

  

 

49.8

%

   


  


  

  


Assets

  

$

25,132

 

  

$

8,527

 

  

$

32,392

  

$

66,051

 

   


  


  

  


 

Revenue by geographic area consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

  

Years Ended January 31,


  Years Ended January 31,

  

2003


  

2002


  

2001


  2004

  

2003

(restated)


  

2002

(restated)


North America

  

$

30,448

  

$

47,000

  

$

44,760

  $28,853  $29,543  $45,544

Europe

  

 

4,421

  

 

547

  

 

350

   3,113   4,252   549

Asia

  

 

1,190

  

 

1,312

  

 

932

   261   1,120   1,318

Latin America

  

 

777

  

 

2,148

  

 

3,422

   2,038   771   2,157
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

$

36,836

  

$

51,007

  

$

49,464

  $34,265  $35,686  $49,568
  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Long-lived assets outside of North America were not significant at January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.2002.

 

20.    Commitments and Contingencies

22.Commitments and Contingencies

 

Rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, principally on the Company’s office space and equipment, were $1.2$1.0 million at January 31, 2003,2004, payable as follows (in thousands):

 

  

Operating Leases


  Operating
Leases


Fiscal Year:

      

2004

  

$

741

2005

  

 

360

  $601

2006

  

 

26

   312

2007

  

 

27

   53

2008

  

 

2

   11

2009

   

Thereafter

  

 

—  

   
  

  

Total minimum lease payments

  

$

1,156

  $977
  

  

 

Certain of the rental commitments are subject to increases based on the change in the Consumer Price Index. Rental expense for the years ended January 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 was $0.9 million, $1.0$0.8 million, and $1.0$0.8 million, respectively.

 

Comarco was named as a defendant in two lawsuits filed by Mobility Electronics, Inc. (“Mobility”) and subsequently filed two actions against Mobility and affiliates as further discussed below.

Mobility commenced proceedings (No. CIV-01-1489-PHX-MHM) as to U. S. Patent No. 5,347,211 (“the ‘211 Patent”) for patent infringement against the Company and CWTPurchase Commitments with respect to CWT’s ChargeSource power supply products. The Company was first served with Mobility’s amended complaint filed August 10, 2001. In addition to asserting that the Company and CWT have infringed the ‘211 patent, the amended complaint seeks declaratory judgment that three of CWT’s power-supply related patents are either invalid or not infringed by power supplies produced or to be produced by Mobility. The three CWT patents are U. S. Patent Nos. 6,091,611 (“the ‘611 Patent”), 6,172,884 (“the ‘884 patent”), and 5,838,554 (“the ‘554 patent”). The Company and CWT believe that they have meritorious defenses with respect to the ‘211 patent and Mobility’s declaratory judgment causes of actions.

A Scheduling Conference was held on December 18, 2002. Following that Conference, the Court entered its Scheduling Order granting the parties until June 15, 2004 to conduct discovery, and until June 30, 2004 to file dispositive motions. Following resolution of any dispositive motions, or following the deadline for filing if no such motions are filed, the Court will hold a status hearing for purposes of selecting a firm trial date and related pre-trial deadlines.

On October 28, 2002, the California District Court hearing the matter ofComarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. v. Xtend Micro Products, Inc. and iGo CorporationSuppliers, former Case No. SACV 02-640 AHS (ANx) ordered the California Action transferred to the District of Arizona. The Arizona Court on January 31, 2003, further ordered the action consolidated with the Mobility Arizona Action for purposes of discovery.

 

As discussed below, CWT recently filedWe generally issue purchase orders to our suppliers with delivery dates from four to six weeks from the purchase order date. In addition, we regularly provide significant suppliers with rolling six-month forecasts of material and finished goods requirements for planning and long-lead time parts procurement purposes only. We are committed to accept delivery of materials pursuant to our purchase orders subject to various contract provisions which allow us to delay receipt of such order or allow us to cancel orders beyond certain agreed lead times. Such cancellations may or may not include cancellation costs payable by us. In the past, we have been required to take delivery of materials from our suppliers that were in excess of our requirements and we have previously recognized charges and expenses related to such excess material. If we are unable to adequately manage our suppliers and adjust such commitments for changes in demand, we may incur additional inventory expenses related to excess and obsolete inventory. Such expenses could have a separate suit in Arizona against Mobilitymaterial adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and two affiliated entities alleging infringement of Comarco’s ‘611 and ‘884 Patents (“CWT Arizona Action”). The CWT Arizona Action has been consolidated for purposes of discovery with the Mobility Arizona Action.financial position.

