UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020

Commission file number 0-28839

VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(800) 645-7750

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

 

 

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

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes   ☐       No   ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes   ☐       No   ☒

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

Yes   ☒       No   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes   ☒       No   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

Large accelerated filer ☐   Accelerated filer ☒   Non-accelerated filer ☐   Smaller reporting company ☐   Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting under section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes   ☐       No   ☒

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $85,504,049 (based upon closing price on the Nasdaq Stock Market on August 31, 2019).

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of June 11, 2020 was:

 

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This Explanatory Note to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 is being filed with the Report pursuant to the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission contained in SEC Release No. 34-88465, dated March 25, 2020 (the “Order”).  VOXX International Corporation filed a Form 8-K (the “Form 8-K”) on May 4, 2020, prior to the original May 14, 2020 due date of the Report, indicating its reliance on the relief granted by the Order.

 

Consistent with the Company’s statements made in the Form 8-K, the Company was unable to file its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 until June 15, 2020, and therefore relied on the Order due to circumstances related to the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. COVID-19 resulted in furloughs and a reduction in staff, and suspension of in-person operations at the Company’s administrative headquarters in Hauppauge, New York in accordance with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “New York State on Pause,” Executive Order 202.8 issued March 20, 2020 (as further extended by Executive Orders 202.14, 202.18, and 202.39), as well as other financial and operational concerns associated with or caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions caused significant disruptions to the Company’s operations requiring key personnel to devote considerable time and resources to respond to the emerging impacts on its business, which limited their availability to complete the Report and to thoroughly evaluate the events related to COVID-19.  

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III -  (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed on or before June 29, 2020.

 

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VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Index to Form 10-K

 

Table of Contents

 

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATING TO THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7, and the information incorporated by reference contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  We intend those forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. All statements regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy, our financing plans and the outcome of any contingencies are forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections about our industry and our business, and the impact of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak on our results of operations. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "should," "would," or variations of those words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in or implied by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, matters listed in Item 1A under "Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K.  Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result thereof. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

NOTE REGARDING DOLLAR AMOUNTS AND FISCAL YEAR

In this annual report, all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands, except for share prices and per-share amounts. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all amounts and percentages in our Form 10-K are exclusive of discontinued operations.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last day of February.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report as well as the description of our business contained herein, unless otherwise indicated, principally reflect the status of our business and the results of our operations as of and for the year ended February 29, 2020. Economies throughout the world have been severely disrupted by the effects of the quarantines, business closures and the reluctance or inability of individuals to leave their homes as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. As a result of these factors, our supply chain has been disrupted and many of our customers have been significantly impacted which has, in turn, reduced our level of operations and activities. In addition, the capital markets have been disrupted and our efforts to raise necessary capital in the future could be adversely impacted by the outbreak of the virus and we cannot forecast with any certainty when the disruptions caused by it will cease to impact our business and the results of our operations. In reading this report on Form 10-K, consider the additional uncertainties caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Item 1-Business

VOXX International Corporation ("Voxx," "We," "Our," "Us," or the "Company") is a leading international manufacturer and distributor in the Automotive Electronics, Consumer Electronics, and Biometrics industries. The Company has widely diversified interests, with more than 30 global brands that it has acquired and grown throughout the years, achieving a powerful international corporate image and creating a vehicle for each of these respective brands to emerge with its own identity. We conduct our business through seventeen wholly-owned subsidiaries: Audiovox Atlanta Corp., VOXX Electronics Corporation, VOXX Accessories Corp., VOXX German Holdings GmbH ("Voxx Germany"), Audiovox Canada Limited, Voxx Hong Kong Ltd., Audiovox International Corp., Audiovox Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("Voxx Mexico"), Code Systems, Inc., Oehlbach Kabel GmbH ("Oehlbach"), Schwaiger GmbH ("Schwaiger"), Invision Automotive Systems, Inc. ("Invision"), Klipsch Holding LLC ("Klipsch"), Omega Research and Development, LLC ("Omega"), Voxx Automotive Corp., Audiovox Websales LLC, and VSM-Rostra LLC, as well as a majority owned subsidiary, EyeLock LLC ("EyeLock"). We market our products under the Audiovox® brand name and other brand names and licensed brands, such as 808®, Acoustic Research®, Advent®, Car Link®, Chapman®, Code-Alarm®, Discwasher®, Energy®, Heco®, Invision®, Jamo®, Klipsch®, Mac Audio^™, Magnat®, Mirage®, myris®, Oehlbach®, Omega®, Prestige®, Project Nursery®, RCA®, RCA Accessories, Rosen®, Rostra®, Schwaiger®, Terk®, Vehicle Safety Automotive, and Voxx

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Automotive as well as private labels through a large domestic and international distribution network.  We also function as an OEM ("Original Equipment Manufacturer") supplier to several customers, as well as market a number of products under exclusive distribution agreements, such as SiriusXM satellite radio products.

VOXX International Corporation was incorporated in Delaware on April 10, 1987 under its former name, Audiovox Corp., as successor to a business founded in 1960 by John J. Shalam, our Chairman and controlling stockholder. Our extensive distribution network and long-standing industry relationships have allowed us to benefit from growing market opportunities and emerging niches in the electronics business.

Effective March 1, 2019, the Company revised its reportable segments to better reflect the way the Company now manages its business. To reflect management’s revised perspective, the Company now classifies its operations in the following three reportable segments: Automotive Electronics, Consumer Electronics, and Biometrics. Prior year segment amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The Automotive Electronics segment designs, manufactures, distributes and markets rear-seat entertainment devices, satellite radio products, automotive security, remote start systems, mobile multimedia devices, aftermarket/OE-styled radios, car-link smartphone telematics applications, collision avoidance systems, location-based services, turn signal switches, automotive lighting products, obstacle sensing systems, cruise control systems, camera systems, USB ports, and heated seats. The Consumer Electronics segment designs, manufactures, distributes and markets home theater systems, high-end loudspeakers, outdoor speakers, business music systems, cinema speakers, flat panel speakers, wireless and Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, headphones, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible devices, remote controls, karaoke products, personal sound amplifiers, infant and nursery products, activity tracking bands, healthcare wearables, as well as A/V connectivity, portable/home charging, reception and digital consumer products. The Biometrics segment designs, markets and distributes iris identification and biometric security related products. See Note 13 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for segment and geographic area information.

We make available financial information, news releases and other information on our web site at www.voxxintl.com. There is a direct link from the web site to the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") filings, where our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such reports and amendments with, or furnish them to, the SEC. In addition, we have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which is available free of charge upon request. Any such request should be directed to the attention of the Company's Human Resources Department, 180 Marcus Boulevard, Hauppauge, New York 11788, (631) 231-7750.

The Company is monitoring the impacts COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on its global supply chain, including disruptions of product deliveries. The Company sources the majority of its merchandise outside of the U.S. through arrangements with vendors primarily located in several Pacific Rim countries. The Company is collaborating with its vendors to mitigate significant delays in delivery of product, as certain factories have been closed, and certain other factories are operating at a limited capacity.

The Company entered this period of uncertainty with a healthy liquidity position and is taking immediate, aggressive and prudent actions, including reevaluating all expenditures, to enhance the Company’s ability to meet the Company’s short-term liquidity needs, in order to best position the business for its key stakeholders, including the Company’s employees, customers and shareholders. As a precautionary measure, in April 2020, the Company borrowed $20,000 from its revolving credit facility to improve its cash position and resumed factoring accounts receivable balances under all of its supply chain financing arrangements, which it had previously scaled back. The Company continues to partner with its vendors, landlords, and lenders to preserve liquidity and mitigate risk during this unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak and is working with its service providers to further reduce costs by negotiating lower rates. In addition, the Company is actively monitoring and assessing the rapidly changing government policy and economic stimulus responses to COVID-19.

The Company has seen, and expects to continue to see, material reductions in sales as a result of COVID-19. In addition, these reductions in revenue have not been offset by proportional decreases in expense, as the Company continues to incur overhead costs such as depreciation expense, and certain other costs such as compensation and administrative expenses, resulting in a negative effect on the relationship between the Company’s costs and revenues.

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In addition, the Company could experience other material impacts as a result of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, charges from potential adjustments of the carrying value of inventory, additional asset impairment charges, and deferred tax valuation allowances.

Though the current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of COVD-19 on the Company’s business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, the Company anticipates COVID-19 may continue to have a material adverse impact on its business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in Fiscal 2021.

For further information about COVID-19, refer to  “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Form 10-K.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has adversely affected the economies and financial markets worldwide, and potential target companies or potential buyers may defer or end discussions for a potential acquisition or disposition with us depending on whether or not COVID-19 affects their business operations. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for a business combination or a potential buyer for a business disposition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. We may be unable to complete a business combination or a disposition if continued concerns relating to COVID-19 restrict travel, limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors, or if a target company’s personnel, vendors and service providers are unavailable to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner.

Our most recent acquisition and disposition transactions are discussed below:

On January 31, 2020, Voxx acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Vehicle Safety Holding Corp. (“VSHC”), a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributer of automotive safety electronics, for a preliminary purchase price of $16,610, which included $16,500 in cash and contingent consideration valued at $110. The purpose of this acquisition was to increase the Company’s market share in the automotive industry, including trucks and sports vehicles, as well as strengthen its business and customer reach and add new product lines. Details of the tangible and intangible assets acquired are outlined in Note 2 "Business Acquisitions and Dispositions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On April 18, 2017, Voxx acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Rosen Electronics LLC for cash consideration of $1,814. In addition, the Company agreed to pay a 2% fee related to future net sales of Rosen products for three years. The purpose of this acquisition was to increase the Company's market share and strengthen its intellectual property related to the rear seat entertainment market. Details of the tangible and intangible assets acquired are outlined in Note 2 "Business Acquisitions and Dispositions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On August 31, 2017 (the "Closing Date"), the Company completed its sale of Hirschmann Car Communication GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Hirschmann”) to a subsidiary of TE Connectivity Ltd ("TE"). The consideration received by the Company was €148,500. The purchase price, at the exchange rate as of the close of business on the Closing Date approximated $177,000. The Hirschmann subsidiary group, which was included within the Automotive segment, qualified to be presented as a discontinued operation in accordance with ASC 205-20 beginning in the Company's Fiscal 2018 second quarter ending August 31, 2017. Refer to Note 2 "Business Acquisitions and Dispositions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the sale of Hirschmann.

Strategy

Our objective is to grow our business both organically and through strategic acquisitions.  We will drive the business organically by continued product development in new and emerging technologies that should increase gross margins and improve operating income. We are focused on expanding sales both domestically and internationally and broadening our customer and partner base as we bring these new products to our target markets.  In addition, we plan to continue to acquire synergistic companies that would allow us to leverage our overhead, penetrate new

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markets and expand existing product categories. Notwithstanding the above, if the appropriate opportunity arises, the Company will explore the potential divestiture of a product line or business.

Subject to our ongoing evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business (as further described elsewhere in this report), the key elements of our strategy are as follows:

Continue to build and capitalize on the VOXX family of brands.  We believe the "VOXX" portfolio of brands is one of our greatest strengths and offers us significant opportunity for increased market penetration.  Today, VOXX International has over 30 global brands in its portfolio, which provides the Company with the ability to bring to market products under brands that consumers know to be quality.  In addition, with such a wide brand portfolio, we can manage channels and sell into multiple outlets as well as leverage relationships with distributors, retailers, aftermarket car dealers and expeditors, and to global OEMs.  Finally, we are open to opportunities to license some of the brands as an additional use of the brands and as a growth strategy.

