KVH INDUSTRIES INC DE

Previous wording

We recorded substantial losses from continuing operations in each of the last four fiscal years (notwithstanding the income we recognized in 2022 from the sale of the inertial navigation business and in 2021 from the forgiveness of the PPP Loan). Although our continuing operations were profitable in the fourth quarter of 2022 and second quarter of 2023, we may incur losses in the future as we face increasingly stiff competition and as we increase satellite capacity to handle our growing subscriber base. Recent inflation in the prices of goods and services, including wages, has hampered our ability to improve profitability. In order to maintain and improve our competitive position, generate revenue and achieve sustained profitability, we must grow our airtime subscriber base, reduce our bandwidth costs, and continue to introduce new and improved solutions. Our inability to accomplish any of these goals could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and cash flow, and we cannot assure you when, or whether, we will regain sustained profitability.

Current wording

We recorded substantial losses in each of the last five fiscal years (notwithstanding the income we recognized in 2022 from the sale of the inertial navigation business and in 2021 from the forgiveness of a PPP loan). Although our business was profitable in the fourth quarter of 2022 and second quarter of 2023, we may continue to incur losses as we face increasingly stiff competition. Our recent restructuring, workforce reductions and other cost-reduction measures may be insufficient to offset recent and accelerating reductions in our revenues. Recent inflation in the prices of goods and services, including wages, has also hampered our ability to improve profitability. In order to maintain and improve our competitive position, generate revenue and achieve sustained profitability, we must continue to grow our airtime subscriber base, reduce our bandwidth costs, and continue to introduce new and improved solutions. Our inability to accomplish any of these goals could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and cash flow, and we cannot assure you when, or whether, we will achieve sustained profitability.

Previous wording

Our quarterly net sales and results of operations could continue to vary significantly for various reasons, many of which are outside our control. For example, product sales declined 48% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. You should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our results of operations as an indication of future performance. Our net sales or results of operations in a quarter may fall below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If this occurs, the market price of our common stock could fall significantly. Our results of operations can fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in demand for our products and services; delays in order fulfillment, including as a result of shortages of components and raw materials; the mix of products and services we sell, including the mix of fixed rate and metered contracts for airtime services; our ability to manufacture, test and deliver products in a timely and cost-effective manner; the timing of new service and product introductions by us or our competitors; the scope and success of our investments in research and development; expenses incurred in pursuing acquisitions and investments; expenses incurred in expanding, maintaining, or improving our global HTS network; market and competitive pricing pressures; unanticipated charges or expenses, such as the aggregate $6.0 million impairment charges to goodwill and long-lived assets we recorded in the third quarter of 2023; the $5.2 million charge related to the inventory write-down, the $3.6 million provision for excess purchase order obligations and the $2.1 million charge for the discontinuation of a project for implementing a new manufacturing-centric accounting system that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023; expenses incurred in responding to stockholder activism; general economic climate; seasonality of pleasure boat and recreational vehicle usage; and the impact of supply chain disruptions.

Current wording

Our quarterly net sales and results of operations could continue to vary significantly for various reasons, many of which are outside our control. For example, service sales declined 19.5% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, and product sales increased 23.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. You should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our results of operations as an indication of future performance. Our net sales or results of operations in a quarter may fall below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If this occurs, the market price of our common stock could fall significantly. Our results of operations can fluctuate for many reasons, including the impact of competition and resulting changes in demand for our products and services; delays in order fulfillment, including as a result of shortages of components and raw materials; the mix of services and products we sell, including the mix of fixed rate and metered contracts for airtime services; our ability to manufacture, test and deliver products in a timely and cost-effective manner; the timing of new service and product introductions by us or our competitors; the scope and success of our investments in research and development; expenses incurred in pursuing acquisitions and investments; expenses incurred in expanding, maintaining, or improving our global HTS network; market and competitive pricing pressures; unanticipated charges or expenses, such as the aggregate $6.0 million impairment charges to goodwill and long-lived assets we recorded in the third quarter of 2023; the $1.1 million impairment charges to long-lived assets we recorded in the third quarter of 2024; the $5.2 million charge related to an inventory write-down, the $3.6 million provision for excess purchase order obligations and the $2.1 million charge for the discontinuation of a project for implementing a new manufacturing-centric accounting system that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023; expenses incurred in responding to stockholder activism; general economic climate; seasonality of pleasure boat and recreational vehicle usage; and the impact of supply chain disruptions.

Previous wording

A large portion of our expenses, including expenses for network infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and personnel, are relatively fixed. If our net sales decline or do not grow as we anticipate, we may be unable to maintain or improve our operating margins. Any failure to achieve anticipated net sales could therefore significantly harm our operating results.

Current wording

A large portion of our expenses, including expenses for network infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and personnel, are relatively fixed. If our net sales continue to decline, our operating margins will also likely decline. Any failure to achieve anticipated net sales could therefore significantly harm our operating results.

Previous wording

The gross margin percentage from our VSAT airtime services in most cases significantly exceeds the gross margin percentage from other third-party products and airtime services. To the extent that the mix of airtime services we sell shifts away from VSAT services, our gross profit dollars may decline, perhaps materially, if we are unable to significantly increase revenue on non-VSAT airtime services, which will reduce our profitability.

Current wording

The gross margin percentage from our VSAT airtime services in some cases exceeds the gross margin percentage from other third-party products and airtime services. To the extent that the mix of airtime services we sell shifts away from VSAT services, our gross profit dollars will decline, perhaps materially, if we are unable to significantly increase revenue on non-VSAT airtime services, which will reduce our profitability.

