Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”), and other oral and written statements made by the Company from time to time are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including those that discuss strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters, or projected revenues, income, returns or other financial measures. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “except,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such statements. Among the most important of these risks and uncertainties are the ability of the Company to meet customer demand through pricing and product offerings and efficient inventory and distribution channel management, to continue to source our raw materials and products from our suppliers and manufacturers, particularly those in Asia, the market demand for our products, which market demand is dependent in large part on the state of the telecommunications industry, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its existing capital loan terms and financial covenants and whether plans to develop 4G and 5G networks accelerate as expected, as well as our ability to meet any such demand, the effect of future business acquisitions and dispositions, the incurrence of impairment charges, and competition.

Important factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements are described in the Section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K, and other risks identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Summary Risk Factors

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in Part I, Item 1A titled “Risk Factors.”  These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Risks Related to Our Business.

• We are heavily dependent upon wireless and broadband communications providers.

• The acquisition of Microlab will affect both the Company’s liquidity and its capital resources in the near future.

• We entered into a Loan Agreement to fund our acquisition of Microlab, which may expose us to additional risks, including risks associated with the inability to repay the loan on a timely basis.

•  Due to the nature of our business, we need continued access to capital, which if not available to us or if not available on favorable terms, could harm our ability to operate or expand our business.

•  If our third-party contract manufacturers are unable to manufacture and deliver a sufficient quantity of high-quality products on a timely and cost-efficient basis, our net revenue and profitability would be harmed and our reputation may suffer.

• Our business strategy to expand through acquisitions of other businesses could increase operating costs and expose us to additional risks.

• Global economic conditions and any related impact on our supply chain and the markets where we do business could adversely affect our results of operations.

• Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by the effects of outbreaks of COVID-19 or similar public health crises.

• Our dependence on third-party manufacturers increases the risk that we will not have an adequate supply of products or that our product costs will be higher than expected.

• An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill, trade names and other long-lived assets could negatively affect our consolidated results of operations and net worth.

• Changes in technology may reduce the demand for some of our products.

• If the manufacturers of our coaxial connectors or other products discontinue the manufacturing processes needed to meet our demands or fail to upgrade their technologies, we may face production delays. 

• Our dependence upon independent distributors to sell and market our products exposes us to the risk that such distributors may decrease their sales of our products or terminate their relationship with us.

• A material portion of our sales is dependent upon a few principal customers, the loss of whom could materially negatively affect our total sales.

• Difficult conditions in the global economy may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

• Because the markets in which we compete are highly competitive, a failure to effectively compete could result in an immediate and substantial loss of market share.

• If the industries into which we sell our products experience recession or other cyclical effects impacting the budgets of our customers, our operating results could be negatively impacted.

• Because we sell our products to foreign customers, we are exposed to all of the risks associated with international sales, including foreign currency exposure.

• The inability to hire or retain certain key professionals, management and staff could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

• We have few patent rights in the technology employed in our products, which may limit our ability to compete.

• Claims by other companies that we infringe their intellectual property could adversely affect our business

• A cyber incident could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption, and/or financial loss.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

• Volatility of trading prices of our stock could result in a loss on an investment in our stock.

• Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting or to remediate weaknesses could materially harm our revenues, erode stockholder confidence in our ability to pursue business and report our financial results/condition, and negatively affect the trading price of our common stock.

• While we have in the past paid dividends, no assurance can be given that we will declare or pay cash dividends in the future.

• Future sales of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.

• Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Nevada law may make a takeover more difficult.

• We are a “smaller reporting company” and we have elected to comply with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements which could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

PART I

General

RF Industries, Ltd. (together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a national manufacturer and marketer of interconnect products and systems, including high-performance components such as RF connectors and adapters, dividers, directional couplers and filters, coaxial cables, data cables, wire harnesses, fiber optic cables, custom cabling, energy-efficient cooling systems and integrated small cell enclosures. Through our manufacturing and production facilities, we provide a wide selection of interconnect products and solutions primarily to telecommunications carriers and equipment manufacturers, wireless and network infrastructure carriers and manufacturers and to various original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in several market segments. We also design, engineer, manufacture and sell energy-efficient cooling systems and integrated small cell solutions and related components.

We operate through two reporting segments: (i) the RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment, and (ii) the Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly (“Custom Cabling”) segment. The RF Connector segment primarily designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of RF connector, adapter, coupler, divider, and cable products, including coaxial passives and cable assemblies that are used in telecommunications and information technology, OEM markets and other end markets. The Custom Cabling segment designs, manufactures, markets and distributes custom copper and fiber cable assemblies, complex hybrid fiber optic and power solution cables, electromechanical wiring harnesses, wiring harnesses for a broad range of applications in a diverse set of end markets, energy-efficient cooling systems for wireless base stations and remote equipment shelters and custom designed, pole-ready 5G small cell integrated enclosures.

Recent Events

On March 1, 2022, we purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Microlab/FXR LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Microlab”) from Wireless Telecom Group, Inc, a New Jersey corporation (the “Seller”) pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated December 16, 2021. The consideration for the acquisition was $24,250,000, subject to certain post-closing adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price was paid in cash at the closing. The Company funded $17 million of the cash purchase price from the funds obtained under a $17 million term loan (the “Term Loan”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”) and paid the remaining amount of the cash purchase price with cash on hand. The Term Loan was issued as part of a loan agreement with BofA (the “Loan Agreement”) which also provided the Company with a $3 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with the Term Loan, the “Credit Facility”).

The primary interest rate for the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index Rate plus a margin of 2.00%. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is March 1, 2024. The Term Loan may be drawn in one disbursement, at the election of the Company. As described above, we drew down the entire amount of the Term Loan on March 1, 2022. The primary interest rate for Term Loan is 3.76% per annum. The maturity date of the Term Loan is March 1, 2027. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available for general working capital purposes and Borrowings under the Term Loan are available for the acquisition of Microlab.

On September 12, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to the Loan Agreement ( “Loan Amendment No. 1”) with BofA. Loan Amendment No. 1, among other matters, provided for a one-time waiver of our failure to maintain (i) consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio not exceeding 3.00 to 1.00 (the “Debt Test”) for the period ended July 31, 2023; and (ii) consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00 (the “FCCR Test”) for the period ended July 31, 2023. Loan Amendment No. 1 also waived testing for compliance with the Debt Test and FCCR Test for the quarterly periods ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, with the Debt Test and FCCR Test to resume with the period ending October 31, 2024, and to continue thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis. Further, Loan Amendment No. 1 required that we maintain (i) (a) until September 21, 2023, minimum liquidity of $4.0 million, and (b) from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity equal to the greater of (1) $4.0 million or (2) 80% of the liquidity that was forecast for this date at the fourth week of the forecast; and (ii) minimum EBITDA of ($400,000), $500,000, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million for the quarters ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, respectively. In connection with Loan Amendment No. 1, we also paid BofA a waiver fee of $50,000.

On January 26, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement (“Loan Amendment No. 2”) with BofA. Loan Amendment No. 2, among other matters, eliminated the requirement to maintain minimum EBITDA of $500,000 for the quarter ending January 31, 2024. Under Loan Amendment No. 2, the line of credit available to the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility was lowered from $3.0 million to $500,000. Further, Loan Amendment No. 2 requires that we maintain from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity of at least $2.0 million, rather than the greater of $4.0 million or 80% of the forecast liquidity as was required under Loan Amendment No. 1. Under Loan Amendment No. 2, the Company will be charged an additional fee equal to 1% of the collective outstanding principal balances of the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan if the Credit Facility is not repaid in full on or before March 1, 2024. This additional fee, if applicable, will be due on March 2, 2024. Further, Loan Amendment No. 2 requires that the Company make an additional principal payment of $1.0 million on the Term Loan on March 1, 2024, in addition to the existing monthly payments due on the Term Loan. In connection with Loan Amendment No. 2, we paid BofA a $500,000 paydown on the Revolving Credit Facility, thereby reducing the outstanding balance from $1.0 million to $500,000. See, “Item 1. Business—Acquisition of Microlab/FXR LLC,” below.

Microlab designs and manufactures a wide selection of RF components and integrated subsystems for signal conditioning and distribution in the wireless infrastructure markets as well as for use in medical devices. Microlab products are used in small cell deployments, distributed antenna systems, in-building wireless solutions and cellular base-stations. Microlab’s portfolio includes RF components for ultra-wideband frequency ranges deployed in commercial wireless networks utilizing mid-band spectrum allocations for 5G mobile broadband.  We believe Microlab components possess unique capabilities for broadband frequency coverage, minimal loss and low passive intermodulation (“PIM”).  Microlab’s high-performance components – such as power combiners, directional couplers, attenuators, terminators and filters – are used in broadband applications to support commercial in-building wireless networks, public safety networks, rail and transportation deployments, and global positioning system (“GPS”) signal distribution.  Microlab also produces and sells various other products, including a portfolio of GPS digital repeaters and splitters for cellular timing synchronization as well as a passive systems monitor for real-time diagnostics of an in-building distributed antenna system (“DAS”).  We have operated the Microlab business at Seller’s facilities in Hanover Township, Parsippany, New Jersey, pursuant to a sublease since closing of the acquisition.  On October 19, 2022, we entered into two lease agreements for contiguous office and production space in Parsippany, New Jersey and moved the Microlab operations in July 2023 after certain improvements were completed, as negotiated under the lease agreements. The Microlab acquisition is in line with our previously announced strategy for driving revenue growth both organically and through the acquisition of companies that offer access to new products that can be sold to a growing customer base, including through an extensive distribution channel. Microlab’s products are known worldwide for their superior quality and performance and are considered the gold standard in RF and microwave distribution systems. We believe that there are significant growth opportunities in the small cell and DAS markets, and that Microlab’s products will provide the Company with additional scale and opportunity for further revenue growth.

Strategy

Our overall strategy is to provide our customers with a broad selection of products, rapid and high-quality service, and custom design capabilities, all at competitive prices. Specifically, our strategy is the following:

Provide rapid and flexible design and manufacturing services. Over the past few years we have focused our organization on providing a standardized portfolio, allowing for quick-turn readily available products, while having the capabilities, flexible design and manufacturing services to customize our offering to address customer specific requirements or applications.

Competitive pricing. Our manufacturing and distribution arrangements have been designed to lower costs and enable us to offer prices on both our standard and custom manufactured products that are competitive with the marketplace, all while keeping quality as a priority.

Leverage our manufacturing and distribution capabilities and facilities. Our strategy is to operate our manufacturing and distribution locations to best provide our customers with a competitively priced, high-quality product offering delivered with a fast turnaround time. As part of this strategy, we utilize a “one-company” approach to production and distribution locations and allocate our resources based on each location’s production specialization capabilities, its proximity to the shipment destination, and other factors. Using this “one-company” approach, our goal is to leverage available capacity and shorten delivery times, while potentially providing lower shipping costs. We operate manufacturing and distribution locations in California, and in the Northeastern United States.

Integrate marketing and selling efforts. Our strategy is to integrate and cross-sell our various historical and acquired product lines. We have been integrating our marketing and sales efforts, thereby expanding the number and type of products we can offer to our existing client base, while also using this cross-sell approach to win new customers.

Broad range of immediately available products. Our strategy is to provide a high level of availability where we stock a large selection of standard products that are available for immediate delivery, including availability from multiple distributors. Additionally, we augment this “on-the-shelf” availability of several cable assembly and interconnect products with fast-turn production and assembly providing better lead times for our customers.

Targeted focus of product lines. Our strategy is to focus on passive products rather than manufacturing and selling operating or active components or products. Our product line focus remains on supporting and leveraging our distribution channels with our core passive interconnect and cable assemblies offering, while in parallel we continue to expand our portfolio of integrated solutions to address key end customer and market applications. As we have grown in recent years, we have placed a specific emphasis on expanding our product lines to offer more of the bill of materials required to deploy specific connectivity systems and applications in key markets, such as wireless and public safety communications.