 

On June 21, 2002, CWT filed (No. 02:2201 PHX MHM) actionLegal Contingencies

During fiscal 2001, the Company sold a business which, among other things, provided airport management services. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company was sued by a tenant at an airport where the Company provided management services pursuant to a contract with the County of Los Angeles (prior to the sale of this business during the 2001 fiscal year). The claimant seeks damages of $2.0 million in addition to other unspecified damages. This matter is in the very early stages and the outcome of this matter is not determinable or estimable. No provision has been made for patent infringement against Xtend Micro Products, Inc. (“Xtend”) and its parent entity, iGo Corporation (“iGo”). CWT alleges that its ‘611 and ‘884 patents are infringed by Xtend’s PowerXtender and AC Adapter power supply products as well as other power supply and power adapter products and related accessories. On July 15, 2002, Xtend and iGo answeredlosses, if any, which may result from the complaint denying the allegations in CWT’s complaint and asserting a numberfinal outcome of affirmative defenses.this matter.

 

In September, 2002, Defendants moved to transfer this actionaddition to the Arizona District Court for purpose of consolidation withmatter discussed above, the Mobility Arizona Action (described above) because this case involved two overlapping patents, and because defendants iGo/Xtend were acquired by and merged into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mobility. On October 28, 2002 the California District Court granted the Motion and Ordered that the case be transferred to the District of Arizona.

On January 31, 2003, the Arizona Court adopted its Scheduling Order for the case and separately ordered that the case be consolidated for purposes of discovery with the Mobility Arizona Action. Pursuant to the Scheduling Order, the parties have until June 15, 2004 to conduct discovery, and dispositive motions are to be filed by June 30, 2004. The Court will hold a status conference following resolution of any dispositive motions or, if none are filed, following the passing of the June 30, 2004 deadline. At that time, the Court will adopt a firm trial date and set related pre-trial deadlines.

CWT continues to believe that its case against Xtend and iGo is meritorious. Mobility has indicated that due to its launch of a new product line (called “Juice,” and discussed below) Xtend and iGo may cease sale of some or all of the devices and accessories alleged in this action to infringe the Comarco patents.

On January 31, 2003, CWT filed (No. 03:202 PHX MHM) action for infringement of its ‘611 and ‘884 Patents with regard to a universal power adapter, called “Juice.” Defendant Hipro manufactures Juice for Mobility, which in turn offers it for sale through its wholly owned subsidiary, iGo Corp. On February 27, 2003, Mobility and iGo answered the complaint while Hipro filed a motion to dismiss based on lack of personal jurisdiction and improper service.

On March 4, 2003, CWT filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction seeking to enjoin Mobility, Hipro and iGo from making, using, selling or offering for sale the “Juice” product. The Court has set a June 12, 2003 hearing date for both CWT’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Hipro’s Motion to Dismiss. Additionally, the parties have agreed to participate in a settlement conference before a United States Magistrate Judge on May 20, 2003. CWT believes that its case against Mobility, Hipro and iGo Corp is meritorious. As described above, this action has been consolidated for purposes of discovery with the Mobility Arizona Action.