Previous wording

In February 2024, we announced a staged wind-down of our product manufacturing operations, which was driven by reduced demand for our hardware products in the face of intensifying competition. We plan to discontinue our capital-intensive manufacturing activities by the end of the second quarter of 2024 and concentrate instead on growing sales of our multi-orbit, multi-channel, integrated communications solutions, including a transition to rely increasingly, and eventually exclusively, on third-party hardware compatible with our solutions. This multi-year strategy entails significant risks, including the loss of competitive differentiation as a leading manufacturer of award-winning products, the potentially irreversible loss of manufacturing expertise and know-how, increased dependence on third-party manufacturers and suppliers, the loss of control over technological innovations and improvements, significantly lower profit margins on third-party product resales, potential technological incompatibility with third-party hardware, potential additional significant provisions for excess and obsolete inventory and other charges, unanticipated expenses, and increased competition for service customers from product manufacturers. If we were to experience a resurgence in demand for our current products, we may be unable to restart internal production or to engage a third party to reliably manufacture and deliver them on time and at an affordable cost. Accordingly, this strategic transition entails meaningful execution risk, particularly in light of our recently announced reduction-in-force and the resulting loss of experienced employees. The failure to implement a successful transition to a new business model based upon third-party hardware would have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues and results of operations.

Current wording

In February 2024, we announced a staged wind-down of our product manufacturing operations, which was driven by reduced demand for our hardware products in the face of intensifying competition. We plan to discontinue our capital-intensive manufacturing activities by the end of 2025 and concentrate instead on growing sales of our multi-orbit, multi-channel, integrated communications solutions, including a transition to rely increasingly, and eventually exclusively, on third-party hardware compatible with our solutions. This multi-year strategy entails significant risks, including the loss of competitive differentiation as a leading manufacturer of award-winning products, the potentially irreversible loss of manufacturing expertise and know-how, increased dependence on third-party manufacturers and suppliers, the loss of control over technological innovations and improvements, significantly lower profit margins on third-party product resales, potential technological incompatibility with third-party hardware, potential additional significant provisions for excess and obsolete inventory and other charges, unanticipated expenses, and increased competition for service customers from product manufacturers. If we were to experience a resurgence in demand for our products, we may be unable to restart internal production or to engage a third party to reliably manufacture and deliver them on time and at an affordable cost. Accordingly, this strategic transition entails meaningful execution risk, particularly in light of our reductions-in-force in 2024 and the resulting loss of experienced employees. The failure to implement a successful transition to a new business model based upon third-party hardware would have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues and results of operations.

Previous wording

The Company's future success depends to a significant degree on the skills and efforts of our executive officers and key employees. Our executive officers and key employees are at-will employees, competition is intense for senior management, and they could terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain key-person life insurance on any of our personnel. Accordingly, the loss of one or more of our executive officers or key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

The Company's future success depends to a significant degree on the skills and efforts of our executive officers and key employees. Most of our executive officers and key employees are at-will employees. Competition for senior management is intense, and they could terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain key-person life insurance on any of our personnel. Accordingly, the loss of one or more of our executive officers or key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

If we cannot adjust expenses in response to changes in our operations, our results of operations may be harmed. For example, the relatively fixed costs associated with our manufacturing operations prevented us from reducing those costs quickly in response to recent, rapid reductions in demand, resulting in negative product margins. To manage changes in our business effectively, we must, among other things, successfully complete the wind-down of our manufacturing operations, including correctly estimating the number of units to produce; secure appropriate satellite capacity to match demand for airtime services; manage our inventory more effectively, particularly in light of the substantial provision for excess and obsolete inventory that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023; effectively manage our working capital; ensure robust cybersecurity protection of

Current wording

If we cannot adjust expenses in response to changes in our operations, our results of operations may be harmed. For example, the relatively fixed costs associated with our manufacturing operations prevented us from reducing those costs quickly in response to recent, rapid reductions in demand, resulting in negative product margins. To manage changes in our business effectively, we must, among other things, successfully complete the wind-down of our manufacturing operations, including correctly estimating the number of units to produce; secure appropriate satellite capacity to match demand for airtime services; manage our inventory more effectively, particularly in light of the substantial provision for excess and obsolete inventory that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023; effectively manage our working capital; ensure robust cybersecurity protection of KVH and customer data and systems; and ensure that our procedures and internal controls are revised and updated to remain effective for our smaller workforce and the reduced size and scale of our business operations.

Previous wording

We are highly dependent on qualified personnel at all levels, including our senior management team and other key technical, operational, managerial and sales and marketing personnel, each of whom would be difficult to replace. Our current reduction-in-force increases our dependence on continuing personnel. If we fail to retain and attract the necessary personnel, we may be unable to achieve our business objectives and may lose our competitive position, which could lead to a significant decline in net sales. The current job market for personnel is very competitive, resulting in increased compensation. We face challenges retaining our personnel and attracting new personnel to fulfill our unmet needs, particularly in light of our recent reductions-in-force. Replacing key personnel may be difficult and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals with the skills and experience to execute our business strategy. We may be unable to identify or employ qualified personnel for any such position on acceptable terms, if at all. We may also need to pay higher compensation than we expect, which would make it more difficult to achieve our goal of sustained profitability.

Current wording

We are highly dependent on qualified personnel at all levels, including our senior management team and other key technical, operational, managerial and sales and marketing personnel, each of whom would be difficult to replace. Our reductions-in-force in 2024 increased our dependence on continuing personnel. If we fail to retain and attract the necessary personnel, we may be unable to achieve our business objectives and may lose our competitive position, which could lead to a significant decline in net sales. The current job market for personnel is very competitive, resulting in increased compensation. We face challenges retaining our personnel and attracting new personnel to fulfill our unmet needs, particularly in light of our recent reductions-in-force. Replacing key personnel may be difficult and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals with the skills and experience to execute our business strategy. We may be unable to identify or employ qualified personnel for any such position on acceptable terms, if at all. We may also need to pay higher compensation than we expect, which would make it more difficult to achieve our goal of sustained profitability.