Increase long-term relationships with customers. Our goal is to establish long-term relationships with the customers who have used us for specialized projects by having our solutions built into the customer’s product specifications and bills of materials. As we remain focused on maintaining and expanding our national distributor relationships through our dedicated sales and account management teams, we have invested in targeted business development efforts to assist in getting more closely aligned with the requirements of strategic end customers.

Grow through strategic and targeted acquisitions. We will continue to consider strategic acquisitions of companies or technologies that can increase our customer penetration and/or diversify our customer base, supplement our management team, expand our product offerings, and/or expand our footprint in relevant market segments.

Operations

We currently conduct operations through our six divisions with our product areas divided into two reporting segments.

RF Connector and Cable Assembly Segment.

Our RF Connector segment consists of the RF Connector and Cable Assembly division (“RF Connector division”) that is based at our headquarters in San Diego, California with expansion in New Jersey through our acquisition of Microlab. The RF Connector division is primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of coaxial connector solutions for companies that design, build, operate, maintain and use a variety of connectivity/communication applications. Coaxial connector products consist primarily of connectors which, when attached to a coaxial cable, facilitate the transmission of analog and digital signals in various frequencies. Although most of the connectors are designed to fit standard cable products, the RF Connector division also sells custom connectors specifically designed and manufactured to suit its customers’ requirements. Additionally, during fiscal year 2023 the Company integrated the former C Enterprises division into the RF Connector division and San Diego headquarters. The business and assets of C Enterprises, L.P. were acquired on March 15, 2019, bringing to the Company the Corning Cable Systems CAH Connections^SM Gold Program member as an authorized manufacturer of fiber optic products that are backed by Corning Cable Systems’ extended warranty. This acquisition added the capabilities to design, develop and manufacture connectivity solutions including custom copper and fiber cable assemblies sold to telecommunications and data communications distributors.

The Microlab division is included in the RF Connector segment. Microlab was acquired in March 2022, and is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. Microlab designs and manufactures high-performance RF and Microwave products enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks. Manufacturing operations are performed at Microlab’s facilities in New Jersey.

The RF Connector division typically carries over 1,500 different types of connectors, adapters, tools, and test and measurements kits. This division’s connectors are used in thousands of different devices, products and types of equipment. Since the RF Connector division’s standard connectors can be used in a number of different products and devices, the discontinuation of one product typically does not make our connectors obsolete. Accordingly, most connectors that we carry can be marketed for a number of years. Furthermore, because our connector products are not dependent on any single line of products or any market segment, our overall sales of connectors tend to fluctuate less when there are material changes or disruption to a single product line or market segment.

Cable assembly products manufactured and sold by the RF Connector division consist of various types of coaxial cables that are attached to connectors (usually our connectors) for use in a variety of communications applications. Cable assemblies manufactured for the RF Connector division are primarily manufactured at our San Diego, California facilities using state-of-the-art automation equipment and are sold through distributors or directly to major OEM accounts. Our cable assembly portfolio consists of both standard and custom cable assemblies designed for specific customer requirements. We offer a line of cable assemblies with over 100,000 cable product combinations.

We design our connectors at our headquarters in San Diego, California, and Microlab designs and manufactures a wide selection of components and integrated subsystems for signal conditioning and distribution in the wireless infrastructure markets as well as for use in medical devices. However, most of the connectors are manufactured for us by third-party foreign manufacturers located in Asia.

Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly Segment.

The Custom Cabling segment currently consists of three wholly owned subsidiaries located in the Northeastern United States. Our plan is to integrate certain aspects of the manufacturing, sales and marketing functions of these divisions so as to better address overlapping market opportunities and to more efficiently manufacture, market, and ship products to our customers. 

The three divisions that comprise the current Custom Cabling segment consist of the following:

Cables Unlimited, Inc. Cables Unlimited, Inc. (“Cables Unlimited”) is a custom cable manufacturer located in Yaphank, New York, that we acquired in 2011. Cables Unlimited is a Corning Cable Systems CAH Connections^SM Gold Program member, authorized to manufacture fiber optic products that are backed by Corning Cable Systems’ extended warranty. Cables Unlimited designs, develops and manufactures custom connectivity solutions for the industrial, defense, telecommunications and wireless markets.  The products sold by Cables Unlimited include custom and standard copper and fiber optic cable assemblies, adapters and electromechanical wiring harnesses for communications, computer, LAN, automotive fiber optic and medical equipment.

Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc. Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc. (“Rel-Tech”) was acquired in June 2015. Rel-Tech’s offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Milford, Connecticut. Rel-Tech is a designer and manufacturer of cable assemblies and wiring harnesses for blue chip industrial, oilfield, instrumentation, medical and military customers. Wire and cable assembly products include custom wire harnesses, ribbon cable, electromechanical and kitted assemblies, and networking and communications cabling.

Schroff Technologies International, Inc. Schroff Technologies International, Inc. (“Schrofftech”) was acquired in November 2019. Schrofftech is a Rhode Island based manufacturer and marketer of intelligent thermal cooling control systems, along with pole-ready wireless small cell shrouds and enclosures, custom designed for plug-and-play installation. These products are typically used by telecommunications companies across the U.S. and Canada.

Product Description

We produce a large variety of interconnect products and assemblies that are used in telecommunications and a range of other industries. The products that we offer and sell consist of the following:

Connector and Cable Products

We design, manufacture and market a broad range of coaxial connectors, adapters and cable assemblies fornumerous applications in commercial, industrial, automotive, transportation, scientific, aerospace and military markets.

There are numerous applications for these connectors, some of which include digital applications, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi and other broadband wireless infrastructure, GPS, mobile radio products, aircraft, video surveillance systems, cable assemblies and test equipment. Users of our connectors include telecommunications companies, circuit board manufacturers, OEMs, consumer electronics manufacturers, audio and video product manufacturers and installers, and satellite companies. We market over 1,500 types of connectors, adapters, tools, assembly, test and measurement kits, which range in price from under $1 to over $1,000 per unit. The kits satisfy a variety of applications including, but not limited to, lab operations, site requirements and adapter needs.

We also design and sell a variety of connector tools and hand tools that are assembled into kits used by lab and field technicians, research and development technicians and engineers. These tools are manufactured for us by outside contractors. Tool products are carried as an accommodation to our customers and have not materially contributed to our revenues.

We market and manufacture cable assemblies in a variety of sizes and combinations of RF coaxial connectors and coaxial cabling. Cabling is purchased from a variety of major unaffiliated suppliers and is assembled predominately with our connectors as complete cable assemblies. Coaxial cable assemblies have numerous applications including low PIM, Wi-Fi and wireless local area networks, wide area networks, internet systems, cellular systems including 2.5G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, DAS and Small Cell installations, TV/dish network systems, test equipment, military/aerospace (mil-standard and COTS (Commercial Off–The-Shelf)) and entertainment systems. Cable assemblies are manufactured to customer requirements.

We carry thousands of separate types of connectors, most of which are available in standard sizes and configurations and that are also offered by other companies. However, we also have some proprietary products, including the CompPro product line, OptiFlex cables, and the Schrofftech telecom shelter cooling and control system products. CompPro is a patented compression technology that offers advantages for a water-tight, ruggedized connection, providing easier installation, and improved system reliability on braided cables. CompPro is used by wireless network operators, installers and distributors in North America and other parts of the world. OptiFlex is a hybrid fiber optic and DC power cabling solution that we designed and manufactured, and the Schrofftech products are energy efficient cooling/temperature control and filtration systems for use in telecom shelters, outdoor enclosures and battery/power rooms.

Passive RF Products

We design and manufacture high-performance RF and microwave high-performance components such as dividers, directional couplers and filters enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks.

Fiber Optic Products

Cables Unlimited is a Corning Cable Systems CAH Connections SM Gold Program member that is authorized to manufacture fiber optic products that are backed by Corning Cable Systems’ extended warranty. Through our Cables Unlimited division, we offer a broad range of interconnect products and systems that have the ability to combine radio frequency and fiber optic interconnect components, with various connectors and power cables through customized solutions for these customers. Cables Unlimited also manufactures OptiFlex, a custom designed hybrid fiber optic and DC power cabling solution manufactured for wireless service providers engaged in upgrading their cell towers. The custom hybrid cable is significantly lighter and possesses greater flexibility than cables previously used for wireless service.

The former C Enterprises, now integrated into the RF Connector division, is a Corning Cable Systems CAH Connections SM Gold Program member, authorized to manufacture fiber optic products that are backed by Corning Cable Systems’ extended warranty. C Enterprises designs, develops and manufactures connectivity solutions to telecommunications and data communications distributors.

Other CablingProducts

We design, manufacture, and sell cable assemblies and wiring harnesses for industrial, oilfield, instrumentation, medical, and military customers. Wire and cable assembly products include custom wire harnesses, ribbon cable, electromechanical and kitted assemblies, networking and communications cabling. DIN and Mini DIN connector assemblies include power cord, coaxial, Mil-spec and testing.

Telecommunications Thermal Control Systems and Shrouds

We engineer, design, manufacture and sell intelligent thermal control systems for outdoor telecommunications equipment. The thermal control systems, which can be controlled offsite using networked software at the telecommunication company’s own data center, maintain the interior temperature of telecommunications and other networking equipment. We also design and sell integrated shrouds and enclosures for small cell deployments that reduce installation time and improve aesthetics by eliminating the exterior cabling used with current configurations.

Foreign Sales

Net sales to foreign customers accounted for $6,387,000 (or approximately 9%) of our net sales, and $10,335,000 (or approximately 12%) of our net sales for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The majority of the export sales during these periods were to Canada.

We do not own, or directly operate any manufacturing operations or sales offices in foreign countries.

Distribution and Marketing

We currently sell our products through independent warehousing distributors and through our in-house marketing and sales team. Sales through independent distributors accounted for approximately 52% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023. Our agreements with most of the distributors are nonexclusive and generally may be terminated by either party upon 30-60 days’ written notice. The Company directly sells certain of its products to large, national telecommunication equipment and solution providers who include the Company’s products in their own product offerings.

Manufacturing

We contract with outside third parties for the manufacture of a significant portion of our coaxial connectors. However, virtually all of the RF cable assemblies sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 were assembled at the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) approved factories in San Diego, California and Parsippany, New Jersey.  We procure our raw cable from manufacturers with ISO-approved factories in the United States, China, and Taiwan.  The Company primarily relies on several third-party partners for the manufacture of its coaxial connectors, tools and other passive components and receives bulk cable from multiple manufacturing plants. Although we do not have manufacturing contracts with these manufacturers for our connectors and cable products, we do have long-term purchasing relationships. There are certain risks associated with our dependence on third-party manufacturers for some of our products. See “Risk Factors” below. We have in-house design engineers who create the engineering drawings for fabrication and assembly of connectors and cable assemblies. Accordingly, the third-party manufacturers are not primarily responsible for design work related to the manufacture of our connectors and cable assemblies.  Although our current facilities are set up to manufacture certain lines of products, manufacturing of certain products is often shifted to other facilities to alleviate capacity limitations or to address a customer’s product manufacturing schedule requirements. 

We manufacture custom cable assemblies, adapters and electromechanical wiring harnesses and other products through Cables Unlimited at its Yaphank, New York manufacturing facility. The Yaphank facility is an ISO-approved factory. Cables Unlimited is a Corning Cable Systems CAH Connections ^SM Gold Program member, authorized to manufacture fiber optic products and assemblies that are backed by Corning Cable Systems’ extended warranty.

The Milford, Connecticut facility of Rel-Tech is an ISO-approved manufacturing facility that is primarily used to manufacture cable assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, wiring harnesses and other similar products. 

The products sold by Schrofftech are designed and manufactured at its ISO-approved manufacturing facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  Schrofftech’s products are manufactured and tested in accordance with the ETL Listing standards.