Los Angeles County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (“LASAFE”) filed (No. SCACV 02-567 AHS (ANx)) action against CWT on June 10, 2002, relating to two contracts between LASAFE and CWT concerning Call Box Systems manufactured by CWT, upgraded by CWT to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and maintained by CWT until its contractual obligations to provide maintenance expired. On August 2, 2002, LASAFE filed a first amended complaint (hereafter, “the complaint”). The complaint includes eight counts. In the first five counts LASAFE alleges CWT breached its contractual obligations and implied warranties by failing to properly maintain and repair the Call Box Systems and failing to provide certain deliverables to LASAFE. In the last three counts LASAFE alleges that U.S. Patent No. 6,035,187 owned by CWT and entitled “Apparatus and Method for Improved Emergency Call Box” (“the ‘187 Patent”) should be assigned to LASAFE, and CWT should compensate LASAFE, because an LASAFE employee is the true inventor of the invention claimed in

the ‘187 Patent. The complaint seeks an unspecified amount of actual and punitive damages, ownership of the ‘187 patent, an order that CWT specifically perform its obligations under the contracts, recovery of attorneys fees, and an audit to determine the number of allegedly infringing Call Boxes.

On August 16, 2002, CWT filed an answer and a motion to dismiss the first five counts founded in state contract and warranty law on the grounds that the Federal District Court lacks jurisdiction over the state law claims, which was subsequently granted. The Court has set a scheduling order and has set a trial date of February 3, 2004. CWT believes that it has meritorious defenses with respect to all of LASAFE’s claims.

On November 7, 2002, LASAFE filed a complaint (No. BC 284897) in state court alleging the five causes of action that were dismissed in the federal court action referenced in the above paragraph. Specifically, LASAFE alleges that CWT breached its contractual obligations and implied warranties by failing to properly maintain and repair the Call Box Systems and failing to provide certain deliverables to LASAFE, and seeks over $1 million in damages. On January 9, 2003, CWT filed its answer and a cross-complaint asserting causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing based on LASAFE’s failure to pay CWT all monies due under a contract with LASAFE and LASAFE’s conduct during the course of the contract. LASAFE has not yet responded to CWT’s cross-complaint. The Court has set a trial date of April 5, 2004. CWT believes that it has meritorious defenses to LASAFE’s claims and believes that LASAFE will have significant difficulties proving causation and damages on its claims for breach of implied warranties.

The Company is unable to determine what, if any, impact the resolution of these matters may have on its results of operations or its financial condition.

The Company is from time to time involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. We believe that the outcome of all other such pending legal proceedings will not in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition and operating results.position.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

21.    Subsequent EventsNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, on March 20, 2003, Comarco voluntarily initiated a product safety recall of its ChargeSource AC power adapters. This product safety recall impacts approximately 125,000 units that were sold in fiscal year 2003. Comarco and the Company’s exclusive distributor of ChargeSource products, entered into an agreement to address the impact of the recall action to the distributor. Under the terms of the agreement Comarco issued a $3.2 million credit in fiscal 2003 in consideration of a full release. Additionally, the Company accrued $554,000 in costs related to the recall action.

22.    Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

23.Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

Unaudited summarized financial data by quarter for 20032004 and 20022003 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

   

Fiscal Year Quarters


 

Year ended January 31, 2003


  

First


   

Second


   

Third


  

Fourth


 

Revenue from continuing operations

  

$

7,765

 

  

$

10,009

 

  

$

13,033

  

$

6,029

 

Gross profit from continuing operations

  

 

2,785

 

  

 

2,792

 

  

 

6,340

  

 

346

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

  

 

(967

)

  

 

(9,313

)

  

 

2,268

  

 

(3,120

)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

  

 

(537

)

  

 

(6,725

)

  

 

1,486

  

 

(1,856

)

Net income (loss)

  

$

(3,463

)

  

$

(6,725

)

  

$

1,486

  

$

(1,856

)

   


  


  

  


Basic earnings (loss) per share

  

$

(0.50

)

  

$

(0.96

)

  

$

0.21

  

$

(0.26

)

   


  


  

  


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  

$

(0.50

)

  

$

(0.96

)

  

$

0.21

  

$

(0.26

)

   


  


  

  


   

Fiscal Year Quarters


 

Year ended January 31, 2002


  

First


   

Second


   

Third


  

Fourth


 

Revenue from continuing operations

  

$

12,042

 

  

$

14,010

 

  

$

12,320

  

$

12,635

 

Gross profit from continuing operations

  

 