Previous wording

In response to increasing competitive pressure, we may take additional measures intended to increase profitability and align our business more closely with our current strategic and financial objectives, including engagement with new suppliers, further modifications to our manufacturing arrangements and other cost-reduction efforts. For example, in February 2024 we announced a staged wind-down of our manufacturing operations and a related reduction-in-force of 75 employees, as a result of which we have incurred or expect to incur aggregate charges of approximately $14.2 million, consisting of a $5.2 million non-cash charge related to the inventory write-down, a $3.6 million provision for excess purchase order obligations, approximately $3.3 million of severance charges, and $2.1 million charge for the discontinuation of a project for implementing a new manufacturing-centric accounting system. We may also choose to dispose of assets or make strategic divestitures, such as the sale of our inertial navigation business in August 2022. These efforts may not succeed in improving profitability. Any of these changes could be disruptive to our business and could result in significant expense, including losses on any asset disposition or divestiture, accounting charges for any inventory or technology-related write-offs or any workforce reduction costs, such as those described in earlier risk factors. We could incur significant transaction costs, including for potential transactions that do not proceed. Substantial expense or charges resulting from restructuring activities, dispositions of assets or divestitures could adversely affect our results of operations and use of cash in the periods in which we take these actions. Any disposition of assets or divestiture could also result in the retention of liabilities and expenses that are not assumed by the buyer or the loss of operating income from the divested assets or operations, either of which could negatively impact profitability after any divestiture.

Current wording

In response to increasing competitive pressure, we may take additional measures intended to increase profitability and align our business more closely with our current strategic and financial objectives, including engagement with new suppliers, further modifications to our manufacturing arrangements and other cost-reduction efforts. For example, in February 2024 we announced a staged wind-down of our manufacturing operations and a related reduction-in-force of 75 employees, as a result of which we have incurred aggregate charges of approximately $14.8 million, consisting of a $5.2 million non-cash charge related to an inventory write-down, a $3.6 million provision for excess purchase order obligations, approximately $3.9 million of severance charges, and a $2.1 million charge for the discontinuation of a project for implementing a new manufacturing-centric accounting system. We may also choose to dispose of assets or make strategic divestitures, such as the sale of our inertial navigation business in August 2022. During the third quarter of 2024, we commenced plans to sell the warehouse building and surface parking lot located at 75 Enterprise Center in Middletown, Rhode Island, and the property, building, improvements, and land located at 50 Enterprise Center in Middletown, Rhode Island. These efforts may not succeed in improving profitability. Any of these changes could be disruptive to our business and could result in significant expense, including losses on any asset disposition or divestiture, accounting charges for any inventory or technology-related write-offs or any workforce reduction costs, such as those described elsewhere in risk factors. We could incur significant transaction costs, including for potential transactions that do not proceed. Substantial expense or charges resulting from restructuring activities, dispositions of assets or divestitures could adversely affect our results of operations and use of cash in the periods in which we take these actions. Any disposition of assets or divestiture could also result in the retention of liabilities and expenses that are not assumed by the buyer or the loss of operating income from the divested assets or operations, either of which could negatively impact profitability after any divestiture.

Previous wording

As a result of our global satellite network infrastructure, we incur certain costs that generally do not vary directly in proportion to the volume of service sales, and we have limited ability to reduce these fixed costs. The cost of our HTS network has increased significantly each year as we have expanded our network to accommodate additional subscriber demand and/or coverage areas. If service sales, including through our AgilePlans subscription model, do not generate the level of revenue that we expect or if those revenues decline, our service gross margins would likely decline. The failure to improve our global HTS service gross margins and unit or subscriber sales would have a material adverse effect on our overall profitability.

Current wording

As a result of our global satellite network infrastructure, we incur certain costs that generally do not vary directly in proportion to the volume of service sales, and we have limited ability to reduce these fixed costs. If service sales, including through our AgilePlans subscription model, continue to decline, our service gross margins will also continue to decline. The failure to improve our global HTS service gross margins and unit sales would have a material adverse effect on our overall profitability.

Previous wording

We manufacture all of our products at our manufacturing facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, and we have begun to wind down our manufacturing operations at that facility. We currently plan to cease manufacturing products by the end of the second quarter of 2024. Some of our production processes are complex, and we may be unable to respond rapidly to the loss of the use of our production facility. For example, we use some specialized equipment that may take time to replace if it is damaged or becomes unusable for any reason. In that event, shipments would be delayed, which could result in customer or dealer dissatisfaction, loss of sales and damage to our reputation. In light of the wind-down, we may elect to halt production rather than to incur significant expenses to repair or replace manufacturing equipment, which may limit our production and accelerate the loss of product sales.

Current wording

We manufacture all of our products at our manufacturing facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, and we have begun to wind down our manufacturing operations at that facility. We currently plan to discontinue the majority of our capital-intensive manufacturing activities by the end of 2025. Some of our production processes are complex, and we may be unable to respond rapidly to the loss of the use of our production facility. For example, we use some specialized equipment that may take time to replace if it is damaged or becomes unusable for any reason. In that event, shipments would be delayed, which could result in customer or dealer dissatisfaction, loss of sales and damage to our reputation. In light of the wind-down, we may elect to halt production rather than to incur significant expenses to repair or replace manufacturing equipment, which may limit our production and accelerate the loss of product sales.