Microlab designs and manufactures a wide selection of RF components and integrated subsystems in our design and manufacturing facility in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Raw Materials

Connector materials are typically made of commodity metals such as copper, brass and zinc and include small applications of precious materials, including silver and gold. The RF Connector division purchases most of its connector products from contract manufacturers located in Asia and the United States. We believe that the raw materials used in our products are readily available and that we are not currently dependent on any supplier for our raw materials. We do not currently have any long-term purchase or supply agreements with our connector suppliers. The Custom Cabling divisions obtain coaxial connectors from the RF Connector division. We believe there are numerous domestic and international suppliers of other coaxial connectors that we may utilize for any of our cabling products.

The Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, Schrofftech, and former C Enterprises divisions purchase largely all of the raw materials used in their products from sources located in the United States. Fiber optic cables are available from various manufacturers located throughout the United States, however, Cables Unlimited purchases most of its fiber optic cables from Corning Cables Systems LLC. The Company believes that the raw materials used by Cables Unlimited in its products are readily available and that Cables Unlimited is not currently dependent on any supplier for its raw materials except where Corning Extended Warranty certification is required. Neither Cables Unlimited nor Rel-Tech Electronics currently have any long-term purchase or supply agreements with their connector and cable suppliers.

Backlog

As of October 31, 2023, our estimated backlog of unfilled firm orders was approximately $16.1 million compared with backlog of approximately $27.8 million as of October 31, 2022. Orders typically fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on customer demand and general business conditions and, in particular, for project-based orders from wireless carrier customers for custom cable assemblies at our Cables Unlimited division. Since purchase orders are submitted from customers based on the estimated timing of their requirements, our ability to predict orders in future periods or trends in future periods is limited. Furthermore, purchase orders may be subject to shipment delays and to cancellation from customers, although we have not historically experienced material cancellations of purchase orders.

It is expected that a substantial portion of the backlog will be filled within the next 12 months. Most of the orders that we receive, particularly in the RF Connector segment, generally have short lead times. Therefore, backlog may not be indicative of future demand.

Acquisition of Microlab/FXR LLC

On December 16, 2021, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement with Seller (Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.), and its wholly owned subsidiary Microlab, pursuant to which we purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Microlab from the Seller on March 1, 2022. The consideration for the acquisition was $24,250,000, subject to certain post-closing adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price was paid in cash at the closing. We funded most of the cash purchase price from the funds obtained under the $17 million Term Loan with Bank of America, N.A. and paid the remaining amount of the cash purchase price with $7.3 million of cash on hand.  The Term Loan was issued as part of a loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A. which also provided the Company with the $3 million Revolving Credit Facility.  Microlab is a New Jersey based company that designs and manufactures high-performance RF and microwave products such as dividers, directional couplers and filters enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks.

We obtained representation and warranty insurance to cover any breach of Seller’s representations. 

Seller also agreed not to, directly or indirectly, (i) engage in any activities that compete with Microlab’s business and (ii) hire or solicit any employee, independent contractor, or consultant of Microlab’s business for a period of five years from the closing date, subject to certain carve-outs.

Human Capital

As of October 31, 2023, we employed 321 full-time employees, of whom 67 were in accounting, administration, sales and management, 241 were in manufacturing, distribution and assembly, and 13 were engineers engaged in design, engineering and research and development. The employees were based at our facilities in San Diego, California (162 employees), Yaphank, New York (62 employees), Milford, Connecticut (47 employees), Parsippany, New Jersey (42 employees), and North Kingstown, Rhode Island (8 employees). We also occasionally hire part-time employees. We believe that we have a good relationship with our employees.

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

We own ten U.S. patents related to the CompPro Product Line that we acquired in May 2015. The CompPro Product Line utilizes a patented compression technology that offers revolutionary advantages for a water-tight connection, easier installation, and improved system reliability on braided cables. The CompPro Product Line is used by wireless network operators, installers and distributors in North America and other parts of the world. 

Our Schrofftech subsidiary owns eight issued patents on its proprietary telecom shelter cooling and control system technology and its equipment room ventilation controls.  Schrofftech has also filed one pending patent application related to ventilation and control equipment and controls. 

The trademarks we own include the “CompPro” registered trademark associated with the compression cable product line and the “OptiFlex™” as a trademark for its hybrid cable wireless tower cable solution.  Each of our subsidiaries also use various trademarks (and associated logos and trade names) in their operations, although none of these trademarks have been registered.

Because the RF Connector division carries thousands of separate types of connectors and other products, most of which are available in standard sizes and configurations and are also offered by our competitors, we do not believe that our cables and connector business or competitive position is dependent on patent protection. 

Under agreements with Corning Cables Systems LLC, Cables Unlimited and C Enterprises are permitted to advertise that they are Corning Cables System CAH Connections ^SM Gold Program members.

With the acquisition of Microlab, three additional relevant patents were added to our portfolio regarding GPS signal repeaters, RF System Monitoring, and RF Tappers. Additional filings are also pending for RF system conditioning.

Warranties and Terms

We warrant our products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for varying warranty periods, depending upon the product. Products are generally warranted to the dealer for one year, with the dealer responsible for any additional warranty it may make. The RF Connector products are warranted for the useful life of the connectors. Although we have not experienced any significant warranty claims to date, there can be no assurance that we will not be subjected to such claims in the future.

We usually sell to customers on 30 to 60-day terms pursuant to invoices and do not generally grant extended payment terms. Generally, customers may delay, cancel, reduce, or return products after shipment subject to a restocking charge.

Under their agreements with Corning Cables Systems LLC, Cables Unlimited and C Enterprises are authorized to manufacture optic cable assemblies that are backed by Corning Cables Systems’ extended warranty (referred to as the “Gold Certified Warranty”).

Competition

The industries in which we operate are highly competitive, and we compete with thousands of companies that range from large multinational corporations, most of which have greater assets and financial resources, to local manufacturers. Competition is generally based on breadth of product offering, product innovation, price, quality, delivery, performance and customer service. In addition, rapid technological changes occurring in the communications industry could also lead to the entry of new competitors of all sizes against whom we may not be able to successfully compete.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against existing or new competition, and the inability to do so may result in price reductions, reduced margins, or loss of market share, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Government Regulations

Our products are designed to meet all known existing or proposed governmental regulations. We believe that we currently meet existing standards for approvals by government regulatory agencies for our principal products.

Our products are Restriction on Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”) compliant.

Environmental Regulations

We are subject to various laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee safety and health matters in the United States. Compliance with these federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to protection of the environment and employee safety and health has had no material effect on our business. There were no material capital expenditures for environmental projects in fiscal year 2023, and there are no material expenditures planned for such purposes in fiscal year 2024.

Investor Information

Our principal executive office is currently located at 16868 Via Del Campo Court, Suite 200, San Diego, California. RF Industries, Ltd. was incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 1, 1979, completed its initial public offering in March 1984 under the name Celltronics, Inc., and changed its name to RF Industries, Ltd. in November 1990. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company” in this report include RF Industries, Ltd. and our five wholly owned subsidiaries, Cables Unlimited, Inc., Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc., C Enterprises, Inc., Schroff Technologies International, Inc., and Microlab/FXR LLC.

The Company’s principal Internet website is located at http://www.rfindustries.com. The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other information related to the Company, are available, free of charge, on that website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those documents with, or otherwise furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Reports filed with the SEC are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company’s Internet website and the information contained therein, or connected thereto, are not and are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report.

Investors should carefully consider the risks described below and all other information in this Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.

If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and investors may lose all or part of their investment in our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business.

We are heavily dependent upon wireless and broadband communications providers.

Most of our revenues and profitability have in recent years been generated from products that we sell, directly or through our distributors, to the wireless and broadband communications industries. In addition, we also sell connectors, cables and other products to companies that incorporate these products into their own wireless and broadband communications products. As a result, our business is heavily dependent upon the wireless and broadband markets. Demand for our products in these markets depends primarily on capital spending by operators for constructing, rebuilding or upgrading their telecommunication systems. The amount of this capital spending and, therefore, our sales and profitability, will be affected by a variety of factors affecting the telecommunications companies, including general economic conditions, consolidation within the telecommunications industry and the financial condition of operators. Although we sell many products into many different markets other than the telecommunications marketplace, because a major portion of our revenues has historically been derived from direct and indirect sales to wireless and broadband communications companies, our financial condition and results of operations are heavily influenced by the health and growth of the wireless and broadband markets, all of which is beyond our control.

The acquisition of Microlabwill affect both the Company’s liquidity and its capital resources in the near future.

On March 1, 2022, we purchased Microlab from Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. for $24,250,000, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. We funded $17 million of the cash purchase price from the funds obtained under the term loan obtained from Bank of America, N.A. (the “Credit Facility Lender”) and paid the remaining amount of the cash purchase price with $7.3 million cash on hand, thereby reducing the amount of cash available for future acquisitions, for investments in the expansion of our existing businesses and assets, or as a reserve for unanticipated financial requirements.

We entered into a Loan Agreement to fund our acquisition of Microlab, which may expose us to additional risks, including risks associated with the inability to repay the loan on a timely basis.

On February 25, 2022, we entered into a Loan Agreement with the Credit Facility Lender (the “Loan Agreement”), which facility provided the Company with a $3 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $17 million term loan (the “Term Loan”, collectively with the “Revolving Credit Facility”, the “Credit Facility”). We borrowed the full $17 million amount available under the Term Loan in order to fund the purchase of Microlab. The maturity date of the Term Loan is March 1, 2027. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is March 1, 2024. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and secured by all personal property of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. The Credit Facility requires the maintenance of certain financial covenants, including: (i) consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 (the “Debt Test”); (ii) consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00 (the “FCCR Test”); and (iii) consolidated minimum EBITDA of at least $600,000 for the discrete quarter ending January 31, 2022. In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants.

On September 12, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to the Loan Agreement ( “Loan Amendment No. 1”), which, among other matters, provided for a one-time waiver of our failure to comply with (i) the Debt Test for the period ended July 31, 2023; and (ii) the FCCR Test for the period ended July 31, 2023. Loan Amendment No. 1 also waived testing for compliance with the Debt Test and FCCR Test for the quarterly periods ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, with the Debt Test and FCCR Test to resume with the period ending October 31, 2024, and to continue thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis. Further, Loan Amendment No. 1 requires that we maintain (i) (a) until September 21, 2023, minimum liquidity of $4.0 million, and (b) from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity equal to the greater of (1) $4.0 million or (2) 80% of the liquidity that was forecast for this date at the fourth week of the forecast; and (ii) minimum EBITDA of ($400,000), $500,000, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million for the quarters ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, respectively.

On January 26, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement (“Loan Amendment No. 2”), which, among other matters, eliminated the requirement to maintain minimum EBITDA of $500,000 for the quarter ending January 31, 2024. Under Loan Amendment No. 2, the line of credit available to the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility was lowered from $3.0 million to $500,000. Further, Loan Amendment No. 2 requires that we maintain from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity of at least $2.0 million, rather than the greater of $4.0 million or 80% of the forecast liquidity as was required under Loan Amendment No. 1. Under Loan Amendment No. 2, the Company will be charged an additional fee equal to 1% of the collective outstanding principal balances of the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan if the Credit Facility is not repaid in full on or before March 1, 2024. This additional fee, if applicable, will be due on March 2, 2024. Further, Loan Amendment No. 2 requires that the Company make an additional principal payment of $1.0 million on the Term Loan on March 1, 2024, in addition to the existing monthly payments due on the Term Loan. In connection with Loan Amendment No. 2, we paid the Credit Facility Lender a $500,000 paydown on the Revolving Credit Facility, thereby reducing the outstanding balance from $1.0 million to $500,000.

In the event of noncompliance with these financial covenants, as updated through the recent amendments to the Loan Agreement, we will either have to obtain another waiver or otherwise renegotiate the terms of our Credit Facility or refinance the Credit Facility otherwise our failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the agreements governing the relevant indebtedness.  The Credit Facility Lender may accelerate the payment terms of the Loan Agreement upon the occurrence of certain events of default set forth therein. Any event that could require us to repay debt prior to its due date could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations and may affect our ability to continue as a going concern.  Further, any renegotiation, refinancing or additional indebtedness that we incur in the future may subject us to further covenants.