Continue to maintain diversified, blue chip customer base. Voxx distributes products through a wide range of specialty and mass merchandise channels and has arrangements as a tier-1 and tier-2 auto OEM supplier. OEM products account for 13% of sales from continuing operations, and no single customer accounted for over 10% of Fiscal 2020 sales.

Capitalize on niche product and distribution opportunities in our target markets.  Throughout our history, we have used our extensive distribution and supply networks to capitalize on niche product and distribution opportunities in the automotive, premium audio and consumer accessories categories. We will continue that focus as we remain committed to innovation, developing products internally and through our outsourced technology and manufacturing partners to provide our customers with products that are in demand by consumers.

Combine new, internal manufacturing capabilities with our proven outsourced manufacturing with industry partners.  For years, VOXX International employed an outsourced manufacturing strategy that enabled the Company to deliver the latest technological advances without the fixed costs associated with manufacturing.  In recent years, the Company has added manufacturing capabilities to produce select product lines, such as rear-seat entertainment systems, security related products, and high-end speakers. This blend of internal and outsourced manufacturing enables the Company to drive innovation, control product quality and speed time-to-market.

Use innovative technology generation capabilities to enable us to build a robust pipeline of new products. Voxx has invested significantly in R&D. The Company uses a mix of internal and external R&D, internal and external manufacturing, and has a number of valuable trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names and other intellectual property. Through Voxx's focus on R&D, the Company has built a pipeline of new products across all three segments.

Leverage our domestic and international distribution network.  VOXX International Corporation has a highly expansive distribution network. Our distribution network, which includes OEM's, car dealers, automotive manufacturers, various types of retailers and chain stores, mass merchandisers, distributors, e-commerce platforms, system integrators, communication network providers, smart grid manufacturers, banks, cinema operators, healthcare providers and equipment manufacturers, the U.S. military, and private security providers should allow us to increase our market penetration.  We intend to capitalize on new and existing distribution outlets to further grow our business across our three operating segments, both domestically and abroad.

Grow our international presence.  We have an international presence through our local subsidiaries in Europe, as well as operations in Canada and China.  We also continue to export from our domestic operations in the United States. Our strategy remains to diversify our geographic exposure, while expanding our product offerings and distribution touch points across the world.

Pursue strategic and complementary acquisitions.  We continue to monitor economic and industry conditions in order to evaluate potential strategic and synergistic business acquisitions that are expected to allow us to leverage overhead, penetrate new markets and expand our existing business distribution.  Over the past several years, the Company has employed an M&A strategy to build its brand portfolio and enhance its product offering in higher margin product categories, while at the same time, exiting lower margin and commoditized product lines, resulting in improved bottom-line performance. The Company is focused on continuing to grow organically, but may pursue opportunistic acquisitions to augment our Automotive Electronic (primarily with OEM accounts), Consumer Electronic and Biometric segments.

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Maintain disciplined acquisition criteria. Virtually all of our acquisitions have been made to strengthen our product offerings, customer reach and growth potential across our operating business segments. Our strategy remains to acquire complimentary businesses, products and/or assets in our Automotive Electronic, Consumer Electronic, and Biometric operating segments. Additionally, acquisitions should have a gross margin structure equal to or higher than our consolidated gross margins, and we will continue to look for acquisitions where we can leverage our corporate overhead and resources. Furthermore, it is important that management remains with Voxx as part of the acquisition, as their legacy expertise and knowledge of both the inner workings of their respective companies and the end-markets they serve are paramount to successfully running operations and achieving growth. We also pursue acquisitions that will be accretive for the Company and its shareholders in the first year such acquisitions are made.

Rapidly integrate acquired businesses. One of the more compelling factors as to why acquired businesses choose VOXX International Corporation is that we are perceived as both a financial and strategic partner. We are operators, and companies view their association with us as a positive for the future of their businesses in that we can provide resources and support that others in our sector, or in the Private Equity community, cannot. Our strategy upon acquisition, and in the years that follow, is to leverage our corporate strengths and integrate acquisitions into our operations. We provide accounting, MIS, warehouse and logistics support, as well as a host of value-added services that enable acquired companies to lower their cost basis and improve profitability. In recent years, we have consolidated facilities in our German operations and in Indiana, where we brought our RCA® and Klipsch operating groups together. We have also fully integrated our Rosen acquisition into our Florida operations and are in the process of integrating our latest acquisition of the VSHC.

Improve bottom-line performance and generate sustainable shareholder returns.  The Company has instituted an aggressive strategy in recent years to shift its product mix to higher-margin product categories, while controlling costs and strategically investing in its infrastructure.  Additionally, during Fiscal 2019, the Company began a comprehensive SKU rationalization program to discontinue certain product lines and streamline the Company’s consumer electronic product lines to focus on offerings with longer life cycles, more sustainable gross margins, and better growth potential. The Company remains focused on growing its business organically, continuing to enhance its gross profit margins and leveraging its fixed overhead structure to generate sustainable returns for its stockholders.

Industry

We participate in select product categories in the automotive, consumer, and biometric markets within the electronics industry. These markets are large and diverse, encompass a broad range of products and offer the ability to specialize in niche product groups. The introduction of new products and technological advancements are the major growth drivers in these markets.  Based on this, we continue to introduce new products across all segments, with an increased focus on niche product offerings.

Products

The Company currently reports sales data for the following three operating segments:

Automotive Electronic products include:

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Consumer Electronic products include:

Biometric products include:

We believe our segments have expanding market opportunities with certain levels of volatility related to domestic and international markets, new car sales, increased competition by manufacturers, private labels, technological advancements, discretionary consumer spending and general economic conditions.  Also, all of our products are subject to price fluctuations, which could affect the carrying value of inventories and gross margins in the future.

Within the industry our Biometrics segment operates in, technology is developing rapidly. Subsequent to the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to cause a greater interest for safe and touchless biometric systems. Widely used face readers are now being rendered ineffective by the use of facemasks and other protective facial gear, and fingerprint and palm reader secure access devices are now seen as infectious public surfaces. Iris biometric algorithms read the unique texture in the colored part of the eye, creating a unique identification for access, similar to that of a fingerprint or the geometric pattern of a face. This iris-based key, however, has the benefit of not only being touchless, but is also not hindered by the obstacles encountered by face recognition devices, such as facemasks or other devices that hide facial features. Iris biometrics can operate successfully without touching or mask removal, even through protective gear such as hazmat suits, if a person’s eyes are visible.

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Net sales from continuing operations, by segment, gross profit and total assets are as follows (Refer to Item 7 and Note 13 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information):

 

 

Patents, Trademarks/Tradenames, Licensing and Royalties

The Company regards its trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and similar intellectual property as important to its operations.  It relies on trademark, copyright and patent law, domain name regulations, and confidentiality or license agreements to protect its proprietary rights.  The Company has registered, or applied for the registration of, a number of patents, trademarks, domain names and copyrights by U.S. and foreign governmental authorities.  Additionally, the Company has filed U.S. and international patent applications covering certain of its proprietary technology.  The Company renews its registrations, which vary in duration, as it deems appropriate from time to time.

The Company has licensed in the past, and expects that it may license in the future, certain of its proprietary rights to third parties.  Some of the Company's products are designed to include intellectual property, licensed or otherwise obtained from third parties.  While it may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of the Company's products, the Company believes, based upon past experience and industry practice, such licenses generally could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms; however, there is no guarantee such licenses could be obtained at all. We intend to operate in a way that does not result in willful infringement of the patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights of other parties. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that a claim of infringement will not be asserted against us or that any such assertion will not result in a judgment or order requiring us to obtain a license in order to make, use, or sell our products.

License and royalty programs offered to our manufacturers, customers and other electronic suppliers are structured using a fixed amount per unit or a percentage of net sales, depending on the terms of the agreement.  Current license and royalty agreements have duration periods which range from 1 to 12 years or continue in perpetuity.  Certain agreements may be renewed at termination of the agreement.  The Company's license and royalty income is recorded upon sale and amounted to $1,224, $1,382 and $1,538 for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018, respectively.

Distribution and Marketing

We sell our products to:

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Our business is diversified within our segments across end-markets, customers, and products. We sell our automotive electronic products to both OEM and aftermarket customers. We sell our products under OEM arrangements with domestic and/or international subsidiaries of automobile manufacturers such as Ford, Fiat Chrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Mack Truck, Polaris, Bendix Commercial, Daimler Trucks North America, Textron Finance Shared Service, Wesco Distribution, ZF North America Autocar, Dieter’s Metal Fabricating, Grote Industries, International Truck (PDC), P.A.I. Products and Ryco Motorsport. These arrangements require a close partnership with the customer as we develop products to meet specific requirements.  OEM products accounted for approximately 13% of net sales from continuing operations for the year ended February 29, 2020, 20% for the year ended February 28, 2019, and 15% for the year ended February 28, 2018. Our consumer electronic and biometric products are sold through both retail and commercial channels.

Our five largest customers represented 24% of net sales from continuing operations for the year ended February 29, 2020, 25% for the year ended February 28, 2019, and 26% for the year ended February 28, 2018. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's net sales for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2019, or February 28, 2018. Geographically, approximately 82% of our revenues were derived from our domestic operations within the United States, while approximately 18% was derived from our operations in Europe, and less than 1% was derived from other regions.

We also provide value-added management services, which include:

We have flexible shipping policies designed to meet customer needs. In the absence of specific customer instructions, we generally ship products within 24 to 48 hours from the receipt of an order from public warehouses, as well as owned and leased facilities throughout the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Germany. The Company also employs a direct ship model from our suppliers for select customers upon their request.

Product Development, Warranty and Customer Service

Our product development cycle includes:

Utilizing our company-owned and third-party facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia, we work closely with our suppliers throughout the product design, testing and development process in an effort to meet the expectations of

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consumer demand for technologically advanced and high-quality products. Our Auburn Hills, Michigan and Orlando, Florida facilities are both IATF 16949:2016 certified, and our Orlando, Florida facility is ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2008 certified, all of which require the monitoring of quality standards in all facets of business.  The Orlando, Florida facility is also Ford Q1 certified, which is a certification awarded to Ford suppliers who demonstrate excellence beyond the ISO certifications in certain critical areas.

We provide product warranties for all our product lines, which primarily range from 30 days to three years. The Company also provides limited lifetime warranties for certain products, which limit the end-user's remedy to the repair or replacement of the defective product during its lifetime, as well as warranties for certain vehicle security products for the life of the vehicle for the original owner. To support our warranties, we have independent warranty centers in the United States and Europe.  Our customer service group, along with our Company websites, provide product information, answer questions and serve as a technical hotline for installation help for end-users and customers.

Suppliers

We work directly with our suppliers on industrial design, feature sets, product development and testing in order to ensure that our products and component parts meet our design specifications.

We purchase our products and component parts from manufacturers principally located in several Pacific Rim countries, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, as well as the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. In selecting our manufacturers, we consider quality, price, service, reputation, financial stability, as well as labor practices, disruptions, or shortages. In order to provide coordination and supervision of supplier performance such as price negotiations, delivery and quality control, we maintain buying and inspection offices in China and Hong Kong.  We consider relations with our suppliers to be good and alternative sources of supply are generally available within 120 days.  We have few long-term contracts with our suppliers and we generally purchase our products under short-term purchase orders.  Although we believe that alternative sources of supply are currently available, an unplanned shift to a new supplier could result in product delays and increased cost, which may have a material impact on our operations.