Previous wording

The mobile connectivity market is intensely competitive, and we expect the intensity of competition to continue to increase in the future. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors, which would impair our ability to sell our products and services. Competition continued to intensify significantly in 2023, both from companies that seek to compete primarily on price as well as new, emerging NGSO services, such as Starlink and OneWeb, as well as future LEO services such as Kuiper, Telesat, and others. These companies may continue to implement price reductions and discounts for both products and services, which have required us to reduce our prices or offer discounts in an effort to maintain or increase our market share. The majority of our customers have no long-term commitment and can switch providers without penalty. For example, AgilePlan customers are on month-to-month agreements, and our agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard, a significant government customer, is structured as an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. The U.S. Coast Guard has advised us that it intends to transition its primary satellite service relationship on the vessels we currently serve to Starlink, as a result of which we currently anticipate a material decline in revenue from the Coast Guard starting in the second quarter of 2024. Current and future competitors have greater financial resources than we do, enabling them to operate at lower margins to gain market share. We believe increased competition contributed materially to the decrease in our product sales in 2023, including unit sales of our VSAT products, and we expect that this trend will continue in future periods.

Current wording

The mobile connectivity market is intensely competitive, and we expect the intensity of competition to continue to increase in the future. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors, which would impair our ability to sell our products and services. We are facing significant competition from companies that seek to compete primarily on price as well as new, emerging LEO services, such as Starlink and OneWeb, as well as future LEO services such as Kuiper, Telesat, and others. Competition from these sources increased dramatically in 2023 and 2024 and continues in 2025, leading to material reductions in our VSAT subscriber base. These companies may continue to implement price reductions and discounts for both products and services, which have required us to reduce our prices or offer discounts in an effort to prevent erosion of our market share. The majority of our customers have no long-term commitment and can switch providers without penalty. For example, AgilePlans customers are on month-to-month agreements. In the third quarter of 2024, we received and processed the anticipated service downgrade request from the U.S. Coast Guard, which reduces anticipated revenue from this customer for 2025 through 2027 by approximately 95%. As a result, we expect to generate substantially less revenue from the U.S. Coast Guard. For example, revenue from the U.S. Coast Guard declined from approximately $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 to approximately $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Previous wording

The Starlink LEO service continues to adversely impact our business, particularly within the global leisure segment. A significant number of leisure customers have adopted Starlink systems for both two-way communications as well as streaming, which has impacted both our VSAT Broadband and TracVision businesses. Although our leisure business accounts for less than 15% of our total revenue, competition from Starlink adversely impacted our commercial business as well, particularly our growth in that segment. While we have historically grown the total number of our subscribers in sequential quarters, in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 the total number of our subscribers declined one percent and four percent, respectively, as a result of the net churn in our leisure business and the slower net growth in our commercial business. If this trend continues and we are unable to develop a competitive alternative, it could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, profitability, and cash flow.

Current wording

Although KVH is a tier 1 reseller of Starlink terminals and services, we continue to face competitive challenges both from Starlink direct sales as well as from an expanding network of other Starlink retailers. A significant number of leisure customers have adopted Starlink systems for both two-way communications as well as streaming, which has impacted both our VSAT Broadband and TracVision satellite TV businesses. Although our leisure business accounts for less than 15% of our total revenue, competition from Starlink from various sources has had some adverse impact on our commercial business as well, particularly our growth in that segment and our overall VSAT subscriber base. While we did increase our subscriber count in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2024, spurred by an increase in subscribers for Starlink service provided by KVH, the total number of our subscribers declined in the third and fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. If we are unable to sustain growth, it would have a material adverse effect on our revenue, profitability, and cash flow.

Previous wording

In the marine market for high-speed Internet, voice, fax, and data services, we compete primarily with Inmarsat, Marlink, Speedcast, Viasat, and Network Innovations, along with smaller, single-hub regional services. Additionally, we are facing meaningful competition from new NGSO networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink and OneWeb. We also face competition from providers of low-speed data services, which include Inmarsat and Iridium Satellite LLC. In the marine market for satellite TV equipment, we compete primarily with Intellian, Cobham SATCOM and Raymarine (Intellian-made). In the marine market for two-way communications equipment, we compete primarily with Intellian and Cobham SATCOM. In the market for land mobile satellite TV equipment, we compete primarily with King Controls and Winegard Company. In the markets for media content, the KVH Media Group competes primarily with Swank Motion Pictures, Baze Technology, and NewspaperDirect, Inc. Many of our competitors are well-established companies that have substantially greater financial, managerial, technical, marketing, personnel, and other resources than we do, which may help them to compete more effectively against us.

Current wording

In the marine market for high-speed Internet, voice, and data services, we have historically competed primarily with Marlink, Speedcast, Viasat/Inmarsat, and Network Innovations, along with smaller, single-hub regional services to deliver VSAT service. Additionally, we are facing meaningful competition from new LEO-focused providers such as SpaceX’s Starlink and an emerging group of smaller providers, such as Clarus, Pivotel and Elcome. We also face competition from providers of low-speed data services, which include Viasat/Inmarsat and Iridium Satellite LLC. In the marine market for satellite TV equipment, we compete primarily with Intellian, Cobham satcom and Raymarine (Intellian-made). In the marine market for two-way communications equipment, we compete primarily with Intellian and Cobham satcom. In the markets for media content, the KVH Media Group competes primarily with Swank Motion Pictures, Baze Technology, and PressReader. Some of our competitors are well-established companies that have substantially greater financial, managerial, technical, marketing, personnel, and other resources than we do, which may help them to compete more effectively against us.