Our ability to comply with covenants contained in the Loan Agreement, renegotiate terms of the Loan Agreement or refinance the Credit Facility may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. Even if we are able to comply with all of the applicable covenants, the restrictions on our ability to manage our business in our sole discretion could adversely affect our business by, among other things, limiting our ability to take advantage of financings, mergers, acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that we believe would be beneficial to us. In addition, our obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured, on a first-priority basis, and such security interests could be enforced in the event of default by the collateral agent for the Loan Agreement.

Due to the nature of our business, we need continued access to capital, which if not available to us or if not available on favorable terms, could harm our ability to operate or expand our business.

Our business requires capital that is not financed by trade creditors when our business is expanding. If cash from available sources is insufficient or cash is used for unanticipated needs, we may require additional capital sooner than anticipated.

We believe that our existing sources of liquidity, including cash resources and cash provided by operating activities will provide sufficient resources to meet our working capital and cash requirements for at least the next twelve months; however, there can be no assurance that our cash resources will fund our operating plan for the period anticipated by us, especially if there is a material adverse impact on our business from unforeseen events or a desire to reduce our outstanding indebtedness.  Any such events could have an effect on our liquidity and our ability to continue as a going concern in the future, and result in a need to raise additional capital. Alternatively, we could decide to liquidate assets, raise capital or incur additional indebtedness to fund strategic initiatives or operating activities, particularly if we pursue additional acquisitions. In the event we are required, or elect, to raise additional funds, we may be unable to do so on favorable terms, or at all, and may incur expenses in raising the additional funds and increase our interest rate exposure, and any future indebtedness could adversely affect our operating results and severely limit our ability to plan for, or react to, changes in our business or industry. Further, under our Loan Agreement, we are limited by financial and other negative covenants in our credit arrangements. If we cannot raise funds on acceptable terms, we may be unable to continue as a going concern and may not be able to take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated requirements. Any inability to raise additional capital when required could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.

In the event that we are unable to pay our obligations on the Credit Facility on a timely basis, maintain the financial covenants under the Loan Agreement, as amended, including the minimum liquidity and EBITDA requirements, or otherwise default on our obligations under the Loan Agreement, the Credit Facility Lender will have a right to foreclose on personal property of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

We depend on third-party contract manufacturers for a majority of our connector manufacturing needs. If they are unable to manufacture and deliver a sufficient quantity of high-quality products on a timely and cost-efficient basis, our net revenue and profitability would be harmed and our reputation may suffer.

Substantially all of the RF Connector division’s connector products are manufactured by third-party contract manufacturers. We rely on them to procure components for RF connectors and in certain cases to design, assemble and test the products on a timely and cost-efficient basis. If our contract manufacturers are unable to complete design work on a timely basis, we will experience delays in product development and our ability to compete may be harmed. In addition, because some of our manufacturers have manufacturing facilities in Taiwan and China, their ability to provide us with adequate supplies of high-quality products on a timely and cost-efficient basis is subject to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, including political, social and economic instability and factors that could impact the shipment of supplies. Further, health crises, including epidemics or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and government and business responses thereto, could affect our manufacturers, including by resulting in quarantines and/or closures, which could result in potential closures and disruptions to our manufacturing needs. If our manufacturers are unable to provide us with adequate supplies of high-quality products on a timely and cost-efficient basis, our operations would be disrupted and our net revenue and profitability would suffer. Moreover, if our third-party contract manufacturers cannot consistently produce high-quality products that are free of defects, we may experience a higher rate of product returns, which would also reduce our profitability and may harm our reputation and brand.

Our third-party contract manufacturers are based in Asia. Recently, our third-party contract manufacturers have been subject to various supply chain disruptions. These supply chain disruptions have slowed the delivery of products to us and have increased the price of certain materials due to the significant increase in costs of raw materials and shipping costs. Our ability to produce and timely deliver our products may be materially impacted in the future if these supply chain disruptions continue or worsen. In addition, because of the rising cost, we may be forced to increase the price of our products to our customers, or we may have to reduce our gross margins on the products that we sell. Because some of our custom manufacturing contracts call for deliveries over a longer period of time, cost increases during the term of these agreements at times cannot be passed through to our customers and therefore will have to be borne by us.

We do not currently have any long-term supply agreements with any of our contract manufacturers, and such manufacturers could stop manufacturing products for us at any time. Although we believe that we could locate alternate contract manufacturers if any of our manufacturers terminated our business, our operations could be impacted until alternate manufacturers are found.

Our business strategy to expand through acquisitions of other businesses could increase operating costs and expose us to additional risks.

As part of our plan to operate businesses that are profitable and that reflect the changing market, we from time to time sell unprofitable divisions and purchase new businesses. Such recent transactions include the purchase of our new C Enterprises and Schrofftech subsidiaries in 2019 and Microlab in 2022. In addition, we have previously disclosed that, as part of our growth strategy, we intend to make additional acquisitions of businesses in the future. While we believe that restructuring our operations and acquiring other businesses will benefit us in the longer term, these acquisitions have in the short term caused us to incur additional legal, accounting and administrative expenses, including the cost of integrating the various accounting systems of our new subsidiaries, upgrading our information systems, and the cost of managing various divisions in separate locations and states. We may in the future make additional acquisitions. Accordingly, we will be subject to numerous risks associated with the acquisition of additional businesses, including:

Any of these risks could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that any business that we acquire will achieve anticipated revenues or operating results.

In addition to the normal risks associated with purchasing a new business and operating at a new location, the Company’s acquisition of Microlab in 2022 reduced our cash on hand by over $7.3 million and we took on $17 million of indebtedness and related financial covenants under the Term Loan, including imposing a limit on the ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. A breach of any of the covenants could result in a default under the credit facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit facility, the commercial bank could terminate all commitments to extend further credit and elect to declare amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. The credit facility is secured by a lien on substantially all personal property of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

Global economic conditions and any related impact on our supply chain and the markets where we do business could adversely affect our results of operations.

The uncertain state of the global economy (including the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related economic and other retaliatory measures taken by the United States, European Union and others, and more recently between Israel and Hamas) continues to impact businesses around the world. Deteriorating economic conditions or financial uncertainty in any of the markets in which we sell our products could reduce business confidence and adversely impact spending patterns, and thereby could adversely affect our sales and results of operations. In challenging and uncertain economic environments such as the current one, we cannot predict whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen, or what impact, if any, such circumstances could have on our business, financial condition and results of operations, or on the price of our common stock.

Recent inflationary pressures have increased the cost of energy and raw materials and may adversely affect our results of operations. If inflation continues to rise and further impact the cost of energy and raw materials, we may not be able to offset cost increases to our products through price adjustments without negatively impacting consumer demand, which could adversely affect our sales and results of operations.

Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by the effects of outbreaks of COVID-19 or similar public health crises.

We are subject to risks associated with public health threats, including outbreaks associated with COVID-19 and its variants, which have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on certain aspects of our business. While most countries have removed or reduced the restrictions initially implemented in response to COVID-19, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic or another public health crisis impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and are difficult to predict. These developments include, but are not limited to, future resurgences of the virus and its variants, actions taken to contain the virus or address its impact, the timing, distribution, and efficacy of vaccines and other treatments, and the imposition of government lockdowns, quarantine and physical distancing requirements.

Our dependence on third-party manufacturers increases the risk that we will not have an adequate supply of products or that our product costs will be higher than expected.

The risks associated with our dependence upon third parties which develop and manufacture and assemble the Company’s products include:

These risks may lead to increased costs or delay product delivery, which would harm our profitability and customer relationships.

An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill, trade names and other long-lived assets could negatively affect our consolidated results of operations and net worth.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as trade names, are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. In evaluating the potential for impairment of goodwill and trade names, we make assumptions regarding future operating performance, business trends and market and economic conditions. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and in applying these factors to the assessment of goodwill and trade name recoverability. Goodwill reviews are prepared using estimates of fair value based on the estimated present value of future discounted cash flows. We could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill or trade names prior to the annual assessment upon unexpected significant declines in operating results, the divestiture of a significant component of our business or other factors.

No assurance can be given that events or circumstances will not change regarding the carrying value of goodwill of the Cables Unlimited, Microlab, Rel-Tech, C-Enterprises and Schrofftech subsidiaries or the CompPro product line. Should we in the future determine that the carrying value of the goodwill associated with some or all of these assets no longer is recoverable, we will have to record additional impairment losses. In the event that we have to record material impairment charges on the Cables Unlimited, Microlab, Rel-Tech, C-Enterprises or Schrofftech subsidiaries or the CompPro product line, such future charges could materially reduce future earnings, which would negatively affect our stock price.

Changes in technology may reduce the demand for some of our products.

The wireless and telecommunications industry is rapidly changing. Changes in the product demands by telecommunications and other infrastructure companies may make certain of our current products obsolete. Accordingly, we must quickly and efficiently react to technological developments and provide new products to meet the shifting demands of our customers. Our failure to successfully introduce new or enhanced products on a timely and cost-competitive basis could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition.

If the manufacturers of our coaxial connectors or other products discontinue the manufacturing processes needed to meet our demands or fail to upgrade their technologies, we may face production delays.

Our coaxial connector and other product requirements typically represent a small portion of the total production of the third-party manufacturers. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a third-party manufacturer will cease production of some of our products or fail to continue to advance the process design technologies on which the manufacturing of our products are based. Each of these events could increase our costs or harm our ability to deliver products on time or develop new products.

Our dependence upon independent distributors to sell and market our products exposes us to the risk that such distributors may decrease their sales of our products or terminate their relationship with us.

Our sales efforts are primarily effected through independent distributors. Although we have entered into written agreements with most of the distributors, the agreements are nonexclusive and generally may be terminated by either party upon 30-60 days’ written notice. Our distributors are not within our control, are not obligated to purchase products from us, and may also sell other lines of products. There can be no assurance that these distributors will continue their current relationships with us or that they will not give higher priority to the sale of other products, which could include products of competitors. A reduction in sales efforts or discontinuance of sales of our products by our distributors would lead to reduced sales and could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and business. Selling through indirect channels such as distributors may limit our contact with our ultimate customers and our ability to assure customer satisfaction.

A material portion of our sales is dependent upon a few principal customers, the loss of whom could materially negatively affect our total sales.

We generate much of our revenue from a limited number of customers. For the year ended October 31, 2023, a wireless carrier customer accounted for approximately 10% of total sales and had no accounts receivable. Another distributor customer accounted for approximately 10% of total sales and for 11% of the total net accounts receivable. For the year ended October 31, 2022, the same wireless carrier accounted for approximately 20% of total sales, and a distributor accounted for less than 10% of total sales. These two customers’ accounts receivable balances each accounted for approximately 14% and 19% of the total net accounts receivable balance at October 31, 2022. Although the distributors have been on-going major customers of the Company and the wireless carrier is a newer customer to the Company, the written agreements with these customers do not have any minimum purchase obligations and they could stop buying our products at any time and for any reason. A reduction, delay, or cancellation of orders from these customers or the loss of these customers could significantly reduce our future revenues and profits. Adverse events affecting our principal customers could also negatively affect our ability to retain their business and obtain new orders, which could adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.

Difficult conditions in the global economy may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

A prolonged economic downturn, both in the U.S. and worldwide, could lead to lower sales or reduced sales growth, reduced prices, lower gross margins, and increased bad debt risks, all of which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Slowing economic activity, particularly in the telecommunication and data communication and wireless communications industries that represent our largest target market, may adversely impact the demand for our products. If the current economic condition in the U.S. deteriorates, our results could be adversely affected as demand for wireless products lessens. There could also be a number of other adverse follow-on effects on our business from a deterioration of economic conditions or from a credit crisis, including insolvency of certain key distributors, key suppliers, contract manufacturers and customers.