5,871

 

  

 

7,249

 

  

 

5,915

  

 

6,299

 

Operating income from continuing operations

  

 

1,256

 

  

 

2,347

 

  

 

1,412

  

 

1,895

 

Net income from continuing operations

  

 

1,007

 

  

 

1,614

 

  

 

1,010

  

 

1,279

 

Net income

  

$

1,007

 

  

$

1,614

 

  

$

1,010

  

$

1,279

 

   


  


  

  


Basic earnings per share

  

$

0.14

 

  

$

0.23

 

  

$

0.14

  

$

0.18

 

   


  


  

  


Diluted earnings per share

  

$

0.13

 

  

$

0.21

 

  

$

0.14

  

$

0.17

 

   


  


  

  


   Fiscal Year Quarters

Year ended January 31, 2004  

First

(As previously
reported)


  

First

(As restated)


  

Second

(As previously
reported)


  

Second

(As restated)


  

Third

(As previously
reported)


  

Third

(As restated)


  

Fourth

 


                      

Revenue

  $6,456  $6,220  $5,525  $5,321  $11,222  $10,873  $11,851

Gross profit

   2,502   2,218   1,217   1,011   4,993   4,646   4,664

Operating income (loss)

   (1,361)  (1,488)  (3,652)  (3,727)  1,528   1,294   800

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   (818)  (899)  (2,254)  (2,301)  985   836   522

Discontinued operations

   —     22   —     30   —     82   462

Net income (loss)

   (818)  (877)  (2,254)  (2,271)  985   918   984
   


 


 


 


 

  

  

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.12) $(0.12) $(0.31) $(0.32) $0.14  $0.13  $0.14
   


 


 


 


 

  

  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.12) $(0.12) $(0.31) $(0.32) $0.14  $0.13  $0.14
   


 


 


 


 

  

  

   Fiscal Year Quarters

 
Year ended January 31,
2003
  

First

(As previously
reported)


  First
(As restated)


  

Second

(As previously
reported)


  

Second

(As restated)


  

Third

(As previously
reported)


  

Third

(As restated)


  Fourth
(As previously
reported)


  

Fourth

(As restated)


 

Revenue

  $7,765  $7,524  $10,009  $9,662  $13,033  $12,619  $6,029  $5,881 

Gross profit

   2,785   2,495   2,792   (3,222)  6,340   5,879   346   526 

Operating income (loss)

   (967)  (994)  (9,313)  (6,930)  2,268   1,996   (3,120)  (2,479)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   (537)  (562)  (6,725)  (4,261)  1,486   1,313   (1,856)  (1,448)

Discontinued operations

   —     42   —     (5,391)  —     161   —     3 

Net income (loss)

   (3,463)  (520)  (6,725)  (9,652)  1,486   1,474   (1,856)  (1,445)
   


 


 


 


 

  

  


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.50) $(0.07) $(0.96) $(1.39) $0.21  $0.21  $(0.26) $(0.20)
   


 


 


 


 

  

  


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.50) $(0.07) $(0.96) $(1.38) $0.21  $0.21  $(0.26) $(0.20)
   


 


 


 


 

  

  


 


The amounts above reflect the effects of the restatement described in note 2. The restatement also impacts the previously reported results for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2004. The Company does not anticipate amending its prior filings on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods above which are being restated. Instead, future quarterly filings on Form 10-Q will reflect the comparative balances as restated. The affect of the restatement adjustments on the quarterly results for fiscal 2004 and 2003 are summarized below:

 

nEstimated employee bonuses were accrued at the end of the fiscal 2003. Prior to the filing of the Company’s 10-K, the Company and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors decreased the bonus award by approximately $600,000 but did not adjust the bonus accrual. Operating results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 have been restated to reflect the reversal of this amount. The restatement adjustment was allocated between selling, general and administrative costs and engineering and product support costs in the amount of $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.