Previous wording

We obtain many key components for our products from third-party suppliers, and in some cases we use a single or a limited number of suppliers. Any interruption in supply could impair our ability to deliver our products until we identify and qualify a new source of supply, which could take several weeks, months or longer and could increase our costs significantly. For example, the global chip shortage and supply chain constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted our ability to deliver products in a timely manner and increased our cost of sales due to rising prices for materials. We estimate that raw material costs exceeded our expectations by approximately $0.8 million in 2023. We may not be able to pass along any of these cost increases to our customers, and customers may not wait for our products to become available. These disruptions in our supply chain could worsen, which could delay delivery of our products and services and adversely affect our revenue and results of operations. Suppliers might change or discontinue key components, which could require us to modify our product designs or cease production. In general, we do not have written long-term supply agreements with our suppliers but instead buy components through purchase orders, which expose us to potential price increases and termination of supply without notice or recourse. We generally do not carry significant inventories of product components, which could magnify the impact of the loss of a supplier. If we must use a new source of supply, we could face unexpected manufacturing difficulties and loss of product performance or reliability. In addition, lead times for certain components can increase significantly due to imbalances in overall market supply and demand. This, in turn, could limit our ability to satisfy demand for our products and could result in the cancellation of customer orders.

Current wording

We obtain many products and key components for our products, including Starlink terminals, from third-party suppliers, and in some cases we use a single or a limited number of suppliers. Any interruption in supply could impair our ability to deliver the products we sell until we identify and qualify a new source of supply, which could take several weeks, months or longer and could increase our costs significantly. For example, the global chip shortage and supply chain constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted our ability to deliver products in a timely manner and increased our cost of sales due to rising prices for materials. We may not be able to pass along any of these cost increases to our customers, and customers may not wait for products to become available. These disruptions in our supply chain could worsen, which could delay delivery of products and services and adversely affect our revenue and results of operations. Suppliers might change or discontinue products or key components, which could require us to modify our product designs or cease production or sales. In general, we do not have written long-term supply agreements with our suppliers but instead buy products and components through purchase orders, which expose us to potential price increases and termination of supply without notice or recourse. We generally do not carry significant inventories of products or components, which could magnify the impact of the loss of a supplier. If we must use a new source of supply, we could face unexpected manufacturing difficulties and loss of product performance or reliability. In addition, lead times for certain products or components can increase significantly due to imbalances in overall market supply and demand. This, in turn, could limit our ability to satisfy demand for the products we sell and could result in the cancellation of customer orders.

Previous wording

Changes in the competitive environment, customer demand, supply chain issues, and the transition to new products may require inventory write-downs.

Current wording

Changes in the competitive environment, customer demand, supply chain issues, and the transition to new products may require inventory write-downs and/or the disposal of AgilePlans revenue-generating fixed assets.

Previous wording

From time to time, we have recorded significant inventory charges and/or inventory write-offs as a result of substantial declines in customer demand. For example, in 2023, we recorded a $5.2 million inventory write-down charge and a $3.6 million charge for excess purchase order obligations, both relating to the reduced demand for our hardware products, which has led to the staged wind-down of our manufacturing activities at our facility in Middletown, Rhode Island in 2024. Market or competitive changes, such as a continuation of the decline in demand for our TracVision products that we experienced in 2023, could lead to future charges for excess or obsolete inventory, especially if we are unable to appropriately adjust the supply of material from our vendors, as we were unable to do in 2023.

Current wording

From time to time, we have recorded significant inventory charges and/or inventory write-offs as a result of substantial declines in customer demand. For example, in 2023, we recorded a $5.2 million inventory write-down charge and a $3.6 million charge for excess purchase order obligations, both relating to the reduced demand for our hardware products, which led to the staged wind-down of our manufacturing activities at our facility in Middletown, Rhode Island that we began in 2024. We have also recorded significant losses on the disposal of AgilePlans revenue-generating fixed assets due to the decline in customer demand of VSAT Broadband AgilePlans units. For example, in 2024 we recorded a non-cash $0.9 million loss related to the disposal of AgilePlans revenue-generating fixed assets in which no proceeds were received. Market or competitive changes, such as a continuation of the decline in demand for our hardware products that we experienced in 2023 and 2024, could lead to future charges for excess or obsolete inventory or losses on fixed assets, especially if we are unable to appropriately adjust the supply of material from our vendors, as we were unable to do in 2023.

Previous wording

Our mobile satellite communications solutions utilize third-party satellite services. We do not own the satellites that provide two-way satellite communications or the terrestrial networks that interconnect our facilities with the satellite teleports that communicate with the satellites. Intelsat and Sky Perfect-JSAT currently provide the satellite capacity to support our global high-throughput satellite (HTS) broadband service, our TracNet H-series and TracPhone V-HTS series products and third-party products compatible with our services. Vodafone currently provides the 5G/LTE services used by our TracNet H-series terminals and compatible third-party products to provide cellular service in 150+ countries. Starlink provides the data services for Starlink LEO services, while Eutelsat OneWeb will provide the data connectivity for OneWeb LEO service, which we anticipate providing for maritime use in the second quarter of 2024. We rely on Inmarsat for satellite communications services for our FleetBroadband-compatible and FleetOne-compatible products. We also have an arrangement with Iridium for additional satellite communications services that we make available to our customers as a backup option to provide communications redundancy with our primary service offerings.

Current wording

Our communications solutions utilize third-party satellite services and other communication networks. We do not own the satellites that provide two-way satellite communications, the terrestrial networks that interconnect our facilities with the satellite teleports that communicate with the satellites, or any other communication network. Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT currently provide the satellite capacity to support our global high-throughput satellite (HTS) broadband service, our TracNet H-series and TracPhone V-HTS series products and third-party products compatible with our services. Vodafone currently provides the 5G/LTE services used by our TracNet H-series terminals and compatible third-party products to provide cellular service in 150+ countries. For our TracNet Coastal products launched in December 2024, we purchase 5G/LTE cellular data from T-Mobile for service in the U.S. and Vodaphone for service globally. Additionally, we purchase cellular data from Flexiroam, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) with connectivity in over 200 countries. Starlink provides the data services for Starlink LEO services, while Eutelsat OneWeb provides the data connectivity for OneWeb LEO service, which we began providing for maritime use in the January 2025. We rely on Viasat/Inmarsat for satellite communications services for our FleetBroadband-compatible and FleetOne-compatible products. We also have an arrangement with Iridium for additional satellite communications services that we make available to our customers as a backup option to provide communications redundancy with our primary service offerings.