Because the markets in which we compete are highly competitive, a failure to effectively compete could result in an immediate and substantial loss of market share.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and we expect that competition will increase in these markets. In particular, the wireless and telecommunications markets in which most of our products are sold are intensely competitive. A failure to effectively compete in these markets could result in an immediate and substantial loss of revenues and market share. Because most of our sales are derived from products that are neither proprietary nor can be used to distinguish us from our competitors, our ability to compete successfully in these markets depends on a number of factors, including:

Our revenues may suffer if we are not able to effectively satisfy our customers in each of the foregoing ways. In addition, our competitors or customers may offer enhancements to their existing products or offer new products based on new technologies, industry standards or customer requirements that have the potential to replace or provide lower cost or higher performance alternatives to our products. The introduction of enhancements or new products by our competitors could render our existing and future products obsolete or unmarketable.

Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial and other resources. In certain circumstances, our customers or potential customers have internal or may in the future institute manufacturing capabilities with which we may compete.

If the industries into which we sell our products experience recession or other cyclical effects impacting the budgets of our customers, our operating results could be negatively impacted.

The primary customers for our connector and cable products are in the wireless communications industries. Any significant downturn in our customers’ markets, in particular, or in general economic conditions which result in the reduction of budgets would likely result in a reduction in demand for our products and services and could harm our business. Historically, the communications industry has been cyclical, affected by both economic conditions and industry-specific cycles. Depressed general economic conditions and cyclical downturns in the communications industry have each had an adverse effect on sales of communications equipment, OEMs and their suppliers, including us. No assurance can be given that the wireless communications industry will not experience a material downturn in the near future. Any cyclical downturn in the communications industry could have a material adverse effect on us.

Because we sell our products to foreign customers, we are exposed to risks associated with international sales, including foreign currency exposure.

Sales to customers located outside the United States, either directly or through U.S. and foreign distributors, accounted for approximately 9% and 12% of our net sales during the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. International revenues are subject to a number of risks, including:

Our foreign sales are also affected by general economic conditions in international markets. A prolonged economic downturn in our foreign markets could have an adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance that the factors described above will not have an adverse material effect on our future international revenues and, consequently, on our financial condition, results of operations and business.

Since sales made to foreign customers have historically been in U.S. dollars, previously we have not been exposed to the risks of foreign currency fluctuations. However, with the acquisition of Microlab, sales made to certain foreign customers were denominated in the currencies of the countries where sales are made and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, we recognized $0.1 million in foreign currency exchange gain and $0.2 million in foreign currency exchange loss at time of collection, respectively.

The inability to hire or retain certain key professionals, management and staff could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our future success depends largely upon the continued service of our executive officers and other key management and technical personnel, and on our ability to continue to identify, attract, retain and motivate them. However, other than the employment agreement we have entered into with Mr. Dawson, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, we currently do not have any other written employment agreements with our executive officers and managers. The market for employees in our industry is extremely competitive and the cost for new employees may exceed the cost of existing employees. The loss of key management and technical personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

We have few patent rights in the technology employed in our products, which may limit our ability to compete.

We own patents related to the CompPro proprietary product line, the Schrofftech telecom shelter cooling products and control systems, and patents recently acquired from Microlab relating to GPS signal repeaters as well as RF broadband non directional tap couplers. We have additional filings pending for RF system monitoring and GPS systems. Other than these existing and prospective patents, we do not hold any other United States or foreign patents. Historically, we have not sought to protect our rights in the technology that we develop or that our third-party contract manufacturers develop for us by means of the patent laws, and as a result, competitors can and do sell most of the same products as us, and we have not tried to prevent or restrict such competition. 

We may determine that we need to litigate or arbitrate to enforce our contract and intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others. As a result of any such litigation or arbitration, we could lose our ability to enforce one or more patents or other intellectual property rights. Any action we take to enforce our contract or intellectual property rights could be costly and could absorb significant management time and attention, which, in turn, could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows. Further, even a positive resolution to our enforcement efforts may take time to conclude, which may reduce our revenues and cash resources available for other purposes, such as research and development, in the periods prior to conclusion.

Claims by other companies that we infringe their intellectual property could adversely affect our business

Companies may assert patent, copyright or other intellectual property claims against our products or products using our technologies or other technologies used in our industry, which claims could result in our involvement in litigation. We may not prevail in such litigation given, among other factors, the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties in intellectual property litigation. If any of our products were found to infringe another company’s intellectual property, we could be subject to an injunction or be required to redesign our products, or to license such intellectual property or pay damages or other compensation to such other company (any of which could be costly). If we are unable to redesign our products, license such intellectual property used in our products or otherwise distribute our products (e.g., through a licensed supplier), we could be prohibited from making and selling our products. 

Similarly, our suppliers could be found to infringe another company’s intellectual property, and such suppliers could then be enjoined from providing products or services to us.

A cyber incident could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption, and/or financial loss.

Businesses have become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct day-to-day operations. Additionally, we may be exposed to increased cybersecurity risks as a result of remote working requirements imposed on us as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks or unintentional events, have increased. A cyberattack could include gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption or result in denial of service on websites. We depend on digital technology, including information systems and related infrastructure, to process and record financial and operating data, and communicate with our employees and business partners. Our technologies, systems, networks, and those of our business partners may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, or other disruption of our business operations. Although to date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyberattacks, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future. Cyberattacks are increasing in their frequency, sophistication and intensity. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. In addition, our liability insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyberattacks and other related breaches.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Volatility of trading prices of our stock could result in a loss on an investment in our stock.

As a company with a relatively small public float, we may experience greater stock price volatility, price run-ups, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies. The market price of our common stock has varied greatly, and the trading volume of our common stock has historically fluctuated greatly as well. These fluctuations often occur independently of our performance or any of our announcements. Factors that may result in such fluctuations include:

In addition, the stock market may, from time to time, experience extreme price and volume fluctuations, which may be unrelated to the operating performance of any specific company. Accordingly, the market prices of our common stock may be expected to experience significant fluctuations in the future.

Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting or to remediate weaknesses could materially harm our revenues, erode stockholder confidence in our ability to pursue business and report our financial results/condition, and negatively affect the trading price of our common stock.

As a public reporting company, we are required to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. Failure to establish such internal control, or any failure of such internal control once established, could adversely impact our public disclosures regarding our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any failure of our internal control over financial reporting could also prevent us from maintaining accurate accounting records and discovering accounting errors and financial frauds.

Rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require annual assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal control over financial reporting as effective are complex, and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards. Any assessment by management that there are weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may raise concerns for investors. Any actual or perceived weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed in the internal controls over financial reporting (including those weaknesses identified in periodic reports), or disclosure of management’s assessment of the internal controls over financial reporting may have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, we determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective. However, no assurance can be given that there will not be failures in our internal controls in future periods.   

While we have in the past paid dividends, no assurance can be given that we will declare or pay cash dividends in the future.

During fiscal 2023, we did not make any dividend distributions to our stockholders. Dividends are declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors subject to applicable laws, and depend on a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, plans for future acquisitions, contractual restrictions, general business conditions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. Therefore, even if our operations return to their prior level of profitability, any decision to pay dividends in the future will depend on various other factors that the Board may consider relevant. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we will once again pay dividends in the future. If we do not pay a cash dividend, our stockholders will not realize a return on their investment in the common stock except to the extent of any appreciation in the value of the common stock. 

Future sales of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.

As a smaller capitalized company, the average trading volume of our shares of common stock is relatively small. As a result, sales of a significant number of shares, or the perception that significant sales could occur, could result in a decline in our stock price. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

As of October 31, 2023, we had 10,343,223 shares of common stock outstanding. In addition, we had outstanding options for the purchase of 750,143 shares of common stock, the exercise of which would increase the number of common stock outstanding. The issuance and subsequent sale of the shares underlying these stock options could depress the trading price of our common stock. As of October 31, 2023, we also had 703,252 shares available for future grant as stock options or restricted shares, the issuance and sale of which could also impact our stock price.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Nevada law may make a takeover more difficult.

There are provisions in our basic corporate documents and under Nevada law that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control, even if a change in control may be regarded as beneficial to some or all of our stockholders.

We are a “smaller reporting company” and we have elected to comply with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements which could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in the Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which allows us to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. In addition, we are only required to provide two years of audited financial statements in our SEC reports. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until we are no longer a “smaller reporting company”. We cannot assure you that there will not be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls in the future.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

We currently lease 86,952 square feet of space for our corporate headquarters and RF connector and cable assembly manufacturing facilities in San Diego, California. On June 27, 2023, we entered into a Managed Client Agreement with RGN-MCA San Diego II, LLC (“IWG”) pursuant to which IWG agreed to provide managed services for flexible workspaces under the “Regus” brand for 39,979 square feet on the 1^st and 2^nd floor(s) of the adjacent and vacant office spaces of our corporate headquarters. We occupy 46,973 square feet of office, warehouse and manufacturing space that house our corporate administration, sales and marketing, and engineering departments.  The buildings are also used for production and warehousing by our RF Connector segment. We also lease 38,200 square feet of office and commercial lab space in Parsippany, New Jersey, where we operate the Micolab division. Additionally, we lease spaces in three other locations in the United States that house the administration offices and manufacturing facilities for our Custom Cabling segment.  The table below shows a summary of the square footage of these locations as of October 31, 2023:

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. As of the date of this report, we are not subject to any proceeding that is not in the ordinary course of business or that is material to the financial condition of our business.

Not applicable.

PART II

Market Information. RF Industries, Ltd.’s common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Market and is traded under the “RFIL” trading symbol.

Stockholders. As of October 31, 2023, there were 251 holders of our common stock according to the records of our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York, not including holders who hold their stock in “street name.”

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. There were no previously unreported sales of equity securities by us that were not registered under the Securities Act during fiscal 2023.

Dividend Policy. Due to the current economic uncertainty and other financial considerations, our Board did not issue any dividend payments in fiscal year 2023. In the past our Board has approved dividend payments, but no assurance can be given if, or when the Board will resume dividend payments. The declaration and amount of any actual cash dividend are in the sole discretion of the Board and are subject to numerous factors that ordinarily affect dividend policy, including the results of our operations and financial position, as well as general economic and business conditions. Accordingly, if and when any dividends will be declared in the future will be determined by our Board based on the Company’s future operations and on the Board’s decision regarding the use of any future earnings.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventory reserves and contingencies, on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be appropriate under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recorded in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for goods or services promised to customers. In accordance with ASC (“Accounting Standards Codification”) 606, we follow a five-step model to: (1) identify the contract with our customer; (2) identify our performance obligations in our contract; (3) determine the transaction price for our contract; (4) allocate the transaction price to our performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. In accordance with this accounting principle, we recognize revenue using the output method at a point in time when finished goods have been transferred to the customer and there are no other obligations to customers after the title of the goods have transferred. Title of goods are transferred based on shipping terms for each customer – for shipments with terms of FOB Shipping Point, title is transferred upon shipment; for shipments with terms of FOB Destination, title is transferred upon delivery.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using the weighted average cost method of accounting. Certain items in inventory may be considered obsolete or excess and, as such, we periodically review our inventories for excess and slow moving items and makes provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. Because inventories have, during the past couple years, represented up to one-fourth of our total assets, any reduction in the value of our inventories would require us to take write-offs that would affect our net worth and future earnings.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We record our allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment of various factors. We consider historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balance, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.

Long-Lived Assets Including Goodwill

We assess property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, which are considered definite-lived assets, for impairment. Definite-lived assets are reviewed when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If property and equipment and intangible assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value.

We amortize our intangible assets with definite useful lives over their estimated useful lives and review these assets for impairment.

We test our goodwill and trademarks and indefinite-lived assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate these assets may be impaired. These events or circumstances require significant judgment and could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition and sale or disposition of all or a portion of a division. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital.