nPrior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company allocated revenue from the sales of its wireless test solution products between the product and first year maintenance using an estimate of the fair value of such maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price. The Company has determined that the actual fair value of the first year maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price based on vendor specific objective evidence was higher than the estimated percentage, 10 percent versus 5 percent. The quarterly results for the first three quarters of fiscal 2004 and each of the quarters in fiscal 2003 have been restated using the actual fair value of the first year maintenance as a percentage of the total sales price. The effect of the restatement was to increase (decrease) revenue during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2004 by $6,000, $26,000, and ($57,000), respectively. Also, the effect of the restatement was to increase revenue during the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2003 by $89,000, $37,000, $32,000, and $29,000, respectively.

nDuring the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded the costs attributable to collecting a note which was received during fiscal 2001 as partial consideration for the sale of its commercial staffing business. These costs, which included the write-off of principal and accrued interest, and legal fees, totaled approximately $341,000 and were charged against various divestiture liabilities originally recorded at the time of the sale. The financial statements for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 have been restated to record these costs as a general and administrative expense charged against continuing operations.

nDuring fiscal 2001, the Company completed the sale of its defense and commercial staffing businesses. The sales and operations of the businesses sold were reported as discontinued operations. At the time of the sale, the Company accrued liabilities for contingencies and various costs associated with exiting these businesses. The Company has now concluded that the reserves for contingencies recorded during fiscal 2001 and earlier periods did not satisfy the probable and reasonably estimable criteria applicable to accounting for contingencies. Accordingly, January 31, 2001 retained earnings has been restated and increased by $474,000, net of tax expense of $273,000. The Company also did not adjust these accrued liabilities for subsequent changes in the original estimates of the costs associated with exiting the discontinued businesses. The Company has restated its financial statements for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 to reflect changes in the estimated costs of exiting the discontinued operations. The pre-tax effect of the restatement adjustments decreased the loss from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 by $37,000.

nDuring the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded estimated losses associated with the recall of its legacy ChargeSource 70-watt universal AC power adapter. Included in the estimated loss were costs attributable to a third-party service bureau engaged to administer the Company’s recall efforts. These specific costs should have been charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, the financial statements for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 have been restated to reduce the estimated cost of the recall recorded during fiscal 2003. This restatement had the effect of reducing cost of revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 by $371,000. Selling, general and administrative costs reported in the first, second, and third quarters of fiscal 2004 have also been restated to increase the selling, general and administrative costs by $48,000 in each of the first three quarters.

nDuring the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded a $2.9 million transitional adjustment for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This transitional adjustment was attributable to the Company’s EDX reporting unit. The Company has since determined that the amount recorded as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle should have been reported during the second quarter of fiscal 2003 as a goodwill impairment and charged against continuing operations. The financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 have been restated accordingly. During fiscal 2004, the Company sold the net assets of the EDX reporting unit. Accordingly, all of the current and prior operations of that reporting unit have been reclassified to discontinued operations, including the aforementioned goodwill impairment change.

nEffective the beginning of fiscal 2003 and in conjunction with the implementation of SFAS No. 142, the Company re-evaluated the useful lives of its identifiable intangible assets, including acquired algorithms with a net book value of $255,000 and an original historical cost basis of $1 million. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the software algorithms were being amortized over five years. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142, it was concluded that the software algorithms had an indefinite useful life and therefore were not subject to amortization, but rather, a periodic evaluation for impairment. It has now been concluded that the original useful life of five years should have been applied after the adoption of SFAS No. 142. As a result, fiscal 2003 results of operations were restated to reflect additional amortization expense of $50,000 in each fiscal quarter. Fiscal 2004 results of operations have been adjusted to include additional amortization expense of $50,000 in the first quarter and $5,000 in the second quarter. The amortization expense is recognized in cost of revenue.

nDuring the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of EDX Engineering, Inc. Approximately, $3.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to identifiable intangible assets, consisting primarily of completed technology and acquired customer base. The tax basis of these assets was zero and a $1.3 million deferred tax liability should have been recorded by the Company at the time of acquisition. This also means that recorded goodwill would have increased by $1.3 million. The corresponding consolidated financial statements have been restated to record deferred tax liabilities for the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the recorded assets and liabilities at the date of the EDX acquisition. As a result, amortization expense and deferred tax benefit have been increased by approximately $141,000 during fiscal 2002. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 at the beginning of fiscal 2003, amortization of the identifiable intangible assets ceased. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003 and upon determination that the underlying identifiable intangibles were impaired, an additional charge to write of the net goodwill of $1.1 million was recorded and was offset in the statement of operations by a like amount of deferred tax benefit.