Previous wording

We exercise little or no control over these third-party providers of satellite, teleport, and terrestrial network services, which increases our vulnerability to problems with the services they provide. Due to our reliance on these service providers, when problems occur, it may be difficult to identify the source of the problem. Service disruption or outages, regardless of whether they are caused by our service, the equipment or services of our third-party service providers, or our customers’ or their equipment and systems, may result in loss of market acceptance of our service, and any necessary repairs or other remedial actions may cause us to incur significant costs and expenses. Any failure on the part of third-party service providers to achieve or maintain expected performance levels, stability, and security could harm our relationships with our customers, result in claims for credits or damages, damage our reputation, significantly reduce customer demand for our solution and seriously harm our financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

We exercise little or no control over these third-party providers of satellite, teleport, and terrestrial network services, which increases our vulnerability to problems with the services and coverage they provide. Due to our reliance on these service providers, when problems occur, it may be difficult to identify the source of the problem. Service disruption or outages, regardless of whether they are caused by our service, the equipment or services of our third-party service providers, or our customers’ or their equipment and systems, may result in loss of market acceptance of our service, and any necessary repairs or other remedial actions may cause us to incur significant costs and expenses. Any failure on the part of third-party service providers to achieve or maintain expected performance levels, stability, security, or adequate data service coverage in key regions could harm our relationships with our customers, result in claims for credits or damages, damage our reputation, significantly reduce customer demand for our solution and seriously harm our financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

If customers become dissatisfied with the pricing, service, availability, programming or other aspects of any of these satellite services, or if any one or more of these services becomes unavailable for any reason, we could suffer a substantial decline in sales of the satellite products or services we offer. There may be no alternative satellite service provider available to us in a particular geographic area, and the modem or other technology our customers use may not be compatible with the technology of any alternative service provider that may be available. Even if available, delays caused by switching our systems to another service provider, if available, and qualifying this new service provider could materially harm our customer relationships, business, financial condition, and operating results. In addition, the unexpected failure of a satellite could disrupt the availability of programming and services, which could reduce the demand for, or customer satisfaction with, the products and services we offer.

Current wording

If customers become dissatisfied with the pricing, service, availability, programming or other aspects of any of these satellite services, or if any one or more of these services becomes unavailable for any reason, we could suffer a substantial decline in sales of the satellite services or products we offer. There may be no alternative satellite service provider available to us in a particular geographic area, and the modem or other technology our customers use may not be compatible with the technology of any alternative service provider that may be available. Even if available, delays caused by switching our systems to another service provider, if available, and qualifying this new service provider could materially harm our customer relationships, business, financial condition, and operating results. In addition, the unexpected failure of a satellite could disrupt the availability of programming and services, which could reduce the demand for, or customer satisfaction with, the services or products we offer.

Previous wording

We distribute premium news, television shows, sports, and movies to commercial customers in the maritime and hotel markets. We license this content from third parties on a non-exclusive basis without long-term license agreements. Any content provider could terminate our arrangements without notice or could adversely modify the terms of the arrangement, including price increases. Further, the licenses we obtain are limited in scope, and any violation of the terms of a license could expose us to liability for copyright infringement. We pay license fees based in part on the revenue we generate from sublicenses, and our licensors generally have the right to audit our records. Failure to pay required license fees could result in termination of our license rights, penalties and damages. The loss of content could adversely affect the attractiveness of our media and entertainment offerings, which could in turn adversely affect our revenues. Any increase in the cost of content could reduce the profitability of these offerings.

Current wording

We distribute premium movies, television programming, news, and music to commercial customers in the maritime market. We license this content from third parties on a non-exclusive basis without long-term license agreements. Any content provider could terminate our arrangements without notice or could adversely modify the terms of the arrangement, including price increases. Further, the licenses we obtain are limited in scope, and any violation of the terms of a license could expose us to liability for copyright infringement. We pay license fees based in part on the revenue we generate from sublicenses, and our licensors generally have the right to audit our records. Failure to pay required license fees could result in termination of our license rights, penalties and damages. The loss of content could adversely affect the attractiveness of our media and entertainment offerings, which could in turn adversely affect our revenues. Any increase in the cost of content could reduce the profitability of these offerings.

Previous wording

Economic and political conditions in the geographic markets we serve have experienced significant turmoil over the last several years, including a potential global recession, slow economic activity, war and refugee crises in the Middle East and Europe, tight credit markets, inflation and deflation concerns, increased interest rates, low consumer confidence, limited capital spending, adverse business conditions, terrorist attacks, changes in government priorities, trade wars, anti-globalization movements, efforts to combat climate change, restrictions on commercial fishing, a government shutdown, gridlock from a divided Congress, and liquidity concerns. These factors vary in intensity by region. For example, the war in the Middle East has resulted in periodic disruptions to global shipping, which could intensify and result in significant delays in shipments of products or supplies, materially increased shipping costs and loss of revenues. We cannot predict the timing, duration, or ultimate impact of turmoil on our markets or our suppliers. We expect our business would be adversely impacted by any significant turmoil, to varying degrees and for varying amounts of time, in all our geographic markets.