Competition

The electronics industry is highly competitive across all product categories, and we compete with a number of well-established companies that manufacture and sell similar products. Brand name, design, advancement of technology and features as well as price are the major competitive factors within the electronics industry.  Our Automotive Electronic products compete against factory-supplied products, including those provided by, among others, General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler; large Tier 1's, such as Denso, Panasonic, LG, Continental, Lear, and Bosch; as well as against major companies in the automotive aftermarket, such as Sony, Panasonic, Kenwood, Directed Electronics, Autopage, Myron and Davis, Phillips, Insignia, and Pioneer.  Our Consumer Electronic products compete against major companies such as Polk, Definitive, Bose, Sonos, Sonance, Bowers and Wilkins, Sony, Phillips, Emerson Radio, GE, Belkin and Private Label Brands. Competitors for our Biometrics products include companies such as IRIS ID, 3M, Suprema, Iritech, Inc., IrisGuard, Crossmatch, NEC, Gemalto, Vision-Box, IDEMIA, BioID, GoVerifyID, BioConnect, and Princeton Identity.

Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations

The amounts of net sales and long-lived assets attributable to foreign and domestic operations for all periods presented are set forth in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein.

Equity Investment

We have a 50% non-controlling ownership interest in ASA Electronics, LLC ("ASA") which acts as a distributor of mobile electronics specifically designed for niche markets within the automotive industry, including: RV's; buses; and commercial, heavy duty, agricultural, construction, powersport, and marine vehicles.

Employees

As of February 29, 2020, we employed 912 people worldwide, of which 32 were covered under collective bargaining agreements.  We consider our relations with employees to be good as of February 29, 2020. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 15% of our employees worldwide are on furlough as of our report date.

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Item 1A-Risk Factors

We have identified certain risk factors that apply to us. Each of the following risk factors should be carefully considered, as well as all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K. If any of these risks, or other risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe not to be significant, develop into actual events, then our business, financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations could be adversely affected. If that happens, the market price of our common stock would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result.

Major public health issues, and specifically, the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19, could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations and other aspects of our business.

The global spread of COVID-19 has created significant macroeconomic uncertainty, volatility, and disruption. In response, many governments have implemented policies intended to stop or slow the further spread of the disease, such as lockdowns, shelter-in-place, or restricted movement guidelines, and these measures may remain in place for a significant period of time. These policies have resulted in lower consumer and commercial activity across many markets in many geographic areas. Further, a global economic downturn, including increased unemployment, that may result from lower consumer and commercial activity may continue to decrease demand for our products.

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The spread of the COVID-19 has caused us to modify our business practices (including employee travel, employee work locations, and cancellation of physical participation in meetings and events), and we may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, and business partners.  There is no certainty that such measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by the virus or otherwise be satisfactory to government authorities.

The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak impacts our business, financial condition, results of operation or cash flows will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration and geographic spread of the outbreak, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.  Even after the coronavirus outbreak has subsided, we may continue to experience materially adverse impacts to our business as a result of its global economic impact, including any recession, economic downturn, or increased unemployment that has occurred or may occur in the future. One or more of our customers, distribution partners, service providers or suppliers may also experience financial distress, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business, or suffer disruptions in their business due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and as a result, our operating revenues may be impacted. The Company could also experience other material impacts, including, but not limited to, charges from potential adjustments to the carrying value of inventory, asset impairment charges, and deferred tax valuation charges.

There are no comparable recent events which may provide guidance as to the effect of the spread of COVID-19 and a global pandemic, and, as a result, the ultimate impact of this outbreak, or a similar health epidemic, is highly uncertain and subject to change.  We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts on our business, our operations or the global economy as a whole.  However, the effects may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our businesses are highly competitive and face significant competition from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and direct imports by our retail and commercial customers.

The markets for automotive electronics, consumer electronics, and biometric products are highly competitive across all product lines. We compete against many well-established companies, some of whom have substantially greater financial and engineering resources than we do. We compete directly with OEMs, including divisions of well-known automobile manufacturers, in the auto security, mobile video, and accessories markets. We believe that OEMs have diversified and improved their product offerings and placed increased sales pressure on new car dealers with whom they have close business relationships to purchase OEM-supplied equipment and accessories.  To the extent that OEMs succeed in their efforts, this success would have a material adverse effect on our sales of automotive entertainment and security products to new car dealers.  In addition, we compete with major retailers and commercial distributors within the consumer electronic and biometric industries who may at any time choose to direct import products that we may currently supply.

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OEM sales are dependent on the economic success of the automotive industry.

A portion of our OEM sales are to automobile manufacturers. In the past, some domestic OEM manufacturers have reorganized their operations as a result of general economic conditions. Additionally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many car manufacturers have been required to temporarily shut-down their manufacturing facilities. There is no guarantee that additional automobile manufacturers will not face similar reorganizations in the future. If additional reorganizations do take place and are not successful, it could have a material adverse effect on our OEM business.

Sales in our businesses are dependent on new products, product development and consumer acceptance.

Our businesses depend, to a large extent, on the introduction and availability of innovative products and technologies. If we are not able to continually introduce new products that achieve consumer acceptance, our sales and profit margins may decline.

The impact of technological advancements may cause price erosion and adversely impact our profitability and inventory value.

Since we do not manufacture all of our products and do not conduct all of our own research and development, we cannot assure you that we will be able to source technologically advanced products in order to remain competitive. Furthermore, the introduction or expected introduction of new products or technologies may depress sales of existing products and technologies. This may result in declining prices and inventory obsolescence. Since we maintain a substantial investment in product inventory, declining prices and inventory obsolescence could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Our estimates of excess and obsolete inventory may prove to be inaccurate, in which case the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory may be understated or overstated.  Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and operating results.

We purchase a significant amount of our products from suppliers in Pacific Rim countries and we are subject to the economic risks associated with inherent changes in the social, political, regulatory and economic conditions not only in these countries, but also in other countries we do business in, including our own.

We import most of our products from suppliers in the Pacific Rim. Countries in the Pacific Rim have, in the past, experienced significant social, political, geographic, and economic upheaval. Due to the large concentrations of our purchases in Pacific Rim countries, particularly China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan, any adverse changes in the social, political, regulatory, or economic conditions in these countries may materially increase the cost of the products that we buy from our foreign suppliers or delay shipments of products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, our dependence on foreign suppliers forces us to order products further in advance than we would if our products were manufactured domestically. This increases the risk that our products will become obsolete or face selling price reductions before we can sell our inventory.

Our business, and that of our suppliers in these countries and elsewhere, are subject to the impact of natural catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods or power outages, political crises such as terrorism or war, and public health crises, such as disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics in the U.S. and global economies. Currently, the rapid spread of COVID-19 globally has resulted in increased travel restrictions and disruption and shutdown of businesses.  Our business relies on raw materials, components, and finished goods provided by our suppliers. If the ongoing quarantining measures cause delays along our supply chain, we will likely experience a  slow-down in our business as a result.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have entered into a signed trade agreement called The United States - Mexico - Canada Agreement (“USMCA”) that has been ratified by all three countries. The USMCA will govern trade in North America and replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA"). Compared to the previous NAFTA trade agreement, USMCA will increase environmental and labor regulations and will create incentives for more U.S. production of cars and trucks and impose a quota for Canadian and Mexico automotive production. Although we have determined that there have been no current immediate effects on our operations with respect to USMCA, we cannot predict future developments in the political climate involving the United States, Mexico and Canada and thus these may have an adverse and material impact on our operations and financial growth.

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The U.S. Government has also expressed its intent under President Donald J. Trump to alter its approach to trade policy, including, in some instances, to revise, renegotiate or terminate certain multilateral trade agreements. It has also imposed new tariffs on certain foreign goods and raised the possibility of imposing additional increases or new tariffs on other goods. Such actions have, in some cases, already led to retaliatory trade measures by certain foreign governments. Such policies could make it more difficult or costly for us to do business in or import our products from those countries. In turn, we may need to raise prices or make changes to our operations, which could negatively impact our revenue or operating results. At this time, it remains unclear what additional actions, if any, will be taken by the U.S. Government or foreign governments with respect to tariff and international trade agreements and policies, and we cannot predict future trade policy or the terms of any revised trade agreements or any impact on our business.

A commercial market for biometrics technology is still developing. There can be no assurance our iris-based identity authentication technology will be successful or achieve market acceptance.

A component of our strategy to grow revenue includes expansion of our iris-based identity authentication solutions into commercial markets. To date, biometrics technology has received only limited acceptance in such markets. Although the recent appearance of biometric readers on popular consumer products, such as smartphones, has increased interest in biometrics as a means of authenticating and/or identifying individuals, commercial markets for biometrics technology are still developing and evolving. Biometrics-based solutions compete with more traditional security methods including keys, cards, personal identification numbers and security personnel. Acceptance of biometrics as an alternative to such traditional methods depends upon a number of factors including:

We face intense competition from other biometrics solutions providers.

A significant number of established companies have developed or are developing and marketing software and hardware for biometrics products and applications, including facial recognition, fingerprint biometrics, and other iris authentication competitors that currently compete with or will compete directly with our iris-based identity authentication solutions. We believe that additional competitors will enter the biometrics market and become significant long-term competitors, and that as a result, competition will increase. Companies competing with us may introduce solutions that are competitively priced, have increased performance or functionality or incorporate technological advances we have not yet developed or implemented.

There is no guarantee that patent/royalty rights will be renewed, or licensing agreements will be maintained.

Certain product development and revenues are dependent on the ownership and or use of various patents, licenses and license agreements.  If the Company is not able to successfully renew or renegotiate these rights, we may suffer from a loss of product sales or royalty revenue associated with these rights or incur additional expense to pursue alternative arrangements.

A portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions. Collective bargaining agreements can increase our expenses. Labor disruptions could adversely affect our operations.

As of February 29, 2020, 32 of our full-time employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. We cannot predict whether labor unions may be successful in organizing other portions of our workforce or what additional costs we could incur as a result.

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We depend on our suppliers to provide us with adequate quantities of high-quality competitive products and/or component parts on a timely basis.

We have few long-term contracts with our suppliers. Most of our products and component parts are imported from suppliers under short-term purchase orders. Accordingly, we can give no assurance that:

On occasion, our suppliers have not been able to produce the quantities of products or component parts that we desire. Our inability to manufacture and/or supply sufficient quantities of products that are in demand could reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our relationships with our customers. If any of our supplier relationships were terminated or interrupted, we could experience an immediate or long-term supply shortage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We have few long-term sales contracts with our customers that contain guaranteed customer purchase commitments.

Sales of many of our products are made by purchase orders and are terminable at will by either party. We do have long-term sales contracts with certain customers; however, these contracts do not require the customers to guarantee specific levels of product purchases over the term of the contracts. The unexpected loss of all or a significant portion of sales to any one of our large customers could have a material adverse effect on our performance.

Our success will depend on a less diversified line of business.

Currently, we generate substantially all of our sales from the Automotive Electronic and Consumer Electronic segments.  We cannot assure you that we can grow the revenues of our Automotive Electronic, Consumer Electronic, and Biometrics segments or maintain profitability. As a result, the Company's revenues and profitability will depend on our ability to maintain and generate additional customers and develop new products.  A reduction in demand for our existing products would have a material adverse effect on our business. The sustainability of current levels of our Automotive Electronics, Consumer Electronics, and Biometrics segments and the future growth of such revenues, if any, will depend on, among other factors:

We cannot assure you that we will maintain or increase our current level of revenues or profits from the Automotive Electronic and Consumer Electronics businesses, or that we will increase revenues and improve profitability in the Biometric business in future periods.

We depend on a small number of key customers for a large percentage of our sales.