nDuring the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company wrote off $5,619,000 of capitalized software costs. The write off was originally recorded to a line item labeled “Asset Impairment Charges.” The financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 have been restated to reclassify the $5,619,000 write-off of capitalized software to cost of revenue.

nAs a result of the restatement adjustments, income tax expense for continuing operations for the first, second, and third quarters of fiscal 2004 been increased (decreased) by $46,000, $27,000, and $(86,000), respectively. Additionally, income tax expense for continuing operations for the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal 2003 (including the tax benefit of $1.1 million described in the preceding paragraph related to EDX) was increased (decreased) by $10,000, ($1,046,000), $99,000, and ($233,000).

ITEM 9.ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

PART IIIITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

(b)  Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that there have been no such changes during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter.

However, as described in note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Part I - Item 8 of this report, the Company’s management has restated the consolidated financial statements as of and for its fiscal years ended January 31, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. The Company has been advised by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), the Company’s independent auditors, that KPMG has identified the following internal control issues that KPMG considers to be material weaknesses (as defined under standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants):

a lack of suitable documentation or analysis of reserves for contingencies which consider the application of the “probable” and “reasonably estimable” criteria of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FASB”) No. 5, “Accounting For Contingencies.”

a lack of suitable documentation or analysis to support the Company’s estimate of the percentage of wireless test system revenues which should be deferred for first year maintenance.

a failure to follow the subsequent event rules with respect to Company’s bonus accruals.

In response to the foregoing, the Company will take the following actions:

The Company will institute procedures to evaluate vendor specific objective evidence as part of its quarterly closing process to ensure sales of the Company’s WTS products are recorded in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 97-2 “Software Revenue Recognition.”

In the future, the meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to determine annual bonuses will be scheduled prior to completion of each year’s audit of the Company’s financial statements.

In addition, following each meeting of the Compensation Committee, the Company will review all decisions of the Compensation Committee regarding bonuses or other compensation to confirm that the accounting treatment for such actions is consistent with applicable accounting principles.

The Company is continuing its evaluation of the issues noted above but has not yet determined what additional action the Company should take to strengthen its controls and procedures to address these concerns.

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The information required by this Item 10 is included in our definitive proxy statement for our 20032004 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 24, 200322, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this Item 11 is included in our definitive proxy statement for our 20032004 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 24, 200322, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by this Item 12 is included in our definitive proxy statement for our 20032004 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 24, 200322, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information required by this Item 13 is included in our definitive proxy statement for our 20032004 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 24, 200322, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, an evaluation was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-14c of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these internal controls subsequent to the date the evaluation was performed.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item 14 is included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2004 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 22, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)    1.1.    Financial Statements (See Item 8)

 

2.Financial Statement Schedule:

 

The following additional information for the years ended January 31, 2002, 2001,2004, 2003, and 20002002 is submitted herewith:

 

II ReservesValuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

All other schedules are omitted because the required information is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

3.Exhibits

 

 3.1Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation are incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 2000.

 

 3.2By-Laws. The By-Laws are incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1986.

 

 3.3Certificate of Determination of Series A Participating Preferred Stock. The Certificate of Determination is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2003.

 

4.Instruments defining the rights of security holders

 

 4.1Rights Agreement, dated February 5, 2003, between Comarco, Inc. and U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation, as rights agent. The Rights Agreement is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2003.

 

10.Material Contracts

 

 10.11982 Stock Option Plan. The restated 1982 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit C to the Company’s definitive Proxy Materials filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 19861986.

 

 10.2Director Stock Option Plan dated July 1, 1987 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1988.

 10.3Contract dated January 22, 1991 between the Company and the County of Los Angeles for the operation and maintenance of County-owned general aviation airports is

incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1991.