Current wording

Economic and political conditions in the geographic markets we serve have experienced significant turmoil over the last several years, including recent changes in U.S. geopolitical priorities, a potential global recession, slow economic activity, war and refugee crises in the Middle East and Europe, tight credit markets, inflation and deflation concerns, increased interest rates, low consumer confidence, limited capital spending, adverse business conditions, terrorist attacks, changes in government priorities, trade wars, anti-globalization movements, efforts to combat climate change, restrictions on commercial fishing, a government shutdown, gridlock from a divided Congress, and liquidity concerns. These factors vary in intensity by region. For example, the war in the Middle East has resulted in periodic disruptions to global shipping, which could intensify and result in significant delays in shipments of products or supplies, materially increased shipping costs and loss of revenues. We cannot predict the timing, duration, or ultimate impact of turmoil on our markets or our suppliers. We expect our business would be adversely impacted by any significant turmoil, to varying degrees and for varying amounts of time, in all our geographic markets.

Previous wording

The U.S. may continue to alter its approach to international trade, which may impact existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on certain foreign goods and may increase tariffs or impose new ones, and certain foreign governments have retaliated and may continue to do so. We derive a majority of our revenues from international sales, which makes us especially vulnerable to increased tariffs. Changes in U.S. trade policy have created ongoing turmoil in international trade relations, and it is unclear what future actions governments will or will not take with respect to tariffs or other international trade agreements and policies. Ongoing or new trade wars or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies could reduce demand for our products and services, increase our costs, reduce our profitability, adversely impact our supply chain or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

The new presidential administration has introduced dramatic changes to the United States’ approach to international trade, which may adversely impact existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries. The U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on a wide range of foreign goods and may continue to increase tariffs or impose new ones, and certain foreign governments have retaliated and may continue to do so. We derive a majority of our revenues from international sales, which makes us especially vulnerable to increased tariffs. Unpredictable and shifting priorities in U.S. trade policy are generating significant turmoil in international trade relations, and it is unclear what future actions governments will or will not take with respect to tariffs or other international trade agreements and policies. For example, President Trump recently imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on an array of imports from Canada, Mexico and China. In response, these countries have imposed or announced intentions to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports and other restrictions on trade with the U.S. It is unclear what further action the presidential administration will take with respect to tariffs. Ongoing or new trade wars or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies could reduce demand for our services and products, increase our costs, reduce our profitability, adversely impact our supply chain or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

We face significant exposure to movements in exchange rates for foreign currencies, particularly the pound sterling and the euro. For example, during 2022, the U.S. dollar strengthened against certain foreign currencies, which adversely affected revenues reported in U.S. dollars and decreased the reported value of our assets in foreign countries. Conversely, the U.S. dollar weakened against certain foreign currencies during 2023. We also have intragroup receivables and liabilities, such as loans, that can generate significant foreign currency effects. Changes in exchange rates, particularly the U.S. dollar against the pound sterling, could lead to the recognition of unrealized foreign exchange losses.

Current wording

We face significant exposure to movements in exchange rates for foreign currencies, particularly the pound sterling and the euro. When the U.S. dollar strengthens against certain foreign currencies, this adversely affects revenues reported in U.S. dollars and decreases the reported value of our assets in foreign countries. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar weakens against certain foreign currencies, this positively affects revenues reported in U.S. dollars and increases the reported value of our assets in foreign countries. We also have intragroup receivables and liabilities, such as loans, that can generate significant foreign currency effects. Changes in exchange rates, particularly the U.S. dollar against the pound sterling, could lead to the recognition of unrealized foreign exchange losses.

Previous wording

Our research and development efforts may be unsuccessful. If we are unable to improve our existing solutions and develop new, innovative solutions, our sales and market share may decline.

Current wording

Our research and development efforts may be unsuccessful. If we are unable to improve our existing solutions and develop new, innovative solutions, our sales and market share will likely continue to decline.

Previous wording

The market for mobile connectivity solutions is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product innovations, changes in customer requirements and expectations, and evolving industry standards. For example, we are facing competition from new LEO networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink and OneWeb. If we fail to make innovations in our existing products and services and reduce the costs of our products and services, our market share will likely decline. Products or services using new technologies, or emerging industry standards, could render our products and services obsolete. If our competitors successfully introduce new or enhanced products or services that outperform our products or services, or are perceived as doing so, we may be unable to compete successfully in the markets affected by these changes.

Current wording

The market for mobile connectivity solutions is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product innovations, changes in customer requirements and expectations, and evolving industry standards. For example, we are facing significant competition from new LEO networks such as Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb. If we fail to make innovations in our existing services and products, reduce the costs of our services and products, or successfully integrate third-party services and products into our portfolio, our market share will likely continue to decline. Services or products using these or other new technologies, or emerging industry standards, could render our services and products obsolete. If our competitors’ new or enhanced services or products either outperform our services or products or offer greater value, or are perceived as doing so, our sales may continue to decline.

Previous wording

Research and development is inherently complex and uncertain, and our current and anticipated research and development projects may not achieve the results we seek. The financial resources that we can devote to our research and development efforts may be insufficient to achieve our goals. Our efforts may not result in any viable products or may result in products whose performance, features, price or availability may not be attractive to customers or that we cannot manufacture and sell profitably.

Current wording

Research and development is inherently complex and uncertain, and our current and anticipated research and development projects may not achieve the results we seek. The financial resources that we can devote to our research and development efforts may be insufficient to achieve our goals. Our efforts may not result in any viable service or product offerings or may result in service or product offerings whose performance, features, price or availability may not be attractive to customers or that we cannot sell profitably.