As of October 31, 2023, we performed an impairment test analysis for Microlab and as of July 31, 2023, we performed an impairment test analysis for Schrofftech. As noted above, we test our goodwill, trademarks, and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which we have traditionally done in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances suggest these assets may be impaired. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value.

Impairment may result from a number of factors, including performance deterioration, negative cash flows from operations and/or changes in anticipated future cash flows, changes in business plans, adverse economic or market conditions, or other factors beyond our control. The amount of any impairment must be expensed as a charge to operations. Microlab’s results for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 triggered an impairment analysis. Schrofftech’s three and nine-month results ended July 31, 2023 triggered an impairment analysis. Microlab was acquired in March 1, 2022 for a total purchase price of $24.5 million. Schrofftech was acquired on November 4, 2019 for a total purchase price of $5.3 million, consisting of cash consideration of $4.0 million and $1.3 million in earn-out, of which none was earned.

As of October 31, 2023, Microlab has a carrying value of $17.2 million, of which includes $5.6 million in goodwill, $11.6 million in net amortizable intangible assets. As of October 31, 2023, Schrofftech has a carrying value of $3.1 million, of which includes $1.1 million in goodwill, $0.5 million in non-amortizable intangible assets and $1.5 million in net amortizable intangible assets. The analyses performed included a blend of the income approach (discounted cash flow method) and market approach (guideline public company method) to reach a fair value of equity in excess of the fair value to the carrying amount.

The analysis performed in blending the income approach and the market approach incorporates several significant judgments and assumptions about projected revenue growth, future operating margins and discount rates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these assumptions and our judgment in applying them to the impairment analysis. Changes in certain events or circumstances could result in changes to our estimated fair values and may result in future write-downs to the carrying values of these assets. Impairment charges could adversely affect our financial results, financial ratios and could limit our ability to obtain financing in the future.

Income Taxes

We record a tax provision (benefit) for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates as of the date of the financial statements that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.

We account for uncertain tax positions by determining if it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained by the appropriate taxing authorities upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. An uncertain income tax position is not recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. We recognize interest and penalties related to certain uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense and the accrued interest and penalties are included in deferred and income taxes payable in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report for more information on our accounting for uncertain tax positions.

The calculation of the tax provision involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of GAAP and complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. 

Stock-based Compensation

We use the Black-Scholes model to value our stock option grants. This valuation is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of inputs which involve significant judgments and estimates. These inputs include the expected term of employee stock options, the expected volatility of the stock price, the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For recently issued accounting pronouncements that may affect us, see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

OVERVIEW

During the periods covered by this Annual Report, we marketed a variety of connector products, including connectors and cables, standard and custom cable assemblies, wiring harnesses and fiber optic cable products to numerous industries for use in thousands of products. We aggregate our operating divisions into segments that have similar economic characteristics and are similar in the majority of the following areas: (1) the nature of the product and services; (2) the nature of the production process; (3) the type or class of customer for their products and services; (4) the methods used to distribute their products or services; and (5) if applicable, the nature of the regulatory environment. We have two reportable segments – the RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment and the Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly (“Custom Cabling”) segment – based upon this evaluation.

The RF Connector segment was comprised of three divisions while the Custom Cabling segment was comprised of three divisions. The six divisions that met the quantitative thresholds for segment reporting in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 were the RF Connector and Cable Assembly division, Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, C Enterprises, Schrofftech, and Microlab.

Revenues generated from the Custom Cabling segment were from the sale of fiber optics cable, copper cabling, custom patch cord assemblies, and wiring harnesses, which collectively accounted for 64% of the Company’s total sales, and revenues from the RF Connector segment were generated from the sales of RF connector products and cable assemblies and accounted for 36% of total sales for fiscal 2023. The RF Connector segment mostly sells standardized products regularly used by customers and, therefore, has a more stable revenue stream when compared to the Custom Cabling segment. The Custom Cabling segment mostly designs, manufactures, and sells customized cabling and wireless-related equipment under larger project-based purchase orders. Accordingly, the Custom Cabling segment is more dependent upon larger project orders, and its revenues, therefore, may be more volatile than the revenues of the RF Connector segment.

The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic and related actions taken by domestic and international jurisdictions to prevent disease spread, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.  During the periods covered by this report, we generally saw a recovery to a more normal environment though the operations at all locations were affected intermittently as some of our employee schedules were impacted, and as certain macro-economic conditions persisted. Because of the impact that COVID-19 had on our operations, in May 2020 we applied for and received loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, H.R. 748 (“CARES Act”) totaling approximately $2.8 million (“PPP Loans”).  All of our PPP Loans have been forgiven and are considered paid in full (including applicable interest).

In March 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released Notice 2021-20, which retroactively eliminated the restriction that prevented employers who received a PPP loan from qualifying for the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. Upon determination that the employer has complied with all of the conditions required to receive the credit, a receivable is recognized and the credit reduces salaries and wages. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, we qualified and filed to claim the ERC and have recorded the credit as a receivable in Other Current Assets. As of October 31, 2023, we carried a $0.1 million ERC receivable in Other Current Assets.

Financial Condition

The following table presents certain key measures of financial condition as of October 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have been able to fund our liquidity and other capital requirements from funds we generated from operations. However, we have incurred operating losses in fiscal 2023. During this period, we have implemented certain cost-cutting measures to reduce our operating expenses and to help drive positive operating cash flow and increase liquidity. Our plan includes consolidating facilities and recognizing the related operating efficiencies and synergies in our production operations. We intend to continue to pursue additional improvement and cost reduction measures, as well as organic growth in revenue and profitability.

As of October 31, 2023, we had a total of $4.9 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to a total of $4.5 million of cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2022. As of October 31, 2023, we had working capital of $23.5 million and a current ratio of approximately 2.9:1 with current assets of $36.0 million and current liabilities of $12.5 million. We believe that the amount of cash remaining will be sufficient to fund our anticipated liquidity needs.

As of October 31, 2023, we had $16.1 million of backlog, compared to $27.8 million as of October 31, 2022. The decrease in backlog relates primarily to shipments made against orders for our hybrid fiber cables. Since purchase orders are submitted from customers based on the timing of their requirements, our ability to predict orders in future periods or trends in future periods is limited. Furthermore, purchase orders may be subject to cancellation from customers, although we have not historically experienced material cancellations of purchase orders.

As of October 31, 2023, we generated $4.2 million of cash in our operating activities. This net inflow of cash is primarily related to an increase in other current assets of $3.7 million, the collections of accounts receivable of $4.4 million, $2.4 million from depreciation and amortization, $2.3 million from inventories, $1.5 million from right of use assets, $0.9 million from stock-based compensation expense, and $0.1 million from bad debt expense. The cash usage was primarily due to accrued expenses of $4.2 million, payments on accounts payable of $2.5 million, income tax payable $0.8 million, deferred income taxes $0.7 million and our net loss of $3.1 million. The cash generated by other current assets represents $3.7 million, which primarily consists of $2.8 million of reimbursement for tenant improvements and $1.5 million received from ERC, offset by $0.6 million of prepaid taxes.

As of October 31, 2023, we also spent $2.5 million on capital expenditures, and $2.4 million in Term Loan payments. The cash used in operating activities and the amounts spent on capital expenditures were partially offset by $0.1 million of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options. As noted above, we also drew $1.0 million from the Revolving Credit Facility in fiscal 2023, primarily to fund leasehold improvements to the new corporate headquarters.

Our goal to expand and grow our business both organically and through acquisitions may require material additional capital equipment. In the past, we have purchased all additional equipment, or financed some of our equipment and furnishings requirements through capital leases. At this time, we have not identified any additional capital equipment purchases that would require significant additional leasing or capital expenditures during the next 12 months. We also believe that based on our current financial condition, our current backlog of unfulfilled orders, and our anticipated future operations, we would be able to finance our expansion, if necessary.

From time to time, we may undertake acquisitions of other companies or product lines in order to diversify our product and solutions offerings and customer base. Conversely, we may undertake the disposition of a division or product line due to changes in our business strategy or market conditions. Acquisitions may require the outlay of cash, which may reduce our liquidity and capital resources while dispositions may increase our cash position, liquidity and capital resources. Since our goal is to continue to expand our operations and accelerate our growth through future acquisitions, we may use some of our current capital resources to fund acquisitions we may undertake in the future.

Results of Operations

The following summarizes the key components of our consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands, except percentages):

Net sales for the year ended October 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) of $72.2 million decreased by 15.4%, or $13.1 million, compared to the year ended October 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”). The decrease in net sales is attributable to the Custom Cabling segment, which decreased by $15.5 million, or 37.2%, to $26.2 million compared to $41.7 million in fiscal 2022, primarily related to wireless carrier network deployment slowdowns across the industry in fiscal 2023 impacting both our hybrid fiber sales and our small cell and direct air cooling products. Net sales for fiscal 2023 at the RF Connector segment increased by $2.4 million, or 5.5%, to $45.9 million compared to $43.5 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily the result of the Microlab acquisition on March 1, 2022.

Gross profit for fiscal 2023 decreased by $5.0 million to $19.5 million and gross margins decreased to 27.1% of sales from 28.8% of sales in fiscal 2022. The decreases in gross profit and gross margins were primarily related to the overall decrease in sales and the sales mix.

Engineering expenses increased by $0.3 million to $3.2 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $2.9 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to engineering efforts associated with our integrated systems products and a full year of Microlab operations. Engineering expenses represent costs incurred relating to the ongoing research and development of new products.

Selling and general expenses increased by $0.8 million to $20.2 million (28.0% of sales) compared to $19.4 million (22.8% of sales) in fiscal 2022. Microlab, which was acquired on March 1, 2022, accounted for $4.9 million of the selling and general expenses, as compared to $3.3 million in fiscal 2022. The increase at Microlab was offset by decreases in variable compensation related to commissions and bonus as a result of the lower sales overall. We also incurred one-time charges totaling $0.9 million related to an additional rent expense of $444,000 (of which $387,000 was non-cash) related to lease accounting, $252,000 in facility move expenses, severance of $75,000, $63,000 in ERP system implementations, $50,000 in bank waiver amendment fees and $42,000 in bank covenant reviews in fiscal 2023 compared to acquisition related expenses and other one-time charges (including attorney fees, due diligence and broker fees) which accounted for $2.1 million in fiscal 2022.

For fiscal 2023, we recorded a pretax income for the Custom Cabling segment of $0.6 million and a pretax loss for the RF Connector segment of $3.5 million, as compared to $4.1 million and $0.6 million of income, respectively, for fiscal 2022. The pretax loss at the Custom Cabling segment was primarily due to the decrease in sales of hybrid fiber cables to our wireless carrier customers and a decrease in sales of small cell products and systems to customers in the Tier-1 wireless ecosystem. The decrease in the pretax net income at the RF Connector segment was primarily due to the decrease in sales related to carrier projects involving approved RF components.

For fiscal 2023 and 2022, we recorded income tax (benefit) provision of ($1,172,000) and $139,000, respectively. The effective tax rate was 27.6% for fiscal 2023, compared to 8.8% for fiscal 2022. The change in effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 and 2022 was primarily driven by stock-based compensation windfall/shortfalls, change in valuation allowance and the Company’s full year financial loss.

For fiscal 2023, net loss was $3.1 million and fully diluted loss per share was $0.30 as compared to a net income of $1.4 million and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.14 for fiscal 2022. For fiscal 2023, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding was 10,283,449 as compared to 10,242,417 for fiscal 2022.

Inflation and Rising Costs

The cost to manufacture the Company’s products is influenced by the cost of raw materials and labor. The Company has recently experienced higher costs as a result of the increasing cost of labor and the increasing cost of raw materials. The cost of raw materials is due in part to a shortage in the availability of certain products, the higher cost of shipping, and inflation. Labor costs have risen recently as a result of increases in the minimum wage laws and an increased demand for workers. The Company may, from time to time, try to offset these cost increases by increasing the prices of its products. However, because the prices of certain of the Company’s products, particularly those under longer-term manufacturing contracts for communications related products, are fixed until the goods are manufactured and delivered, implementing price increases frequently is often not feasible.