10.4Agreement dated April 16, 1991 between the Company and Don M. Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer, regarding employment termination in the event of a change in control of the Company is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1992.

10.5Agreement dated December 14, 1989 between the Company and ManTech Engineering Corporation to establish the Interop Joint Venture is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1992.

10.6Agreement dated January 4, 1993 between the Company, DynCorp, and Electronic Warfare Associates to establish the Tesco Joint Venture is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1993.

10.7Business Loan Agreement dated September 26, 1994 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) to establish a $5,000,000 Guidance Line of Credit and an $8,000,000 Master Line of Credit is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.

10.8Guidance Line of Credit Note for $5,000,000 dated September 26, 1994 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.

10.9Master Line of Credit for $8,000,000 dated September 26, 1994 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.

10.10Nonqualified Employee Stock Option Plan for Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc. dated August 1994 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.

 

 10.11Primary Stock Purchase Agreement among Comarco, Inc. and the prior shareholders of LCTI, Inc., dated August 9, 1994 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.

10.12Second Stock Purchase Agreement among Comarco, Inc. and the prior shareholders of LCTI, Inc., dated August 9, 1994 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.

10.1310.41995 Employee Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 1995.

 10.1410.5First Amendment to LoanSeverance Compensation Agreement dated September 26, 19959, 2003 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 1995.

10.15Amended and Restated Master Line of Credit Note dated October 31, 1995 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is

incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 1995.

10.16Amended and Restated Guidance Line of Credit Note dated October 31, 1995 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 1995.

10.17Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated August 30, 1996 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1996.

10.18Second Amended and Restated Master Line of Credit Note dated August 30, 1996 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1996.

10.19Second Amended and Restated Guidance Line of Credit Note dated August 30, 1996 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1996.

10.20Asset Purchase Agreement among Comarco, Inc., CoSource Solutions, Inc. (now known as Comarco Staffing, Inc.), R.A.L. Consulting and Staffing Services, Inc., and Robert A. Lovingood dated July 23, 1996 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1996.

10.21Employment Agreement between Comarco, Inc., CoSource Solutions, Inc. (now known as Comarco Staffing, Inc.), and Robert A. Lovingood dated July 23, 1996 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1996.

10.22Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement between Comarco, Inc., CoSource Solutions, Inc., (now known as Comarco Staffing, Inc.) and Robert A. Lovingood dated July 23, 1996 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1996.

10.23Third Amendment to Loan Agreement dated August 15, 1997 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997.

10.24Third Amended and Restated Master Line of Credit Note dated August 15, 1997 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997.

10.25Third Amended and Restated Guidance Line of Credit Note dated August 15, 1997 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1997.

10.26Fourth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated August 21, 1998 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1998.

10.27Fourth Amended and Restated Master Line of Credit Note dated August 21, 1998 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly NationsBank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1998.

10.28Fifth Amended and Restated Master Line of Credit Note dated June 30, 2000 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly Nations Bank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2000.

10.29Sixth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated June 30, 2000 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly Nations Bank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2000.

10.30Letter Agreement dated December 6, 2000 amending the Loan Agreement between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (formerly Nations Bank of Virginia, N.A.) is incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2000.

10.31Agreement dated August 21, 2001 between the Company and Thomas A. Franza,Craig Hayes, Vice President, and Chief Executive Officer, regarding employment terminationseverance compensation in the event of a change in control of the Company incorporated herewith.

 

 10.3210.6Severance Compensation Agreement dated August 21, 2001September 9, 2003 between the Company and Daniel Lutz,Gregory Maton, Senior Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer, regarding employment terminationseverance compensation in the event of a change in control of the Company incorporated herewith.

 

 10.3310.7Severance Compensation Agreement dated August 21, 2001September 9, 2003 between the Company and Peggy Vessell,Daniel R. Luz, Vice President and Secretary,Chief Financial Officer, regarding employment terminationseverance compensation in the event of a change in control of the Company incorporated herewithherewith.