Previous wording

Historically, sales to customers outside the United States have accounted for an increasingly significant portion of our net sales. We derived 68% and 63% of our revenues from continuing operations in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, from sales to these foreign customers. We have foreign offices in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Norway and the Philippines, as well as a subsidiary in Brazil that manages local sales. Nonetheless, substantially all of our operations and a significant number of our personnel are located in the United States. Our limited international operations may impair our ability to compete successfully in international markets and to meet the service and support needs of our customers in countries where we have little to no infrastructure. Risks associated with our international business activities may increase our costs and require significant management attention. These risks include restrictions on international travel, which may restrict our ability to grow and service our business; international shipping delays; tariffs; sanctions or other trade restrictions that preclude or restrict doing business with particular foreign governments, companies or individuals; technical challenges we may face in adapting our solutions to function with different satellite services and technology in use in various regions around the world; satisfaction of international regulatory requirements and delays and costs associated with procurement of any necessary licenses or permits; the potential unavailability of content licenses covering international waters and foreign locations; increased costs of providing customer support in multiple languages; increased costs of managing operations that are international in scope; potentially adverse tax consequences, including restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; protectionist laws and business practices that favor local competitors, which could slow our growth in international markets; potentially longer sales cycles; potentially longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; and economic and political instability in some international markets.

Current wording

Historically, sales to customers outside the United States have accounted for an increasingly significant portion of our net sales. We derived 73% and 68% of our revenues in 2024 and 2023, respectively, from sales to these foreign customers. We have foreign offices in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Norway and the Philippines, as well as a subsidiary in Brazil that manages local sales. Nonetheless, substantially all of our operations and a significant number of our key personnel are located in the United States. Our limited international operations may impair our ability to compete successfully in international markets and to meet the service and support needs of our customers in countries where we have little to no infrastructure. Risks associated with our international business activities may increase our costs and require significant management attention. These risks include restrictions on international travel, which may restrict our ability to grow and service our business; international shipping delays; tariffs; sanctions or other trade restrictions that preclude or restrict doing business with particular foreign governments, companies or individuals; technical challenges we may face in adapting our solutions to function with different satellite services and technology in use in various regions around the world; satisfaction of international regulatory requirements and delays and costs associated with procurement of any necessary licenses or permits; the potential unavailability of content licenses covering international waters and foreign locations; increased costs of providing customer support in multiple languages; increased costs of managing operations that are international in scope; potentially adverse tax consequences, including restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; protectionist laws and business practices that favor local competitors, which could slow our growth in international markets; potentially longer sales cycles; potentially longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; and economic and political instability in some international markets.

Previous wording

Our international operations subject us to a number of legal requirements, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and the customs, export, trade sanctions and anti-boycott laws of the United States, including those administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department, as well as those of other nations. In addition, many of the countries where our customers use our products and services have licensing and regulatory requirements for the importation and use of satellite communications and reception equipment, including the use of such equipment in territorial waters, the transmission of satellite signals on certain radio frequencies, the transmission of VoIP services using such equipment and the reception of certain video programming services. These laws and regulations are continually changing, making compliance complex. We incur significant costs identifying and maintaining compliance with applicable licensing and regulatory requirements. Our training and compliance programs and our other internal control policies may be insufficient to protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents or third-party contractors. Any violation of these requirements by us or our employees, agents or third-party contractors may subject us to significant criminal and civil liability. Further, many of our commercial suppliers of satellite transmission capacity impose contractual obligations on us that permit them to suspend or terminate their provision of satellite services to support our network if we fail to maintain compliance with these laws and regulations. The loss of access to satellite capacity would materially and adversely affect our maritime communications service.

Current wording

Our international operations subject us to a number of legal requirements, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and the customs, export, trade sanctions and anti-boycott laws of the United States, including those administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department, as well as those of other nations. In addition, many of the countries where our customers use our services and products have licensing and regulatory requirements for the importation and use of satellite communications and reception equipment, including the use of such equipment in territorial waters, the transmission of satellite signals on certain radio frequencies, the transmission of VoIP services using such equipment and the reception of certain video programming services. These laws and regulations are continually changing, making compliance complex. We incur significant costs identifying and maintaining compliance with applicable licensing and regulatory requirements. Our training and compliance programs and our other internal control policies may be insufficient to protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents or third-party contractors. Any violation of these requirements by us or our employees, agents or third-party contractors may subject us to significant criminal and civil liability. Further, many of our commercial suppliers of satellite transmission capacity impose contractual obligations on us that permit them to suspend or terminate their provision of satellite services to support our network if we fail to maintain compliance with these laws and regulations. The loss of access to satellite capacity would materially and adversely affect our maritime communications service.

Previous wording

Our stock price has historically been volatile. During the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023, the trading price of our common stock ranged from $4.30 to $15.29. Many factors may cause our stock price to fluctuate, including variations in quarterly results; the introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors; adverse business developments; reductions-in-force; changes in estimates of our performance or recommendations by securities analysts; the hiring or departure of key personnel; acquisitions or strategic alliances involving us or our competitors; market conditions in our industry; and the global macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock price. When the market price of a company’s stock drops significantly, stockholders often institute securities litigation against that company. Any such litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses defending against the claim, divert the time and attention of our management and result in significant damages.

Current wording

Our stock price has historically been volatile. During the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024, the trading price of our common stock ranged from $4.17 to $15.29. Many factors may cause our stock price to fluctuate, including variations in quarterly results; the introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors; adverse business developments; reductions-in-force; changes in estimates of our performance or recommendations by securities analysts; the hiring or departure of key personnel; acquisitions or strategic alliances involving us or our competitors; market conditions in our industry; and the global macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock price. When the market price of a company’s stock drops significantly, stockholders often institute securities litigation against that company. Any such litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses defending against the claim, divert the time and attention of our management and result in significant damages.