The electronics industry is characterized by a number of key customers. Specifically, 24% of our sales from continuing operations were to five customers in Fiscal 2020, 25% in Fiscal 2019, and 26% in Fiscal 2018. The loss of one or more of these customers could have a material adverse impact on our business.

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The international marketing and distribution of our products subjects us to risks associated with international operations, including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

As part of our business strategy, we intend to continue to increase our sales, including our international sales, although we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. Approximately 18% of our net sales from continuing operations currently originate in markets outside the U.S. While geographic diversity helps to reduce the Company's exposure to risk in any one country or part of the world, it also means that we are subject to the full range of risks associated with international operations, including, but not limited to:

These risks could have a significant impact on our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis in international markets and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

In an effort to reduce the impact on earnings of foreign currency rate movements, we engage in a combination of cost-containment measures and selective hedging of foreign currency transactions. However, these measures may not succeed in offsetting any negative impact of foreign currency rate movements on our business and results of operations. For example, since 2010, Venezuela has been designated as hyperinflationary and the resulting currency devaluations in Venezuela in that initial year affected our business and results of operations. The government of Venezuela has also devalued its currency several times since 2013, which, as discussed in the next section, has also affected our business and results of operations.

Substantial political and economic uncertainty in Venezuela puts our local assets at risk.

We have a subsidiary in Venezuela, whose operations have been suspended due to the economic and political climate in that country. We hold fixed assets at this subsidiary and have incurred impairments related to our long-lived assets in Venezuela in the past, as well as charges totaling $3,473 during Fiscal 2019, resulting in a net book value of these assets to $0 as of February 28, 2019 and February 29, 2020. The Company intends to continue to hold these assets with the hope of recovering value from them in the future; however, if conditions continue to deteriorate, we may be at risk of government confiscation of these assets.

A decline in general economic conditions could lead to reduced consumer demand for the discretionary products we sell.

Consumer spending patterns, especially discretionary spending for products such as mobile, consumer and accessory electronics, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, energy costs, raw material costs, wage rates, inflation, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. A general slowdown in the U.S. and certain international economies or an uncertain economic outlook could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operating results.

Conditions in the global economy, the geographic markets we serve, and the financial markets may adversely affect us.

The current global financial market situation, as well as various social and political circumstances in the U.S. and around the world, including wars and other forms of conflict, terrorist acts, security operations and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and global health epidemics (including COVID-19

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currently affecting the global community), may contribute to increased market volatility and economic uncertainties or deterioration in the U.S. and worldwide.

Deterioration in the economic conditions in the Eurozone and globally, including instability in financial markets, may pose a risk to our business. In recent years, financial markets have been affected at times by a number of global macroeconomic and political events, including the following: large sovereign debts and fiscal deficits of several countries in Europe and in emerging markets jurisdictions, levels of non-performing loans on the balance sheets of European banks, the potential effect of any European country leaving the Eurozone, the potential effect of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, market volatility and loss of investor confidence driven by political events, and the recent global outbreak of COVID-19. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt and home prices, among other factors. We cannot assure you that market disruptions in Europe, including the increased cost of funding for certain governments and financial institutions, will not impact the global economy, and we cannot assure you that assistance packages will be available, or if available, be sufficient to stabilize countries and markets in Europe or elsewhere affected by a financial crisis. To the extent uncertainty regarding any economic recovery in Europe negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected.

 

The Chinese capital markets have also experienced periods of instability over the past several years. The current political climate has also intensified concerns about the potential trade war between the U.S. and China in connection with each country’s recent or proposed tariffs on the other country’s products. These market and economic disruptions and the potential trade war with China have affected, and may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in the retail industry could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

In recent years, the retail industry has experienced consolidation, store closures, bankruptcies and other ownership changes. In the future, retailers in the United States and in foreign markets may further consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could decrease the number of stores that carry our products. Changing shopping patterns, including the rapid expansion of online retail shopping, have adversely affected customer traffic in mall and outlet centers. We expect competition in the e-commerce market will continue to intensify. As a greater portion of consumer expenditures with retailers occurs online and through mobile commerce applications, our brick-and-mortar wholesale customers who fail to successfully integrate their physical retail stores and digital retail may experience financial difficulties, including store closures, bankruptcies or liquidations. We cannot control the success of individual malls, and an increase in store closures by other retailers may lead to store vacancies and reduced foot traffic. A continuation or worsening of these trends could have a material adverse effect on our sales, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our stock price could fluctuate significantly.

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly in response to various factors and events, including:

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In addition, the securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations over the past several years that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

We invest, from time to time, in marketable securities and other investments as part of our investing activities. These investments fluctuate in value based on economic, operational, competitive, political and technological factors.  These investments could be subject to loss or impairment based on their performance.

The Company has incurred other-than-temporary impairments on its investments in the past, and continues to monitor investments in non-controlled corporations, as applicable, for potential future impairments.  In addition, there is no guarantee that the fair values recorded for other investments will be sustained in the future. During the year ended February 28, 2019, the Company incurred impairment charges related to an investment held at cost, less impairment. The Company did not have any investments held at cost, less impairment at February 29, 2020. See Note 1(f) for impairment charges recorded and related disclosure.

From time to time, we provide funding to certain entities in the form of loans. Based on the performance of these entities, these loans may become partially or entirely uncollectible.

The Company has, from time to time, provided funding to certain entities that it owns and controls, or does not own or control, in the form of collateralized loans. Should the borrowers default on the loans and should the collateral be insufficient to satisfy the total outstanding balance owed to Voxx, we may not be able to recover 100% of these loan balances. During the year ended February 28, 2019, certain notes receivable held by the Company became uncollectible, and the value of the collateral was insufficient, resulting in an impairment charge related to these notes. See Note 1(f) for impairment charges recorded and related disclosure. We had loans outstanding, including principal and interest of $64,068, from our majority owned subsidiary, EyeLock LLC, at February 29, 2020.

We are subject to governmental regulations.

We always face the possibility of new governmental regulations which could have a substantial effect on our operations and profitability. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as “conflict minerals,” originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for due diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. These rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we implement.

We are increasingly dependent on the continuous and reliable operation of our information technology systems, and a disruption of these systems, resulting from cybersecurity attacks or other events, could adversely affect our business.

We increasingly depend on our information technology, or IT, infrastructure in order to achieve our business objectives. If we experience a problem that impairs this infrastructure, such as a computer virus, a problem with the functioning of an important IT application, or an intentional disruption of our IT systems by a third party, the resulting disruptions could impede our ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on our business in the ordinary course. Any such events could cause us to lose customers or revenue and could require us to incur significant expense to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns.

Computer viruses, malware, and other “hacking” programs and devices may cause significant damage, delays or interruptions to our systems and operations or to certain of the products we sell, resulting in damage to our reputation and brand names.  They may also attack our infrastructure, industrial machinery, software or hardware, causing significant damage, delays or other service interruptions to our systems and operations. “Hacking” involves efforts to gain unauthorized access to information or systems or to cause intentional malfunctions, loss or corruption

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of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment. In addition, increasingly sophisticated malware may target real-world infrastructure or product components, including certain of the products that we currently or may in the future sell by attacking, disrupting, reconfiguring and/or reprogramming industrial control software. Although the Company has business continuity plans in place, if these plans do not provide effective alternative processes on a timely basis, the Company may suffer interruptions in its ability to manage or conduct its operations, which may adversely affect its business.  The Company may need to expend additional resources in the future to continue to protect against, or to address problems caused by, any business interruptions or security breaches.  Any business interruptions or data security breaches, including cybersecurity breaches resulting in private data disclosure, could result in lawsuits or regulatory proceedings, damage the Company’s reputation or adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

A data privacy breach or failure to comply with data privacy laws could damage our reputation and customer relationships, expose us to litigation risk and potential fines and adversely affect our business.

As part of our normal operations, we collect, process, transmit and where appropriate, retain certain confidential employee and customer information, including credit card information. There is significant concern by consumers and employees over the security of personal information, consumer identity theft and user privacy. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party service providers, may be vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human error, or other similar events. As a result of security breaches at a number of prominent companies, the media and public scrutiny of information security and privacy has become more intense and the regulatory environment has become more uncertain. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, whether by us or our vendors, could result in significant legal and remediation expenses, severely damage our reputation and our customer relationships, harm sales, expose us to risks of litigation and liability and result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, changing privacy laws in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, including the adoption by the European Union of the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), create new individual privacy rights and impose increased obligations on companies handling personal data. The federal privacy and security regulations issued under HIPAA require our facilities to comply with extensive requirements on the use and disclosure of protected health information and to implement and maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the security of such information. Consequently, we may incur significant costs related to prevention of breaches and ensuring compliance with laws regarding the protection and unauthorized disclosure of personal information, or significant penalties for the violation of these laws and regulations.

We are responsible for product warranties and defects.

Whether we outsource manufacturing or manufacture products directly for our customers, we provide warranties for all of our products, for which we have provided an estimated liability. Therefore, we are highly dependent on the quality of our suppliers’ products.

If we experience an increase in warranty claims, or if our costs associated with such warranty claims increase significantly, we will begin to incur liabilities for warranty claims after the sale of our products at levels that we have not previously incurred or anticipated. In addition, an increase in the frequency of our warranty claims or amount of warranty costs may harm our reputation and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We must comply with restrictive covenants in our debt agreements.

Our existing debt agreements contain certain covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, borrow additional money, pay dividends, dispose of assets and acquire new businesses. These covenants also require us to maintain a specified fixed charge coverage ratio. If the Company is unable to comply with these covenants, there would be a default under these debt agreements. Changes in economic or business conditions, results of operations or other factors could cause the Company to default under its debt agreements. A default, if not waived by our lenders, could result in acceleration of our debt and possible bankruptcy, should we have debt outstanding.

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We may be unable to collect amounts owed to us by our customers.

We typically grant our customers credit on a short-term basis. Related credit risks are inherent as we do not typically collateralize receivables due from customers. We provide estimates for uncollectible accounts based primarily on our judgment using historical losses, current economic conditions and individual evaluations of each customer as evidence supporting the collectability of the receivables valuations stated on our financial statements. However, our receivables valuation estimates may not be accurate and receivables due from customers reflected in our financial statements may not be collectible. Our inability to perform under our contractual obligations, or our customers’ inability or unwillingness to fulfill their contractual commitments to us, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We provide financial support to one of our subsidiaries through an intercompany loan agreement and may need to secure additional financing for our own operations, but we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available.

We have an intercompany loan agreement with our majority owned subsidiary, EyeLock LLC, which is expected to continue to require additional funding beyond one year. In funding the loan to EyeLock LLC, we have less cash flow available to support our domestic operations and other activities. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows in the future to support our operations and service our debt as a result of funding EyeLock LLC, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our existing debt, as applicable, or to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any refinancing will be possible or that any additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms. The inability to service or refinance our existing debt or to obtain additional financing would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations.

Our capital resources may not be sufficient to meet our future capital and liquidity requirements.

We believe our current funds and available credit lines would provide sufficient resources to fund our existing operations for the foreseeable future. However, we may need additional capital to operate our business if:

We have recorded, and may record in the future, goodwill and other intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, and changes in future business conditions could cause these investments to become impaired, requiring substantial write-downs that would reduce our operating income.

We evaluate the recoverability of recorded goodwill and other intangible asset amounts annually, or when evidence of potential impairment exists. The annual impairment test is based on several factors requiring judgment. We have experienced significant impairment charges in the current and in past years (see Note 1(k)). Additional future impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of our business or product lines, adverse market conditions and changes in the competitive landscape, and a variety of other circumstances. The amount of any impairment is recorded as a charge to our statement of operations. We may never realize the full value of our goodwill and intangible assets, and any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of these assets may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our cash and cash equivalents could be adversely affected if the financial institutions in which we hold our cash and cash equivalents fail.

Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and highly liquid money market funds with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. We maintain the cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions. Some deposits with these banks exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limits or similar limits in foreign jurisdictions. While we monitor daily the cash balances in the operating accounts and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if one or more of the financial institutions with which we deposit fails or is subject to other adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurance that access to our invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial and credit markets.

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If our sales during the holiday season fall below our expectations, our annual results could also fall below expectations.

Seasonal consumer shopping patterns significantly affect our business. We generally make a substantial amount of our sales and net income during September, October and November. We expect this trend to continue. December is also a key month for us, due largely to the increase in promotional activities by our customers during the holiday season. If the economy faltered in these periods, if our customers altered the timing or frequency of their promotional activities, or if the effectiveness of these promotional activities declined, particularly around the holiday season, it could have a material adverse effect on our annual financial results.

Our business could be affected by unseasonal or severe weather-related factors.

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by weather-related factors. Adverse weather conditions and extreme seasonal fluctuations may deter or prevent patrons from reaching facilities where our products are sold, or negatively affect customer demand for certain products. Although our budget assumes certain seasonal fluctuations in our revenues to ensure adequate cash flow during expected periods of lower revenues, we cannot ensure that weather-related factors will not have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Our products could infringe the intellectual property rights of others and we may be exposed to costly litigation.

The products we sell are continually changing as a result of improved technology.  Although we and our suppliers attempt to avoid infringing known proprietary rights of third parties in our products, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims for alleged infringement by us, our suppliers or our distributors, or of a third party’s patents, trade secrets, trademarks or copyrights.

Any claims relating to the infringement of third-party proprietary rights, even if not meritorious, could result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources, or require us to either enter into royalty or license agreements which are not advantageous to us or pay material amounts of damages.  In addition, parties making these claims may be able to obtain an injunction, which could prevent us from selling our products.  We may increasingly be subject to infringement claims as we expand our product offerings.

Acquisitions and strategic investments may divert our resources and management attention; results may fall short of expectations.

We intend to continue pursuing selected acquisitions of and investments in businesses, technologies and product lines as a component of our growth strategy.  Any future acquisition or investment may result in the use of significant amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, or the incurrence of debt and amortization expenses related to intangible assets.  Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including:

We cannot assure you that our acquisitions will be successful and will not adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We depend heavily on existing directors, management and key personnel and our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel.

Our success depends on the continued efforts of our directors, executives and senior vice presidents, many of whom have worked with VOXX International Corporation for several decades, as well as our other executive officers and key employees. We have employment contracts with most of our executive officers. The loss or interruption of the continued full-time service of certain of our executive officers and key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

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In addition, to support our continued growth, we must effectively recruit, develop and retain additional qualified personnel both domestically and internationally. Our inability to attract and retain necessary qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

John J. Shalam, our Chairman, controls a significant portion of the voting power of our common stock and can exercise control over our affairs.

Mr. Shalam beneficially owns approximately 52.9% of the combined voting power of both classes of common stock. This will allow him to elect the majority of our Board of Directors and, in general, determine the outcome of any other matter submitted to the stockholders for approval. Mr. Shalam's voting power may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company.

We have two classes of common stock: Class A common stock, which is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol VOXX, and Class B common stock, which is not publicly traded and substantially all of which is beneficially owned by Mr. Shalam. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes per share. Class A shareholders vote separately for the election/removal of the Class A directors, while both classes vote together as a single class on all other matters and as otherwise may be required by Delaware law. Since our charter permits shareholder action by written consent, Mr. Shalam may be able to take significant corporate actions without prior notice and a shareholder meeting.

We exercise our option for the "controlled company" exemption under NASDAQ rules.

The Company has exercised its right to the "controlled company" exemption under NASDAQ rules which enables us to forego certain NASDAQ requirements which include:  (i) maintaining a majority of independent directors; (ii) electing a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors; (iii) ensuring the compensation of our executive officers is determined by a majority of independent directors or a compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; and (iv) selecting, or recommending for the Board's selection, director nominees, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.  Although we do not maintain a nominating committee and do not have a majority of independent directors, the Company notes that at the present time we do maintain a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors who approve executive compensation, and the recommendations for director nominees are governed by a majority of independent directors.  However, election of the "controlled company" exemption under NASDAQ rules allows us to modify our position at any time.

Other Risks

Other risks and uncertainties include:

Item 1B-Unresolved Staff Comments

As of the filing of this annual report on Form 10-K, there were no unresolved comments from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Item 2-Properties

Our Corporate headquarters is located at 2351 J. Lawson Blvd. in Orlando, Florida, which is owned by the Company, and also serves as a manufacturing facility for its automotive electronic business. In addition, as of February 29, 2020, the Company leased a total of 19 operating facilities or offices located in 8 states as well as China, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, and Hong Kong. The leases have been classified as operating leases.  Within the United States, the Company’s leased facilities are located in Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas. The Company also owns 8 of its operating facilities or offices (including its Corporate headquarters and automotive manufacturing facility in Florida), located in New York, Indiana, Michigan, and Arkansas in the United States, as well as in Germany and Venezuela. These facilities serve as offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Additionally, we utilize public warehouse facilities located in Virginia, Nevada, Indiana, Florida, Mexico, China, the Netherlands, Germany and Canada.

Item 3-Legal Proceedings

The Company is currently, and has in the past, been a party to various routine legal proceedings incident to the ordinary course of business. If management determines, based on the underlying facts and circumstances of each matter, that it is probable a loss will result from a litigation contingency and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss is accrued for. The Company does not believe that any outstanding litigation will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements, individually or in the aggregate.

The products the Company sells are continually changing as a result of improved technology.  As a result, although the Company and its suppliers attempt to avoid infringing known proprietary rights, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and claims for alleged infringement by patent, trademark or other intellectual property owners.  Any claims relating to the infringement of third-party proprietary rights, even if not meritorious, could result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources, or require the Company to either enter into royalty or license agreements which are not advantageous to the Company or pay material amounts of damages.

Item 4-Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5-Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

The Class A Common Stock of Voxx is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "VOXX." The following table sets forth the low and high sale price of our Class A Common Stock, based on the last daily sale in each of the last eight fiscal quarters:

 

 

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Dividends

We have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock. We have retained all our earnings for use in developing our business. Future cash dividends, if any, will be paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend, among other things, upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant giving consideration to any requirements or restrictions under the Company's credit agreements (see Note 7(a) to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Holders

There are 688 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock and 4 holders of Class B Convertible Common Stock.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In April 2019, the Company was authorized by the Board of Directors to increase the number of Class A Common Shares available for repurchase in connection with its share repurchase program (the “Program”) to 3,000,000. During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company purchased 581,124 shares of its Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $2,742. During the years ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018, the Company did not purchase any shares. As of February 29, 2020, the cumulative total of acquired shares (net of reissuances of 11,635) pursuant to the Program was 2,749,218, with a cumulative value of $23,918. The remaining authorized share repurchase balance is 2,418,876 at February 29, 2020.

 

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Performance Graph

The following table compares the annual percentage change in our cumulative total stockholder return on our Class A common stock during a period commencing on February 28, 2015 and ending on February 29, 2020 with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index and our SIC Code Index, during such period.

 

 

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Item 6-Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data for the last five years should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K. The Company's financial statements for Fiscal 2016 and 2017 presented herein have been recast to reflect a certain business that was classified as discontinued operations during the second quarter of Fiscal 2018. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

 

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Item 7-Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A")

This section should be read in conjunction with the "Cautionary Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I, and Item 8 of Part II, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

We begin Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations with an overview of the business, including our strategy to give the reader a summary of the goals of our business and the direction in which our business is moving.  This is followed by a discussion of the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates that we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results. In the next section, we discuss our Results of Operations for the year ended February 29, 2020 compared to the years ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018. Next, we present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Diluted Adjusted EBITDA per common share for the year ended February 29, 2020 compared to the years ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018 in order to provide a useful and appropriate supplemental measure of our performance. We then provide an analysis of changes in our balance sheet and cash flows and discuss our financial commitments in the sections entitled "Liquidity and Capital Resources." We conclude this MD&A with a discussion of "Related Party Transactions" and "Recent Accounting Pronouncements."

Business Overview and Strategy

VOXX International Corporation is a leading international distributor, manufacturer and value-added service provider in the automotive electronics, consumer electronics and biometrics industries.  We conduct our business through seventeen wholly-owned subsidiaries and one majority owned subsidiary. Voxx has a broad portfolio of brand names used to market our products as well as private labels through a large domestic and international distribution network. We also function as an OEM ("Original Equipment Manufacturer") supplier to several customers, as well as market a number of products under exclusive distribution agreements.

In recent years, we have focused our attention on acquiring synergistic businesses with the addition of several new subsidiaries.  These subsidiaries have helped us to expand our core business and broaden our presence in the accessory and OEM markets. Our acquisitions of Klipsch and Invision provided the opportunity to enter the manufacturing arena, and our acquisition of a controlling interest in EyeLock Inc. and EyeLock Corporation has allowed us to enter the growing and innovative biometrics market. The Company has also made strategic asset purchases in order to strengthen its product offerings and increase market share, such as the acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Rosen Electronics LLC in Fiscal 2018 and Vehicle Safety Holding Corp. in Fiscal 2020. Our intention is to continue to pursue business opportunities which will allow us to further expand our business model while leveraging overhead and exploring specialized niche markets in the electronics industry. Notwithstanding the above acquisitions, if the appropriate opportunity arises, the Company has been willing to explore the potential divestiture of a product line or business, such as with the sale of the Company's Hirschmann subsidiary on August 31, 2017.

Effective March 1, 2019, the Company revised its reportable segments to better reflect the way the Company now manages its business. To reflect management’s revised perspective, the Company now classifies its operations in the following three reportable segments: Automotive Electronics, Consumer Electronics, and Biometrics. Prior year segment amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The characteristics of our operations that are relied on in making and reviewing business decisions within these segments include the similarities in our products, the commonality of our customers, suppliers and product developers across multiple brands, our unified marketing and distribution strategy, our centralized inventory management and logistics, and the nature of the financial information used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"). The CODM reviews the financial results of the Company based on the performance of the Automotive Electronics, Consumer Electronics, and Biometrics segments.

The Company’s domestic and international business is subject to retail industry trends and conditions and the sales of new and used vehicles. Worldwide economic conditions impact consumer spending and if the global macroeconomic environment deteriorates, this could have a negative effect on the Company’s revenues and earnings. In an attempt to offset any negative market conditions, the Company continues to explore strategies and alternatives to reduce its operating expenses, such as the consolidation of facilities and IT systems, and has been introducing new products to obtain a greater market share.

Although we believe our product groups have expanding market opportunities, there are certain levels of volatility related to domestic and international markets, new car sales, increased competition by manufacturers, private labels, technological advancements, discretionary consumer spending and general economic conditions.  Also, all of our

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products are subject to price fluctuations which could affect the carrying value of inventories and gross margins in the future.

During March 2020, a global pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization related to the rapidly growing outbreak of COVID-19, which began spreading during the fourth quarter of our 2020 fiscal year. The pandemic has significantly impacted the economic conditions in the United States, with accelerated effects in February through May, as federal, state and local governments have reacted to the public health crisis, creating significant uncertainties in the United States, as well as the global economy. In the interest of public health and safety, U.S. jurisdictions (national, state and local) where our primary operations and those of many of our customers are located, required mandatory business closures and capacity limitations or other restrictions for those that were permitted to continue to operate. As of the date of this report, 5 of our operating locations were closed, and 3 were open, but operating with a reduced in-office employee presence.