 

 11.10.8Computation of Number of Shares of Common Stock usedSeverance Compensation Agreement dated September 9, 2003 between the Company and Thomas A. Franza, President and Chief Executive Officer, regarding severance compensation in the Computationevent of Earnings Per Sharea change in control of the Company incorporated herewith.

 

 10.9Severance Compensation Agreement dated September 9, 2003 between the Company and Peggy Vessell, Vice President and Secretary, regarding severance compensation in the event of a change in control of the Company incorporated herewith.

21.1Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 23.1Consent of Independent Auditors
99.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial OfficerAuditors’ Consent

 

 99.231.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99.1Undertakings of Registrant

 

(b)    Reports on Form 8-K

(b)Reports on Form 8-K

 

None.

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on April 22, 2003.May 17, 2004.

 

.

COMARCO, INC

Comarco, Inc.

/s/    THOMASTHOMAS A. FRANZA        FRANZA


Thomas A. Franza

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf by the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates so indicated.

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/    THOMASTHOMAS A. FRANZA        FRANZA        


Thomas A. Franza

  

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

May 17, 2004

/s/    DANIEL R. LUTZ        


Daniel R. Lutz

  

April 22, 2003

/s/    DANIEL R. LUTZ        


Daniel R. Lutz

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

April 22, 2003

May 17, 2004

/s/    DON M. BAILEY        


Don M. Bailey

Chairman of the Board

April 22, 2003

/s/    GERALD D. GRIFFIN        


Gerald D. Griffin

Director

April 22, 2003

/s/    JEFFREY R. HULTMAN        


Jeffrey R. Hultman

Director

April 22, 2003

/s/    ERIK VAN DER KAAY        


Erik van der Kaay

Director

April 22, 2003

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Thomas A. Franza, Chief Executive Officer of Comarco, Inc., certify that:

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Comarco, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-1 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c)presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: April 22, 2003

/s/    THOMAS A. FRANZA


Thomas A. Franza

Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Daniel R. Lutz, Chief Financial Officer of Comarco, Inc., certify that:

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Comarco, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-1 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c)presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: April 22, 2003

/s/    DANIELON R. LM. BUTZAILEY        


Don M. Bailey

  Chairman of the Board May 17, 2004

/s/    GERALD D. GRIFFIN        


Gerald D. Griffin

  DirectorMay 17, 2004

Daniel/s/    JEFFREY R. LutzHULTMAN        


Chief Financial OfficerJeffrey R. Hultman

DirectorMay 17, 2004

/s/    ERIKVANDER KAAY        


Erik van der Kaay

DirectorMay 17, 2004

COMARCO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SCHEDULE II - RESERVESII—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Three Years Ended January 31, 20032004

(In thousands)

 

  Balance at
Beginning of
Year


  Charged to
Cost and
Expense


  Deductions

 Other Changes
Add (Deduct)


 Balance at
End of Year


Year ended January 31, 2004:

         

Allowance for doubtful accounts and provision for unbilled receivables (deducted from accounts receivable)

  $217  $559  $186(1) $4(2) $594
  

Balance at

Beginning

of Year


  

Charged to

Cost and

Expense


  

Deductions


   

Other

Changes

Add

(Deduct)


   

Balance

at End

of Year


Year ended January 31, 2003:

                        

Allowance for doubtful accounts and provision for unbilled receivables (deducted from accounts receivable)

  

$

276

  

$

34

  

$

90

(1)

  

$

 

  

$

220

  $256  $24  $63(1) $
 
 
 
 
 $217

Year ended January 31, 2002:

                        

Allowance for doubtful accounts and provision for unbilled receivables (deducted from accounts receivable)

  

$

96

  

$

345

  

$

191

(1)

  

$

26

(2)

  

$

276

  $80  $310  $160(1) $26(2) $256

Year ended January 31, 2001:

               

Allowance for doubtful accounts and provision for unbilled receivables (deducted from accounts receivable)

  

$

110

  

$

24

  

$

38

(1)

  

$

 

  

$

96


(1)Write-off of uncollectible receivables.
(2)Collection of previously written-off receivables.

 

68

67