Not applicable to a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of SEC Regulation S-K.

The Company’s financial statements required by this item are set forth as a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference in this Item 8. The following Financial Statements of the Company with related Notes and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are attached hereto as pages F-1 to F-22 and filed as part of this Annual Report:

None

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) that are designed to assure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide reasonable assurance only of achieving the desired control objectives, and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in weighing the costs and benefits of possible new or different controls and procedures. Limitations are inherent in all control systems, so no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and any fraud have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations, we regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, and to maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes.

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), as of the end of the period covered by this report, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of October 31, 2023.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Our system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the above evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2023.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2023 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations of Internal Controls

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

During the quarter ended October 31, 2023, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.).

Not applicable.

PART III

Set forth below is information regarding the Company’s directors, including information furnished by them as to their principal occupations for the last five years, and their ages as of January 15, 2024. Other than Robert Dawson, our current President and Chief Executive Officer, all of the Directors are “independent directors” as defined by the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, and the Board of Directors has determined that such independent directors have no relationship with the Company that would interfere with the exercise of their independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

Mark K. Holdsworth was appointed to the Board on December 31, 2020. Mr. Holdsworth is the Managing Partner of The Holdsworth Group, LLC (“THG”), which he founded in 2019. THG is a capital partner, advisor, and curator of alternative investments for family offices and corporations worldwide. From 1999-2018, Mr. Holdsworth was a Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Operating Partner of Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC (“TCP”), a Los Angeles-based private multi-strategy investment firm that was acquired by BlackRock, Inc. in August 2018, and was a Managing Director of BlackRock until April 2019. Mr. Holdsworth is currently a director of Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN), where he previously held the position of Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Responsibility Committee, and was a former member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Holdsworth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pomona College, a Bachelor of Science degree (with Honors) from the California Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.

Sheryl Cefali was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2019 and currently serves as the Chair of the Compensation Committee and a Committee member on the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Ms. Cefali is a Managing Director in the Duff & Phelps Opinions Practice of Kroll, LLC. Ms. Cefali has over 30 years of experience rendering fairness and solvency opinions and determining valuations of companies and securities. She is a member of the Fairness and Solvency Opinion Senior Review Committee at Duff & Phelps. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps in 1990, she was a Vice President with Houlihan Lokey. Ms. Cefali received her M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from the University of Southern California and her B.A. degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Robert Dawson has been the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since July 17, 2017. Effective July 21, 2018, Mr. Dawson was appointed to the Company’s Board to also serve as a director. Prior to joining RF Industries on July 17, 2017, Mr. Dawson was President and CEO of Vision Technology Services, an information technology consulting and project management company that was acquired by BG Staffing. He spent 2007-2013 at TESSCO Technologies, a publicly traded distributor of wireless products and services. At TESSCO Mr. Dawson held multiple executive roles in sales, marketing, product management and strategy culminating with being Vice President of Sales, responsible for TESSCO’s sales organization and leading a team delivering more than $700 million in sales. He joined TESSCO through the 2007 acquisition of NetForce Solutions, a technology training and consulting firm that he co-founded in 2000 and led as the Chief Executive Officer through seven years of growth before being acquired by TESSCO. Mr. Dawson received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Hillsdale College.

Gerald T. Garland has been a Board member since 2017 and currently serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and a Committee member on the Compensation Committee. He is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Life, Leadership and Legacy, LLC. From 2003 until 2015, Mr. Garland served as Senior Vice President of Solutions Development and Product Management and SVP of the Commercial Division for TESSCO Technologies, a publicly traded value-added distributor and solutions provider for the wireless industry. He was previously Director of Business Development at American Express Tax and Business Services from 2002 to 2003, where he was involved in an expanded asset recovery capability for Fortune 1000 companies. From 2000 to 2001, he was Chief Financial Officer at Mentor Technologies, a developer of on-line, CISCO certification training products. Mr. Garland was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at TESSCO Technologies from 1993 to 1999, during which he oversaw the company’s initial public offering as well as TESSCO’s significant sales expansion. Prior to joining TESSCO, Mr. Garland held leadership positions at Bank of America and Stanley Black & Decker. Mr. Garland received his M.B.A., with a concentration in Finance from Loyola University and his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Accounting from Towson University. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Senior Adviser to the World Trade Center Institute and a Senior Adviser and former Board member of SOZO Children.

Kay L. Tidwell was appointed to the Board in 2022 and serves as the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and is a member of the Compensation Committee. Ms. Tidwell is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer of Hudson Pacific Properties Inc. (“Hudson Pacific”). She joined Hudson Pacific in 2010 and is responsible for the Company’s corporate legal function, overseeing corporate governance matters, SEC and NYSE compliance, insurance and litigation, as well as managing outside counsel. Prior to Hudson Pacific, Ms. Tidwell was an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP (“Latham & Watkins”), where she began her legal career in the Los Angeles office, advising on a wide variety of corporate and securities matters, including Hudson Pacific’s IPO. Ms. Tidwell also worked as the U.S. associate in the German offices of Latham & Watkins. She serves on the board of Elemental Music, a nonprofit providing after-school music ensembles for elementary, middle and high school students. Ms. Tidwell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, magna cum laude, from Yale College. She also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School.

The Company believes that Messrs. Holdsworth, Dawson and Garland and Ms. Cefali and Tidwell have the following qualifications as members of the Board of Directors:

Mark K. Holdsworth: Mr. Holdsworth has significant experience in investment banking and investment management. In addition, Mr. Holdsworth has experience in serving on the Boards of Directors of major public companies and as the Chairman of a Corporate Governance and Responsibility Committee.

Sheryl Cefali: Ms. Cefali has over 30 years of experience rendering fairness and solvency opinions and determining valuations of companies and securities. Ms. Cefali is currently a Managing Director at Kroll, LLC, as well as a member of that firm’s Fairness and Solvency Opinions Senior Review Committee.

Robert Dawson: Mr. Dawson has significant leadership experience in sales, marketing, product management and strategy for a leading publicly traded distributor of wireless products and services. Mr. Dawson also served as President and CEO of an information technology consulting and project management company and was a co-founder of a successful telecom and wireless technology training and consulting firm that he led for seven years of growth until it was acquired. 

Gerald T. Garland:Mr. Garland has significant leadership experience in financial management, product management, sales management, solutions development and global sourcing. Mr. Garland has significant industry experience having served as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for a leading publicly traded distributor and solutions provider of wireless products and services for over 18 years. Mr. Garland has also held senior leadership positions with Bank of America, Stanley Black & Decker and American Express Tax and Business Services.

Kay L. Tidwell. Ms. Tidwell has experience advising public company boards as a former attorney at Latham & Watkins. In her current role as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Risk Officer of Hudson Pacific, she also has relevant corporate governance compliance and risk management experience.

Management

Robert Dawson, 50, has been the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since July 17, 2017. Effective July 21, 2018, Mr. Dawson was appointed to the Company’s Board to also serve as a director. See preceding section for information regarding Mr. Dawson.

Peter Yin, 41, Chief Financial Officer, was appointed as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary effective July 11, 2020, promoted to Chief Financial Officer on January 12, 2021 and additionally appointed Treasurer on December 10, 2021. Mr. Yin, a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner, joined the Company in September 2014 and served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations since November 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Yin worked at Sony Corporation of America in Corporate Audit from 2010 to 2014, and at Grant Thornton in the Assurance practice from 2006 to 2010. Mr. Yin received a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of San Diego.

Ray Bibisi, 59, joined the Company as Chief Revenue Officer in January 2020 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer effective in May 2022. Prior to joining the Company, he spent over 30 years at Radio Frequency Systems, where he concurrently held the roles of Vice President of Sales and General Manager of North America, and was a member of the Global Governing Executive Committee, and concurrently also oversaw operations, finance, supply chain, and research and development.

Board of Director Meetings

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, the Board of Directors held five meetings. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, each member of the Board of Directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Board committees on which they served.

Board Age Limitation Policy

In December 2020, the Board adopted a policy that no individual shall be eligible to be nominated by the Board of Directors for election or re-election as a member of the Board if, at the time of the nomination, the individual has attained the age of 75 years.

Board Committees

During fiscal 2023, the Board of Directors maintained four committees: the Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Strategic Planning and Capital Allocation Committee. The Strategic Planning and Capital Allocation Committee was dissolved in November 2023, as the Board determined that it would maintain the responsibilities previously delegated to the committee.

The Audit Committee meets periodically with the Company’s management and independent registered public accounting firm to, among other things, review the results of the annual audit and quarterly reviews and discuss the financial statements. The Audit Committee also hires the independent registered public accounting firm, and receives and considers the accountant’s comments as to controls, adequacy of staff and management performance and procedures. The Audit Committee is also authorized to review related party transactions for potential conflicts of interest and to conduct internal investigations into whistleblower complaints, and to oversee the Company’s cybersecurity risk, policies and procedures. During fiscal 2023, the Audit Committee was composed of Mr. Garland (Chair), Ms. Cefali, and Mr. Cohenour, with Mr. Cohenour resigning from Board and all committees thereof effective as of October 31, 2023. Mr. Holdsworth replaced Mr. Cohenour as a member of the Audit Committee upon his resignation. Each of the current members of the Audit Committee is a non-employee director and is independent as defined under the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing standards. In addition, each of the members of the Audit Committee has significant knowledge of financial matters, and Messrs. Garland is and Cohenour was, during the time of his service on the Audit Committee, an “audit committee financial expert.” The Audit Committee met five times during fiscal 2023.

The Compensation Committee currently consists of Ms. Cefali (Chair), Mr. Garland, Mr. Holdsworth, and Ms. Tidwell, each of whom is a non-employee director and is independent as defined under the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing standards. During fiscal 2022, Marvin Fink served on the Compensation Committee until he resigned as a director as of September 6, 2022, and Ms. Tidwell was appointed to the Compensation Committee on September 8, 2022. The Compensation Committee is responsible for considering and recommending to the Board the compensation arrangements for senior management. As part of its other responsibilities, the Compensation Committee provides general oversight of our compensation structure and, if deemed necessary, retains and approves the terms of the retention of compensation consultants and other compensation experts. Other specific duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include reviewing the performance of executive officers; reviewing and approving objectives relevant to executive officer compensation; recommending equity-based and incentive compensation plans; and recommending compensation policies and practices for service on our Board of Directors and its committees and for the Chair of our Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee works primarily with our Chief Executive Officer to gather internal data and solicit management’s recommendations regarding compensation. However, the Compensation Committee determines the compensation for each of our individual officers outside the presence of the affected officer. The Compensation Committee also advises and consults with other non-executive board members as it determines appropriate regarding compensation issues. The Compensation Committee held seven meetings during fiscal 2023.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for developing and recommending corporate governance guidelines to the Board, identifying qualified individuals to become directors, recommending selected nominees to serve on the Board, and performing and overseeing the annual evaluation of the Board and its committees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of Ms. Tidwell (Chair), Mr. Holdsworth, and Ms. Cefali, each of whom is a non-employee director and is independent as defined under the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing standards. During fiscal 2022 Mr. Fink served on the Committee until he resigned as a director as of September 6, 2022 and Ms. Tidwell joined as of September 8, 2022. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held seven meetings during fiscal 2023.

The Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, each operate pursuant to a written charter, which charters are available on our website on www.rfindustries.com.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) that applies to all of our Directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The Code is posted on our website at www.rfindustries.com. We intend to disclose any amendments to the Code by posting such amendments on its website. In addition, any waivers of the Code for Directors or executive officers of the Company will be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K.

The following table discloses the compensation awarded to, earned by, paid to or accrued to our named executive officers for services rendered to us for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022.