As a result of these developments, the Company anticipates an adverse impact on its revenues, results of operations and cash flows. The situation is rapidly changing and additional impacts to the business may arise that we are not aware of currently. We cannot predict whether, when, or the manner in which the conditions surrounding COVID-19 will change, including the timing of lifting any restrictions or closure requirements and/or any subsequent re-impositions. Due to the developing situation, the results of the first quarter ending May 31, 2020 and the full fiscal year ending February 28, 2021 could be impacted in ways we are not able to predict today, including, but not limited to, additional non-cash write-downs and impairments; foreign currency fluctuations; potential adjustments to the carrying value of inventory; and the delayed collections of, or inability to collect accounts receivables. During April 2020, as a precautionary measure to ensure financial flexibility and maintain maximum liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company borrowed $20,000 from its revolving credit facilities in the U.S. As of the date of this report, the Company continues to focus on cash flow and anticipates having sufficient resources to operate during Fiscal 2021.

The Company has also implemented a number of other measures to help mitigate the operating and financial impact of the pandemic, including: (i) furloughing approximately 20% of its employees globally starting April 6, 2020; (ii) implementing temporary salary and hour reductions for both management and non-management level employees Company-wide, including its executive officers, and the Company’s board of directors; (iii) executing substantial reductions in expenses, service provider costs, occupancy costs, capital expenditures and overall costs, including through reduced inventory purchases; and (iv) working globally with management teams to actively explore and identify all eligible government and other initiatives available to businesses or employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

We have acquired and integrated several businesses, as well as divested certain businesses, the most recent of which are outlined in the Acquisitions and Dispositions section of Part I and presented in detail in Note 2 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Sales Decline

Net sales from continuing operations over a five-year period have decreased (26%) from $530,206 for the year ended February 29, 2016 to $394,889 for the year ended February 29, 2020.  During this period, our sales were adversely impacted by the following items:

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These items were partially offset by:

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

General

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions can be subjective and complex and may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements. As a result, actual results could differ from such estimates and assumptions. During the fourth quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, as well as subsequent to February 29, 2020, there have been significant changes to the global economic situation as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is reasonably possible that this could cause changes to estimates as a result of the financial circumstances of the markets in which the Company operates, the price of the Company’s publicly traded equity in comparison to the Company’s carrying value, and the health of the global economy. Such changes to estimates could potentially result in impacts that would be material to the consolidated financial statements, particularly with respect to the fair value of the Company’s reporting units in relation to potential goodwill impairment and the fair value of long-lived assets in relation to potential impairment.

The significant accounting policies and estimates which we believe are the most critical in fully understanding and evaluating the reported consolidated financial results include the following:

Revenue Recognition

On March 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all the related amendments (“ASC 606”), using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning March 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance without revision. Most of the changes resulting from the adoption of ASC Topic 606 on March 1, 2018 were changes in presentation within the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and we made no changes to opening Retained Earnings. The impact of the adoption of ASC Topic 606 has been immaterial to our net income; however, the adoption did increase the level of disclosure concerning our net sales.

The core principle of ASC 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. We apply the FASB’s guidance on revenue recognition, which requires us to recognize the amount of revenue and consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for goods and services transferred to our customers. To do this, the Company applies the five-step model prescribed by the FASB, which requires us to: (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.

We account for a contract or purchase order when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when control of the product passes to the customer, which is upon shipment, unless otherwise specified within the customer contract or on the purchase order as delivery, and is recognized at the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive for the products sold,

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including various forms of discounts. When revenue is recorded, estimates of returns are made and recorded as a reduction of revenue.

Sales Incentives

Sales incentives are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606. We offer sales incentives to our customers in the form of (1) co-operative advertising allowances; (2) market development funds; (3) volume incentive rebates; and (4) other trade allowances. We accrue the cost of co-operative advertising allowances, volume incentive rebates, and market development funds at the latter of when the customer purchases our products or when the sales incentive is offered to the customer. We record the provision for other trade allowances at the latter of when the sales incentive is offered or when the related revenue is recognized. Except for other trade allowances, all sales incentives require the customer to purchase our products during a specified period of time. All sales incentives require customers to claim the sales incentive within a certain time period (referred to as the "claim period").  All costs associated with sales incentives are classified as a reduction of net sales.

Depending on the specific facts and circumstances, we utilize either the most likely amount or the expected value methods to estimate the effect of uncertainty on the amount of variable consideration to which we would be entitled. The most likely amount method considers the single most likely amount from a range of possible consideration amounts, while the expected value method is the sum of probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible consideration amounts. Both methods are based upon the contractual terms of the incentives and historical experience with each customer. Although we make our best estimate of sales incentive liabilities, many factors, including significant unanticipated changes in the purchasing volume and the lack of claims from customers could have a significant impact on the liability for sales incentives and reported operating results. We record estimates for cash discounts, promotional rebates, and other promotional allowances in the period the related revenue is recognized (“Customer Credits”). The provision for Customer Credits is recorded as a reduction from gross sales and reserves for Customer Credits are presented within accrued sales incentives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Unearned sales incentives are volume incentive rebates where the customer did not purchase the required minimum quantities of product during the specified time. Volume incentive rebates are reversed into income in the period when the customer did not reach the required minimum purchases of product during the specified time. Unclaimed sales incentives are sales incentives earned by the customer, but the customer has not claimed payment within the claim period (period after program has ended). Unclaimed sales incentives are investigated in a timely manner after the end of the program and reversed if deemed appropriate.

Accounts Receivable

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and current credit worthiness, as determined by a review of current credit information. We continuously monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that have been identified.  While such credit losses have historically been within management's expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that have been experienced in the past. Our five largest customer balances comprise 24% of our accounts receivable balance as of February 29, 2020. A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any one of these customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of accounts receivable and our results of operations.

Inventory

We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or the net realizable value of the inventory. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling prices, less cost of completion, disposal, and transportation. We regularly review inventory quantities on-hand and record a provision in cost of sales for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on selling prices, indications from customers based upon current price negotiations, and purchase orders. The cost of the inventory is determined primarily on a weighted moving average basis, with a portion valued at standard cost, which approximates actual costs on the first in, first out basis. Our industry is characterized by rapid technological change and frequent new product introductions that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on-hand.  In addition, and as necessary, specific reserves for future known or anticipated events may be established.

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Estimates of excess and obsolete inventory may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory.  Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the carrying value of inventory and our results of operations.

Long-Lived and Intangible Asset Impairments

As of February 29, 2020, intangible assets totaled $88,288 and property, plant and equipment totaled $51,424. Management makes estimates and assumptions in preparing the consolidated financial statements for which actual results will emerge over long periods of time. This includes the recoverability of long-lived assets employed in the business, including assets of acquired businesses. These estimates and assumptions are closely monitored by management and periodically adjusted as circumstances warrant. For instance, expected asset lives may be shortened or an impairment recorded based upon a change in the expected use of the asset or performance of the related asset group. At the present time, management intends to continue the development, marketing and selling of products associated with its intangible assets, and there are no known restrictions on the continuation of their use.

In connection with the annual impairment test performed as of the last day of the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company determined that several of its indefinite-lived trademarks in the Consumer Electronics segment, were impaired. The impairments were the result of the Company being unable to secure product placement into customer stores, anticipated shortfalls in sales due to economic uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced demand from a large traditional brick-and-mortar customer, along with continued declines in the German economy.  As a result, several indefinite-lived tradenames in the Consumer Electronics segment were impaired resulting in impairment charges of $2,828 recorded for the year ended February 29, 2020 (see Note 1(k)).  Related long-lived assets were tested for recoverability and determined to be recoverable and therefore no additional impairments related to long-lived assets were recorded in the Consumer Electronics segment.  

In the Biometrics segment, in connection with the annual impairment test for Fiscal 2020, the Company determined that its indefinite-lived trademark was impaired. The impairment of the trademark was the result of lack of customer acceptance of the related technology, lower than anticipated results, adjusted expectations for demand and anticipated delays of product deployment with target customers due to economic uncertainty given the COVID-19 pandemic. Related long-lived assets in the Biometrics segment were tested for recoverability and determined not to be recoverable. The fair value of the long-lived assets that were not recoverable were estimated, and when compared to their carrying value, were determined to also be impaired. As a result, total impairments in the Biometric segment of $27,402 for indefinite-lived and definite-lived intangible assets were recorded for the year ended February 29, 2020 (see Note 1 (k)).  

The combined impairment charges for both the Consumer Electronics segment and the Biometrics segment aggregated $30,230 for fiscal year ended February 29, 2020.

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company re-evaluated its projections for several brands in its former Consumer Accessories and Automotive segments based on lower than anticipated results. Specifically, during the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the lower than anticipated results were due to reduced product load-ins, increased competition for certain product lines, a streamlining of SKU’s, and a change in market strategy for one of its brands. Accordingly, these were considered indicators of impairment requiring the Company to test the related indefinite-lived tradenames for impairment as of August 31, 2018. The Company also tested its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of February 28, 2019 as part of its annual impairment testing. During the fourth quarter, the Company further streamlined its SKU’s in conjunction with its corporate realignment and transformation initiatives, and adjusted expectations for select customer demand, and the anticipated results from alternative sales channels for one of its brands. As a result of these analyses, it was determined that several of the Company’s former Consumer Accessories trademarks and one of the Automotive trademarks were impaired with total impairment charges of $25,789 recorded for the year ended February 28, 2019 (see Note 1(k)). No impairment losses were recorded related to indefinite lived intangible assets during Fiscal 2018.

Approximately 39% of our indefinite-lived trademarks ($25,279) are at risk of impairment as of February 29, 2020. The Company uses an income approach, based on the relief from royalty method, to value the indefinite-lived trademarks as part of its impairment test. This impairment test involves the use of accounting estimates and

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assumptions, changes in which could materially impact our financial condition or operating performance if actual results differ from such estimates and assumptions. The critical assumptions in the discounted cash flow model include revenues, long-term growth rates, royalty rates, and discount rates. Management exercises judgment in developing these assumptions. Certain of these assumptions are based upon industry projections, facts specific to the trademarks and consideration of our long-term view for the trademark and the markets we operate in. If we were to experience sales declines, a significant change in operating margins which may impact estimated royalty rates, an increase in our discount rates, and/or a decrease in our projected long-term growth rates, there would be an increased risk of impairment of these indefinite-lived trademarks.

The cost of other intangible assets with definite lives and long-lived assets are amortized on an accelerated or straight-line basis over their respective lives.  Management has determined that the current lives of these assets are appropriate.  Management has reviewed the long-lived assets in the Consumer Electronics and Biometrics segments for recoverability, as discussed above, and noted that long-lived assets in the Biometrics segment were impaired as of February 29, 2020 (see Note 1(k)).

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360 whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived assets are not recoverable on an undiscounted basis, they are then compared to their estimated fair market value. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

The Company holds certain long-lived assets in Venezuela, which are held for investment purposes. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company assessed the recoverability of these properties as a result of the country's continued economic deterioration, which included a significant currency devaluation in August of 2018. The Company estimated the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be received from these properties. The estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows considered the Company’s financial condition and its intent and ability to retain its investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of the carrying value. The future undiscounted cash flows did not exceed the net carrying value for the long-lived assets. The estimated fair value of the properties, which also considered the current conditions of the economy in Venezuela, the volatility of the real estate market, and the significant political unrest, resulted in a full non-cash impairment charge of $3,473 for the year ended February 28, 2019. The non-cash impairment charge is included in Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The value of the Company's properties held for investment purposes in Venezuela is $0 as of February 29, 2020.

Voxx’s goodwill totaled $55,000 as of February 29, 2020. Goodwill is tested for impairment as of the last day of each fiscal year at the reporting unit level.  Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit.  Based on the Company's goodwill impairment assessment, all the reporting units with goodwill had estimated fair values as of February 29, 2020 that exceeded their carrying values. As a result of the annual assessment, no impairment charges were recorded related to goodwill during Fiscal 2020, Fiscal 2019 or Fiscal 2018.

Goodwill allocated to our Klipsch, Invision, Rosen, and VSHC reporting units was 84.6% ($46,533), 13.4% ($7,372), 1.6% ($880), and 0.4% ($215), respectively. The fair values of the Klipsch and Invision reporting units are greater than their carrying values by approximately 933.5% ($28,714) and 28.2% ($6,903), respectively, as of February 29, 2020. The Company uses either an income approach or a market approach, or a combination of these approaches to determine the fair value of its reporting units. These approaches have a degree of uncertainty. The income approach employs a discounted cash flow model to value the reporting unit as part of its impairment test. This impairment test involves the use of accounting estimates and assumptions, changes in which could materially impact our financial condition or operating performance if actual results differ from such estimates and assumptions. The critical assumptions in the discounted cash flow model are revenues, operating margins, working capital and a discount rate (developed using a weighted average cost of capital analysis). Management exercises judgment in developing these assumptions. Certain of these assumptions are based upon industry projections, facts specific to the reporting unit, market participant assumptions and data, and consideration of our long-term view for the reporting unit and the markets we operate in. The market approach employs market multiples from guideline public

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companies operating in our industry. Estimates of fair value are derived by applying multiples based on revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) adjusted for size and performance metrics relative to peer companies. If the Klipsch reporting unit were to experience sales declines, sustained pricing pressures, unfavorable operating margins, lack of new product acceptance by consumers, changes in consumer trends and preferred shopping channels, less than anticipated results for the holiday season, a change in the peer group or performance of the peer companies, an increase to the discount rate, and/or a decrease in our projected long-term growth rates used in the discounted cash flow model, there would be an increased risk of goodwill impairment for the Klipsch reporting unit. If the Invision reporting unit experienced an increase to the discount rate, a lack or delay in new product acceptance, cancellation or reduction in projected volumes from OEM customers, or a change in our projected long-term growth rates used in the discounted cash flow model, there would be an increased risk of goodwill impairment for the Invision reporting unit. If the Rosen and VSHC reporting units experienced an increase to the discount rate, sales declines, changes in consumer trends, or a decrease in our projected long-term growth rates used in the discounted cash flow model, there would be an increased risk of goodwill impairment for the Rosen and VSHC reporting units.

Warranties

We offer warranties of various lengths depending upon the specific product.  Our standard warranties require us to repair or replace defective product returned by both end users and customers during such warranty period at no cost. We do not sell extended warranties. We record an estimate for warranty related costs in cost of sales, based upon historical experience of actual warranty claims and current information on repair costs and contract terms with certain manufacturers. While warranty costs have historically been within expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same warranty return rates or repair costs that have been experienced in the past. A significant increase in product return rates, or a significant increase in the costs to repair products, could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

Stock-Based Compensation

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to compute the estimated fair value of stock-based awards. The Black-Scholes option pricing model includes assumptions regarding dividend yields, expected volatility, expected option term and risk-free interest rates. The assumptions used in computing the fair value of stock-based awards reflect our best estimates, but involve uncertainties relating to market and other conditions, many of which are outside of our control.  We estimate expected volatility by considering the historical volatility of our stock, the implied volatility of publicly traded stock options in our stock and our expectations of volatility for the expected term of stock-based compensation awards. For restricted stock awards, the fair value of the award is the price on the date of grant. As a result, if other assumptions or estimates had been used for restricted stock awards granted in the current and prior periods, the total stock-based compensation expense for the current fiscal year of $2,282 could have been materially different.  Furthermore, if different assumptions are used in future periods, stock-based compensation expense could be materially impacted in the future.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with the guidance issued under Statement ASC 740, "Income Taxes" (“ASC 740”) with consideration for uncertain tax positions.  We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all positive and negative evidence including the results of recent operations, scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled (see Note 8). The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the authoritative guidance issued under ASC 740, which addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return

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should be recorded in the financial statements.  The Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  The Company provides loss contingencies for federal, state and international tax matters relating to potential tax examination issues, planning initiatives and compliance responsibilities. The development of these reserves requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, which if different, may materially impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The Company classifies interest and penalties associated with income taxes as a component of Income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

Results of Operations

Included in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K are the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 and the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018. In order to provide the reader meaningful comparison, the following analysis provides comparisons of the audited year ended February 29, 2020 with the audited year ended February 28, 2019, and the audited year ended February 28, 2019 with the audited year ended February 28, 2018. We analyze and explain the differences between periods in the specific line items of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

Year Ended February 29, 2020 Compared to the Years Ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018

Continuing Operations

The tables presented in this section set forth, for the periods indicated, certain Statement of Operations data for the years ended February 29, 2020 ("Fiscal 2020"), February 28, 2019 ("Fiscal 2019") and February 28, 2018 ("Fiscal 2018").

Net Sales

 

 

Fiscal 2020 compared to Fiscal 2019

Automotive Electronics sales, which include both OEM and aftermarket automotive electronics, represented 28.9% of the net sales for the year ended February 29, 2020, compared to 36.2% in the prior year. Sales in this segment decreased during the year ended February 29, 2020 as compared to the prior year due to various factors, including a decline in sales of the Company’s EVO rear seat entertainment product line, which was due in part to slower sales for certain programs that began in the prior year and the discontinuation of two planned programs, which is attributable to a softening of global automotive industry sales during the year. The Company’s OEM and aftermarket security and remote start sales also declined during the year ended February 29, 2020 as a result of competition due in part to a shift in demand from analog to digital remote start products, as well as the discontinuation of passive entry programs with certain customers. Sales of aftermarket satellite radio and headrest products have declined for the year ended February 29, 2020 as compared to the prior year, as a result of an increase in standard factory equipped vehicles with these options, as well as due to price competition and increased tariffs for aftermarket headrest products. Additionally, during the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company made a non-refundable up-front payment to one of its customers as consideration for a future OEM program award, which resulted in a reduction of revenue. Offsetting the sales declines in this segment for the year ended February 29, 2020 were

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increases in sales of certain aftermarket safety and security products as compared to the prior year, as well as sales related to the Company’s newly acquired Vehicle Safety Holdings Corp. business in the fourth quarter.

Consumer Electronics sales represented 70.8% of net sales for the year ended February 29, 2020 as compared to 63.4% in the prior year.  Sales decreased for the year ended February 29, 2020 as compared to the prior year due to several factors. The Company experienced decreases in sales of certain products, such as in the Project Nursery line, as a result of the elimination of baby video monitors; in wireless and bluetooth speakers, due a reduction in product placement with one of the Company’s larger customers and the timing of annual orders from another; in sales of smart home products, as the Company is exiting this category; and in karaoke products, due to a one time holiday sale to one of the Company’s customers in the prior year that did not repeat in the current fiscal year. The Company also continued to see a decline in sales of certain hook-up, power products, and headphones, as a result of changes in customer demand and technology, and due to the Company’s continuing rationalization of SKU’s in Fiscal 2020, with the goal of limiting sales of lower margin products. Within Europe, the Company experienced decreases in sales across all product lines, as well as in the DIY business during the year ended February 29, 2020 as a result of a slowdown in the European market. Offsetting these decreases, the Company had an increase in sales within both of its premium mobility and premium wireless and bluetooth speaker categories as a result of the launch of new lines of soundbars, Bluetooth speakers, and wireless earbuds, as well as stronger sales of several existing products. The Company’s premium home separate speaker product sales also increased as a result of the continued successful sales of its new domestic product lines that launched during the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, and additional distribution partners for the Company’s premium commercial speaker products had a favorable impact on sales for the year ended February 29, 2020 as well. Additionally, reception product sales were up for the year ended February 29, 2020 as a result of expanded SKU offerings with certain customers and stronger market share, and sales of the Company’s activity bands have increased year over year as a result of increased motion program participants, as well as additional product offerings for participants, including the Apple watch and Fitbit.

Biometrics represented 0.1% of our net sales for the year ended February 29, 2020, compared to 0.2% in the prior year. This segment experienced a decrease in product sales for the year ended February 29, 2020 as a result of its product mix, as the Company was selling more of its higher dollar Hbox products during the year ended February 28, 2019. During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company began selling its EXT outdoor perimeter access product, as well as an updated version of its Nano NXT perimeter access product, which both sell at a lower price point and have not yet achieved the sales volumes to surpass prior year sales dollars.

Fiscal 2019 compared to Fiscal 2018

Automotive Electronics sales, which include both OEM and aftermarket automotive electronics, represented 36.2% of the net sales for the year ended February 28, 2019, compared to 30.7% in the prior year. Sales in this segment increased during the year ended February 28, 2019 as compared to the prior year primarily due to a full year of sales of its EVO headrest product within the OEM manufacturing line. Sales were also positively impacted by the Company's Subaru remote start program and the launch of new CarLink products. Offsetting these sales increases were declines in our aftermarket headrest and remote start products, as well as a decline in satellite radio sales for the year ended February 28, 2019.  The declines in both satellite radio sales and aftermarket headrests are the result of an increase in standard factory equipped vehicles with these options. Sales declines in aftermarket remote start products were caused primarily by an inventory shortage of certain digital platform remote start products that were in higher demand during the fiscal year as compared to analog systems.

Consumer Electronics sales represented 63.4% of net sales for the year ended February 28, 2019 as compared to 69.1% in the prior year.  Sales in Consumer Electronics decreased for the year ended February 28, 2019 partially as a result of lower sales of certain discontinued products including powered towers, digital speakers, and digital systems; elimination of overstock in certain inventory levels; as well as a shift in demand from traditional wired mobility products to Bluetooth/wireless solutions. New products for premium Bluetooth/wireless solutions have not yet launched and are planned for the first half of Fiscal 2020. Closeout promotions for many of these products led to increased sales in the prior fiscal year and did not repeat during the year ended February 28, 2019. The Company also experienced decreases in sales due to the timing of customer orders for certain wireless and Bluetooth speakers, including large load-in orders of new wireless speaker product during the year ended February 28, 2018 that did not repeat in the current year, and a streamlining of products and reduced store counts for certain retailers. Further, during Fiscal 2018, the Company launched its Striiv activity tracking band and significant load-in orders for this product during the year ended February 28, 2018 did not repeat in the current year. Sales were also impacted during

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the year ended February 28, 2019 by lower sales in reception, remotes, hookup, headphones and power categories due to retail distribution changes, price competition and changes in demand. Additionally, the Company has limited certain product distribution within the segment in Fiscal 2019 in order to improve margins. Within its European market, the Company experienced a decrease in sales for the year ended February 28, 2019 as a result of the timing of certain customer orders, a shift in sales strategy related to our e-commerce channel that has had temporarily delayed sales, as well as sales of equipment and set top boxes related to a digital broadcasting upgrade in the prior year that did not repeat in the current year. Partially offsetting the sales decline in Consumer Electronics for the year ended February 28, 2019 has been the successful launch of new premium home entertainment product lines during Fiscal 2019 and an increase in in-wall and in-ceiling architectural speaker product sales that launched during the second half of Fiscal 2018. The segment has also experienced higher sales of karaoke products, specifically the new Singsation line, as well as increases in sales from additional placements and higher direct import sales of its Project Nursery products and the introduction of the new smart home line during the year ended February 28, 2019.  Due to the ongoing sales declines in the segment as a result of technology advancements and changes in retail distribution, during the year ended February 28, 2019, the Company restructured its former Consumer Accessories segment, which included an aggressive SKU rationalization program to limit sales of lower margin products.