Summary Compensation Table

2023 Option Grants

On January 11, 2023, we granted incentive stock options to Mr. Dawson for the purchase of 63,636 shares, Mr. Yin for the purchase of 22,727 shares, and Mr. Bibisi for the purchase of 10,909 shares.  The options vest over four years as follows: (i) one-quarter of the options shall vest on January 10, 2024; and (ii) the remaining options shall vest in twelve equal quarterly installments over the next three years, commencing with the first quarter following January 10, 2024. All incentive stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant. No other options were granted to the named executive officers during the year ended October 31, 2023. 

Holdings of Previously Awarded Equity

Equity awards held as of October 31, 2023 by each of our named executive officers were issued under our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The following table sets forth outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of October 31, 2023:

Outstanding Equity Awards As Of October 31, 2023

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, we did not adjust or amend the exercise price of stock options awarded to the named executive officers.

Employment Agreements; Incentive Plan; Change of Control Arrangements

Employment Agreements

Robert Dawson. On July 16, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “CEO Employment Agreement”) with Robert D. Dawson, pursuant to which he continues to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The CEO Employment Agreement became effective on July 17, 2021 and replaced Mr. Dawson’s prior employment agreement that expired on July 17, 2021. The initial term of the CEO Employment Agreement ends on January 31, 2023, after which the CEO Employment Agreement shall automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods, unless either Mr. Dawson or the Company provides the other party with written notice of non-renewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal.

Under the CEO Employment Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Dawson an annual base salary of $425,000. Mr. Dawson will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan, pursuant to which he will have the opportunity to earn a year-end bonus equal to fifty percent (50%) of his annual base salary. Under the CEO Employment Agreement, if Mr. Dawson’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for “cause”, the Company is obligated to Mr. Dawson for (x) an amount equal to one year’s base salary as in effect at such time, and (y) the estimated pro rata portion of his target bonus that was earned through the date of termination, and the vesting period of all of Mr. Dawson’s unvested stock options and all unvested time-based restricted stock grants will automatically be fully accelerated as of the termination date. The foregoing provisions will not apply if Mr. Dawson voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company or is terminated for cause. Mr. Dawson’s annual base salary for fiscal year 2023 was $445,000.

Also, effective July 17, 2021, Mr. Dawson received a fully vested, ten-year immediately exercisable stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  The exercise price of this option is $8.69, which was the closing price on the date of the CEO Employment Agreement.  The CEO Employment Agreement also provided that the vesting schedule of the remaining unvested portion of an option that was granted to him in 2017 was revised.  On July 17, 2017, Mr. Dawson received stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2017 Option”).  The award has an exercise price of $1.90 and vests as to 10,000 shares per year on each anniversary of July 17, 2017 (with 10,000 shares having vested on July 17, 2017) while he is employed by the Company.  As of July 17, 2021, 50,000 shares remained unvested under the 2017 Option.  Under the revised vesting schedule, provided Mr. Dawson is still employed by the Company, 25,000 shares of those unvested options under the 2017 Option vested on July 17, 2022, and the remaining 25,000 shares will vest on July 17, 2023.

Upon a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in the CEO Employment Agreement), all of Mr. Dawson’s time-based stock options and shares of restricted stock shall immediately vest, whether or not his employment is terminated.  If, at the time of a Change of Control Transaction, Mr. Dawson’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause (as defined in the CEO Employment Agreement), Mr. Dawson will be entitled to receive a change of control cash payment in an amount equal to 12 months of his base salary.

Peter Yin. Mr. Yin was promoted to Chief Financial Officer on January 12, 2021. Mr. Yin is currently employed on an at-will basis without written employment agreement. Mr. Yin’s annual base salary for the fiscal year 2023 was $285,000.

Ray Bibisi. Mr. Bibisi was appointed to Chief Operating Officer in May 2022 and is currently employed on an at-will basis without written employment agreement. Mr. Bibisi’s annual base salary for fiscal year 2023 was $220,000.

Adoption of Fiscal Year 2023 Management Incentive Equity and Cash Compensation Plan

On January 10, 2022, the Board adopted an annual incentive compensation plan for officers (including the Company’s named executive officers) and certain senior managers of the Company and its subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 (the “2022 Compensation Plan”). Under the 2022 Compensation Plan, each participant (i) received an equity award as a long-term incentive, and (ii) is eligible to receive a cash payment after the end of the fiscal year as a short-term incentive.

Equity Awards. In order to provide long term incentives to the Company’s officers and managers, on January 11, 2023, the Board granted participating officers and managers shares of restricted stock and options to purchase the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. Provided the participating officer or manager is still employed with the Corporation or its subsidiaries on the following dates, the shares of restricted stock and the options shall vest over four years as follows: (i) one-quarter of the restricted shares and options shall vest on January 11, 2024; and (ii) the remaining restricted shares and options shall vest in twelve equal quarterly installments over the next three years, commencing with the first quarter following January 11, 2024. The options have a ten-year term and an exercise price of $5.46 per share (which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant).

Mr. Dawson, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, was granted 31,818 shares of restricted stock and options to purchase 63,636 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.46 per share (the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant); Mr. Yin, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, was granted 11,364 shares of restricted stock and options to purchase 22,727 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.46 per share; and Mr. Bibisi, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, was granted 5,455 shares of restricted stock and options to purchase 10,909 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.46 per share.

Cash Incentives. Under the 2023 Compensation Plan, cash incentive bonuses, if any, will be paid to certain officers and senior managers based upon (i) the Company’s achievement of specified financial goals and (ii) the Board’s discretionary review of each participant’s performance during fiscal 2023. The corporate goals will apply equally to all participating officers and managers. The subjective performance of each officer will be evaluated and determined by the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, after consultation with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

The minimum, target and maximum cash bonus payable to the Chief Executive Officer is, respectively, 0%, 75% and 112.5% of his annual base salary, depending on achievement of the specified goals. For the other participants, the minimum bonus is 0%, the target bonuses range from 15% to 50% of base pay, and the maximum cash bonus payable ranges from to 22.5% to 75% of the recipient’s fiscal 2022 annual base salary. Bonuses will be weighted and based on (i) the Company’s achievement of certain fiscal 2022 revenues (weighted 30%), (ii) fiscal 2022 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (weighted 60%), and (iii) a subjective evaluation of each individual’s performance (weighted 10%). The calculation of adjusted EBITDA will exclude the impact of one-time charges related to any business acquisitions or dispositions effected during the year, severance payments, moving costs, the impact of the Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans the Company has received, earn-out payments or reversals, other non-recurring items, executive bonus payments and equity compensation expenses accrued to management. The Board and the Compensation Committee reserve the right to modify these goals, criteria and target percentage at any time, and to grant bonuses to the participants even if the performance goals are not met. In addition, the Board and Compensation Committee may modify the bonus plan targets to reflect significant changes in Company’s business, including changes due to acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or product lines. The 2023 bonuses will be paid within 75 days after the end to the fiscal year to participating officers and managers who are employed with the Company or its subsidiaries on the date of payment.

Change of Control Arrangements

As described in “Employment Agreements; Incentive Plan; Change of Control Arrangements--Employment Agreements--Robert Dawson,” above, Mr. Dawson is entitled to a cash payment and the acceleration of the vesting of certain of his options upon a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in his current employment agreement).

The outstanding stock options currently owned by the Company’s principal officers (including Messrs. Dawson, Yin and Bibisi) and division managers provide that, immediately prior to a change of control (as defined), all unvested stock options will become fully vested and exercisable. In addition, the shares of restricted stock granted to each of the non-executive directors for his/her services to be rendered during the current year, shall also become fully vested upon a change of control event.

The Company has no other change of control payment agreements that are currently in effect.

Compensation of Directors

Under the compensation policies adopted by the Compensation Committee, directors who also are officers and/or employees of the Company do not receive any compensation for serving on the Board. On September 8, 2022, the Board determined that the compensation payable to directors as Board fees for the next year ending with the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders will be $90,000 ($40,000 in cash and $50,000 in restricted stock). In addition, effective September 8, 2022, the Board determined that additional chair fees and committee member fees would be paid in cash as follows:

The restricted stock fees vest on the earlier of (i) one year from the date of grant, or (ii) the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders. The number of restricted shares granted to each director was 7,485 determined by dividing the amount of the fee by the closing price of the Company’s common stock from the date of grant ($6.68). Accordingly, on September 8, 2022, Mr. Holdsworth, Ms. Cefali, Mr. Cohenour, Mr. Garland, and Ms. Tidwell were each granted 7,485 shares of restricted stock. The cash fees vests in four equal quarterly installments paid in arrears commencing November 1, 2022. 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2023

On September 6, 2023, the Board determined that the compensation payable to directors as Board fees for the next year ending with the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders will be $90,000 ($40,000 in cash and $50,000 in restricted stock).  On October 30, 2023, in an effort to conserve cash of the Company, the Board approved the reallocation of $20,00 in cash compensation to instead be reallocated to restricted stock thereby providing for $20,000 in annual cash compensation and $70,000 in restricted stock ("Director Compensation Reallocation”).  In addition, effective September 6, 2023, the Board determined that additional chair fees and committee member fees would be paid in cash as follows:

*The Chairperson of the Board agreed to reduce his chair fee from $25,000 to $15,000 subject to potential reinstatement of the $25,000 as determined at the discretion of the Board during fiscal year 2024.

Based on the reallocation of cash compensation to equity compensation, the Company made two restricted stock grants to the directors as part of their Board equity fees. On September 6, 2023, Mr. Holdsworth, Ms. Cefali, Mr. Cohenour, Mr. Garland, and Ms. Tidwell were each granted 13,333 shares of restricted stock (“Initial Director Grant”), which was determined by dividing the $50,000 fee by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant ($3.75). The restricted stock fees for the Initial Director Grant vests on the earlier of (i) one year from the date of grant, or (ii) the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Holdsworth, Ms. Cefali, Mr. Garland, and Ms. Tidwell were each granted 6,756 shares of restricted stock (“Second Director Grant”), which was determined by dividing the amount of the reallocated $20,000 fee by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant ($2.96). The restricted stock fees for the Second Director Grant vests in four (4) equal installments beginning on January 31, 2024 and quarterly thereafter until fully vested.

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of January 23, 2024 for: (i) each director; (ii) the Company’s named executive officers; (iii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group; and (iv) all those known by the Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock.  As of January 23, 2024, there were 10,343,223 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.

* Less than 1%

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table provides information as of October 31, 2023 with respect to the shares of Company common stock that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans:

None.

Audit Fees

The following is a summary of the fees billed to the Company by CohnReznick LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, for professional services rendered related to the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022:

Audit Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of the interim financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by CohnReznick LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and review of the Company’s financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” We did not incur such audit-related fees from CohnReznick LLP during fiscal 2023 and 2022.

Tax Fees. Includes fees associated with tax compliance at international locations, domestic and international tax advice and planning and assistance with tax audits and appeals.

All Other Fees. Includes the aggregate fees recognized for professional services provide by CohnReznick LLP, other than those services described above, including services related to other permissible advisory services.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee is required to review and approve the proposed retention of independent auditors to perform any proposed auditing and non-auditing services as outlined in its charter. The Audit Committee has not established policies and procedures separate from its charter concerning the pre-approval of auditing and non-auditing related services. As required by Section 10A of the Exchange Act, our Audit Committee has authorized all auditing and non-auditing services provided by CohnReznick LLP during 2023 and 2022 and the fees paid for such services.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto are listed and included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page F-1. The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report:

Stockholders of the Company may obtain a copy of any exhibit referenced in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by writing to: Secretary, RF Industries, Ltd., 16868 Via Del Campo Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92127. The written request must specify the stockholder’s good faith representation that such stockholder is a stockholder of the Company.

We may voluntarily include a summary of information required by Form 10-K under this Item 16. We have elected not to include such summary information.

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(In thousands, except share amounts)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

(In thousands)