Biometrics represented 0.2% of our net sales for the year ended February 28, 2019, compared to 0.1% in the prior year. Sales increases for the year ended February 28, 2019 were due primarily to sales of the segment’s HBOX products.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage

 

 

Fiscal 2020 compared to Fiscal 2019

Gross margins in the Automotive Electronics segment decreased 480 basis points for the year ended February 29, 2020. The decrease in margins was driven primarily by the declines in higher margin OEM security, remote start, and rear seat entertainment sales, which also resulted in lower absorption of fixed overhead costs in the current year periods, further decreasing margins for the segment. Additionally, slow moving write-off adjustments were made during the fiscal year, in part due to the slower rear seat entertainment sales and the discontinuation of certain programs. There was also a decline in aftermarket headrest product sales, which typically generate higher margins for the segment. Margins were negatively affected further during the year ended February 29, 2020 by tariff increases, as certain of the Company’s products are manufactured in China, while production of certain other products were relocated to other countries with higher labor costs. During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company also made a non-refundable up-front payment to a customer as consideration for a future OEM program award, which negatively impacted margins. As an offset to these margin declines during the year ended February 29, 2020, the Automotive Electronics segment experienced declines in satellite radio sales, which contribute lower margins to the group, while increased sales of certain aftermarket security products and products related to the newly acquired Vehicle Safety Holdings Corp. business contributed favorably to margins for the year.

Gross margins in the Consumer Electronics segment increased 200 basis points for the year ended February 29, 2020 compared to the prior year. Margin increases during the year ended February 29, 2020 were driven in part by increased sales of the Company’s high margin premium wireless and bluetooth speakers, mobility products, home separate, and commercial speakers, as well as the result of heavy discounts offered on older mobility products in the prior year, such as wired headphones and neckbands, that did not repeat in the current year. Margins have been

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negatively affected during the year ended February 29, 2020 by tariff increases, as certain of the Company’s products are manufactured in China, while production of certain other products were relocated to other countries with higher labor costs. The Company offset some of the effects of these tariff increases, where possible, with price increases. Margin declines were also driven by declining sales of products with typically higher margins, such as Project Nursery and karaoke products, as well as by sales declines within the European market and higher warehousing costs incurred related to the use of a third party for warehousing services in Europe beginning during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020.

Gross margins in the Biometrics segment increased for the year ended February 29, 2020 compared to the prior year. These increases were primarily due to the write off slow moving inventory and parts in Fiscal 2019 related to its myris product, which negatively impacted margins in the prior year. Offsetting these factors were sales of certain inventory during the year ended February 28, 2019 that had been previously written off, and contributed positively to margins in the prior year, as well as higher sales of licensing fees in the prior year, which earned higher margins for the segment. Additionally, during the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company incurred certain tooling and defective repair costs, as well as provided beta samples to certain customers and prospects at no charge, which negatively impacted margins for the current fiscal year.

Fiscal 2019 compared to Fiscal 2018

Gross margins in the Automotive Electronics segment decreased 50 basis points for the year ended February 28, 2019. Gross profits decreased during the fiscal year primarily as a result of decreases in sales of certain higher margin products, such as aftermarket headrest products and remote start systems. As an offset, the segment experienced increases in gross profits for the year ended February 28, 2019 as a result of the sales of our new EVO product, as well as due to decreases in sales of low margin products such as satellite radios and due to certain production related cost-cutting measures, lower tooling costs, and lower inventory reserve requirements.

Gross margins in the Consumer Electronics segment increased 270 basis points for the year ended February 28, 2019 compared to the prior year. The segment margins were positively impacted by a shift in product mix including the introduction of our new Reference and Reference Premier lines during Fiscal 2019; the recent introduction of our new karaoke line; a decline in sales of lower margined products, such as premium mobility products and Striiv activity bands; the absence of digital reception products in the European market; and a decline in sales of certain premium sound system, sound bar, and Bluetooth speaker products that were being phased out during the prior fiscal year with heavy close out promotions. Additionally, the Company had improved margins and profits for its Project Nursery line. As an offset to these increases, the segment experienced decreased sales of wireless speakers and reception products and overall lower sales in the European market during the year ended February 28, 2019, for which the product mix generally contributes higher profit margins for the segment, as well as increases in inventory write-downs related to certain slow moving products, and higher warehousing expenses related to the consolidation of our operations in Germany.

Gross margins in the Biometrics segment decreased for the year ended February 28, 2019 compared to the prior year. This was primarily due to the write off slow moving inventory and parts in Fiscal 2019 related to its myris product, which negatively impacted margins in the year. Offsetting this decrease was the sale of certain inventory during the year ended February 28, 2019 that had been previously written off, and contributed positively to margins, as well as higher sales of licensing fees, which earned higher margins for the segment.

Operating Expenses

 

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Fiscal 2020 compared to Fiscal 2019

The Company experienced an overall decrease in operating expenses of $3,383 for Fiscal 2020 as compared to Fiscal 2019.

Selling expenses have decreased for the year ended February 29, 2020 due to various factors, including headcount reductions related to Fiscal 2019 restructuring activities, lower commissions as a result of the decline in sales for the year, lower trade show expenses due to attending fewer shows, and lower advertising costs and display amortization expense, due to cost cutting measures, as well as the fact that many displays and fixtures are fully amortized or have been removed. These expense decreases were offset by salary increases resulting from transfers of certain employees from general and administrative to selling in conjunction with restructuring activities taking place in Fiscal 2019, and additional hires at the Company’s Klipsch, Oehlbach and Schwaiger subsidiaries, as well as higher web fees as a result of an increase in the Company’s online platform activity and web advertising.

General and administrative expenses increased during the year ended February 29, 2020. During the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company granted 200,000 fully vested common shares to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as granted additional shares which vest on future dates in accordance with his employment agreement signed in July 2019, resulting in an increase in compensation expense of approximately $1,700 for the year ended February 29, 2020. Additionally, during the year ended February 28, 2019, the Company received reimbursement of approximately $3,000 for certain professional fees and disbursements resulting from the favorable outcome of a lawsuit, which did not occur during the year ended February 29, 2020. Disregarding these specific items, general and administrative expenses would have decreased for the year. General and administrative expenses were also higher during the year ended February 29, 2020 due to higher payroll expenses resulting from increased medical claims as compared to the prior year. Offsetting the increases to general and administrative expenses discussed above were decreases in salary expense during the year ended February 29, 2020 due to reductions in headcount and the transfer of certain employees to selling in conjunction with Fiscal 2019 restructuring activities, lower executive salaries due to salary and bonus structures under new employment agreements, as well as lower office and equipment rental expenses as a result of cost containment measures and lease expirations that were not renewed.

Engineering and technical support expenses for the year ended February 29, 2020 declined as compared to the prior year. For the year ended February 29, 2020, expenses were down primarily due to headcount reduction at certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, decreased research and development spending related to projects that were completed during the current year period, as well as due to the movement of work related to certain projects utilizing outside contractors to in-house employees at both EyeLock and Invision. These declines were partially offset by an increase in research and development expenses related to the start of new projects and higher certification fees for certain products under development, as well as salary and related expenses resulting from new hires at certain subsidiaries.

In connection with its annual impairment test performed as of the last day of the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company determined that several of its indefinite-lived intangible assets within the Consumer Electronics segment, as well as certain indefinite-lived and definite-lived intangible assets within the Biometrics segment were impaired. The impairments within the Consumer Electronics segment were the result of the Company being unable to secure product placement into customer stores, anticipated shortfalls in sales due to economic uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced demand from a large traditional brick-and-mortar customer, along with continued declines in the German economy. The impairments within the Biometrics segment were the result of lack of customer acceptance of the related technology, lower than anticipated results, adjusted expectations for demand, and anticipated delays of product deployment with target customers due to economic uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company recorded total impairment charges of $30,230 for the year ended February 29, 2020 related to these impairments.

Fiscal 2019 compared to Fiscal 2018

The Company experienced an overall increase in operating expenses of $11,218 for Fiscal 2019 as compared to Fiscal 2018. Excluding intangible asset impairment charges and restructuring expenses, operating expenses decreased $19,159 in Fiscal 2019.

Selling expenses have decreased for the year ended February 28, 2019 primarily due to various cost-cutting measures including lower advertising costs related to printed media and sales promotions, headcount reductions,

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adjustments to our trade show participation, and lower travel and entertainment expenses.  There were also lower commissions for the year as a result of lower sales. Offsetting these declines was an increase in online platform fees, which includes a termination charge for a discontinued platform, as well as higher online advertising.

General and administrative expenses decreased during the year ended February 28, 2019 primarily due to lower professional fees, bonus accruals and incentives. Professional fees were down for the year due to the reimbursement of legal fees associated with a favorable judgment in a counterfeit lawsuit. Executive bonus accruals were lower as a result of lower profitability in Fiscal 2019, as well as due to the fact that executive bonuses for the year ended February 28, 2018 included a bonus related to the sale of Hirschmann. In addition, expenses are down for the year ended February 28, 2019 due to cost cutting efforts related to headcount reductions, travel and entertainment, and various other general office expenses. Partially offsetting these expense decreases were higher professional fees related to assessing the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Engineering and technical support expenses for the year ended February 28, 2019 declined as compared to the prior year primarily as a result of lower net research and development costs. These costs are driven by the timing of the start and completion of the Company's product development projects, such as the Company's new EVO headrest product, which was completed and launched in the second half of Fiscal 2018. Engineering and technical expenses also decreased as a result of headcount reductions made in the prior year and due to cost cutting measures related to travel and entertainment in the current year.  These declines were partially offset by an increase in healthcare costs, as well as research and development expense incurred by EyeLock LLC.

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company re-evaluated its projections for several brands in its Automotive Electronics and former Consumer Accessories segments based on lower than anticipated results, such as reduced product load-ins, increased competition for certain product lines, a streamlining of SKU’s, and a change in market strategy for one of its brands. During the fourth quarter, the Company further streamlined its SKU’s in conjunction with its corporate realignment and transformation initiatives, and adjusted expectations for select customer demand, and the anticipated results from alternative sales channels for one of its brands.  As a result of these analyses, it was determined that certain trademarks in the Automotive and former Consumer Accessories segments were impaired. The Company recorded total impairment charges of $25,789 during the year ended February 28, 2019 related to these impairments.

During the year ended February 28, 2019, the Company began to realign certain businesses within the former Consumer Accessories and Premium Audio segments to lower and contain fixed costs, generate efficiencies and better leverage resources. In Germany, the Company's Schwaiger and Oehlbach businesses were combined into one entity operating in one physical location and the Company's Magnat business was realigned with its Klipsch European operation. Domestically, the Company conducted an aggressive SKU rationalization program in order to discontinue certain consumer accessory product lines and focus on offerings with longer product life cycles, sustainable gross margins, and better growth potential. Certain restructuring initiatives are expected to continue in to Fiscal 2020. Total restructuring expense incurred for the year ended February 28, 2019 were $4,588, primarily consisting of severance charges.

Other (Expense)Income