R F INDUSTRIES LTD

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

Index

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of RF Industries, Ltd.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RF Industries, Ltd. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended October 31, 2023, and the related consolidated notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended October 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) related to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Assessment of Going Concern (Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

Significant judgment is exercised by the Company in determining whether there is substantial doubt the Company will continue as a going concern. Specifically, the Company’s forecasted cash flows are sensitive to significant assumptions such as projected revenue and projected operating results, all of which are affected by the expected future market or economic conditions, including the residual effects of the global pandemic, and inflation. Given these factors, the related audit effort in evaluating management’s judgments in determining the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern was challenging, subjective, and complex and required a high degree of auditor judgment.

How Our Audit Addressed the Critical Audit Matter

Our audit procedures related to the Company’s assessment of going concern included the following:

Evaluation of Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangibles (Notes 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

As disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, the Company tests goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under the quantitative approach to test for goodwill impairment, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Generally, the Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of a discounted cash flows analysis and market-based valuation methodologies. Similarly, the indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested by management for impairment at least annually using a relief from royalty model to estimate the fair value as compared to its carrying value.

Significant judgment is exercised by the Company in estimating the fair value of the reporting units for goodwill and the fair value of indefinite lived intangible assets, specifically:

These assumptions are affected by such factors as expected future market or economic conditions.

Given these factors, auditing management’s quantitative impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets was challenging, subjective, and complex and required a high degree of auditor judgment.

How Our Audit Addressed the Critical Audit Matter

Our audit procedures related to the fair value of goodwill indefinite lived intangible assets included the following, among others:

/s/CohnReznick LLP

We are uncertain as to the year CohnReznick LLP became the Company’s auditor as 1995 is the earliest year of which we have knowledge.

Tysons, Virginia

January 29, 2024

OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’** EQUITY**

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(In thousands)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1–** Business activities and summary of significant accounting policies**

Business activities

RF Industries, Ltd., together with its five wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, hereinafter the “Company”, ”we”, “us”, or “our”), primarily engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of interconnect products and systems, including coaxial and specialty cables, fiber optic cables and connectors, and electrical and electronic specialty cables. For internal operating and reporting purposes, and for marketing purposes, as of the end of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, we classified our operations into the following five divisions/subsidiaries: (i) The RF Connector and Cable Assembly division designs, manufactures and distributes coaxial connectors and cable assemblies that are integrated with coaxial connectors; (ii) Cables Unlimited, Inc., the subsidiary that manufactures custom and standard cable assemblies, complex hybrid fiber optic power solution cables, adapters, and electromechanical wiring harnesses for communication, computer, LAN, automotive and medical equipment; (iii) Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc., the subsidiary that designs and manufacturers cable assemblies and wiring harnesses for blue chip industrial, oilfield, instrumentation and military customers; (iv) C Enterprises, Inc., the subsidiary that designs and manufactures quality connectivity solutions to telecommunications and data communications distributors; (v) Schroff Technologies International, Ltd., the subsidiary that manufactures and markets intelligent thermal control systems used by telecommunications companies across the U.S. and Canada, and shrouds for small cell integration and installation, and (vi) Microlab, the subsidiary that designs and manufactures high-performance RF and Microwave products enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks. The Cables Unlimited and C Enterprises divisions are Corning Cables Systems CAH Connections SM Gold Program members that are authorized to manufacture fiber optic cable assemblies that are backed by Corning Cables Systems’ extended warranty.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RF Industries, Ltd., Cables Unlimited, Inc. (“Cables Unlimited”), Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc. (“Rel-Tech”), C Enterprises, Inc. (“C Enterprises”), Schroff Technologies International, Ltd. (“Schrofftech”), and Microlab/FXR LLC (“Microlab”), wholly owned subsidiaries of RF Industries, Ltd. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Liquidity

As of October 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with the covenants contained in the Loan Agreement. In January 2024, given the economic conditions and the associated impact on earnings, the Company amended the Loan Agreement to modify the financial covenants in order to avoid a potential covenant violation during the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2024. The amendments effect changes to certain provisions and covenants as noted in Note 11.

As of October 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the Loan Agreement. The Company expects to maintain compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Loan Agreement, as amended in January 2024, for at least one year from the issuance of these financial statements based on its current expectations and forecasts. If economic conditions worsen and the Company’s earnings and operating cash flows do not start to recover as currently estimated by management, this could impact the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the amended financial covenants and require the Company to seek additional amendments to the Loan Agreement. If the Company is not able to obtain such necessary additional amendments, this would lead to an event of default and, if not cured timely, the lender could require the Company to repay its outstanding debt. In that situation, the Company may not be able to raise sufficient debt or equity capital, or divest assets, to refinance or repay the lenders and may affect our ability to continue as a going concern.

Cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Revenue recognition

On November 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), (“ASC 606”) applying the modified retrospective method. The core principle of ASC 606 is that revenue should be recorded in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for goods or services promised to customers. Under ASC 606, we follow a five-step model to: (1) identify the contract with our customer; (2) identify our performance obligations in our contract; (3) determine the transaction price for our contract; (4) allocate the transaction price to our performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. In accordance with this accounting principle, we recognize revenue using the output method at a point in time when finished goods have been transferred to the customer and there are no other obligations to customers after the title of the goods have transferred. Title of goods are transferred based on shipping terms for each customer – for shipments with terms of FOB Shipping Point, title is transferred upon shipment; for shipments with terms of FOB Destination, title is transferred upon delivery.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using the weighted average cost of accounting. Cost includes materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead related to the purchase and production of inventories. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand, future purchase commitments with our suppliers, and the estimated utility of our inventory. If our review indicates a reduction in utility below carrying value due to damage, physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes, we reduce our inventory to a new cost basis through a charge to cost of sales in the period in which it occurs. The determination of market value and the estimated volume of demand used in the lower of cost or market analysis requires significant judgment.

Property and equipment

Equipment, tooling and furniture are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives (generally three tofive years) using the straight-line method. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations in the period incurred.

Goodwill

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment analysis at least once annually, which we perform in October, or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than its fair value.

We assess whether a goodwill impairment exists using both qualitative and quantitative assessments at the reporting level. Our qualitative assessment involves determining whether events or circumstances exist that indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If based on this qualitative assessment we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will not perform a quantitative assessment.

Under the amendments of this update, the goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss should be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

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

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

No instances of goodwill impairment were identified as of October 31, 2023 and 2022.

On June 15, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Cables Unlimited. Goodwill related to this acquisition is included within the Cables Unlimited reporting unit. As of May 19, 2015, we completed the acquisition of the CompPro product line. Goodwill related to this acquisition is included within the RF Connector and Cable Assembly Division. Effective June 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Rel-Tech. Goodwill related to this acquisition is included within the Rel-Tech reporting unit. On March 15, 2019, we completed the acquisition of C Enterprises; however, no goodwill resulted from this transaction. On November 4, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Schrofftech. Goodwill related to this acquisition is included within the Schrofftech reporting unit. On March 1, 2022, we completed the acquisition of Microlab. Goodwill related to this acquisition is included within the Microlab reporting unit.

Long-lived assets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No instances of impairment were identified as of October 31, 2023 or 2022.

Fair value measurement

We measure at fair value certain financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:

Level 1— Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2— Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and

Level 3— Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying amounts reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist of the following as of October 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Amortization expense was $1,701,000 and $1,282,000 for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period for the amortizable intangible assets is 8.55 years.

There wasno impairment to trademarks for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022.

Estimated amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

Advertising

We expense the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred. Advertising costs charged to operations were approximately $76,000 and $333,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Our research and development expenses relate to its engineering activities, which consist of the design and development of new products for specific customers, as well as the design and engineering of new or redesigned products for the industry in general. During the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $3,151,000 and $2,913,000 in engineering expenses, respectively.

Income taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the jurisdictions in which operations are conducted and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Developing the provision (benefit) for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Management’s judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.

We had adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10, which clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions. ASC 740-10 requires that we recognize the impact of a tax position in the financial statements if the position is not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize interest and penalties related to certain uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense and the accrued interest and penalties are included in deferred and income taxes payable in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report for more information on the Company’s accounting for uncertain tax positions.

Stock options

For stock option grants to employees, we recognize compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of the options at the date of grant. Stock-based employee compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We issue previously unissued common shares upon the exercise of stock options.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, charges related to stock-based compensation amounted to approximately $898,000 and $689,000, respectively. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, all stock-based compensation is classified in selling and general and engineering expense.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares, principally those issuable upon the exercise of stock options, were issued and the treasury stock method had been applied during the period. The greatest number of shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options in any period for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, that were not included in the computation because they were anti-dilutive, totaled 811,135 and 508,889, respectively.

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Recent accounting standards

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10,Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), which pushes back the effective date for public business entities that are smaller reporting companies, as defined by the SEC, to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements adopted:

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12,Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions related to the approach for intra-period tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new ASU also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates. These changes aim to improve the overall usefulness of disclosures to financial statement users and reduce unnecessary costs to companies when preparing the disclosures. The guidance was effective for the Company beginning on November 1, 2021 and prescribes different transition methods for the various provisions. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

Note 2–** Business acquisition**

On March 1, 2022, the Company completed its purchase (the “Purchase Transaction”) of 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Microlab, a New Jersey limited liability company, from Wireless Telecom Group, Inc, a New Jersey corporation (the “Seller”) pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated December 16, 2021, with the Seller. The consideration for the Purchase Transaction was $24,250,000, subject to certain post-closing adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price was paid in cash at the closing. The Company funded $17 million of the cash purchase price from the funds obtained under the Term Loan (as defined in Note 11) and paid the remaining amount of the cash purchase price with cash on hand. During the three months ended July 31, 2022, we paid an additional $225,000 in purchase consideration as a result of certain post-closing adjustments relating to net working capital.

The acquisition was accounted for with the acquisition method of accounting. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair values. We determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by an independent third-party specialist. Microlab designs and manufactures high-performance radio frequency and microwave products enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks. The Microlab acquisition further diversifies and strengthens the portfolio of products that we offer to the market and allows us to provide a more complete solution to our customers in key market segments. All manufacturing operations are performed at Microlab’s facilities in New Jersey.

The acquisition closed on March 1, 2022, accordingly, subsequent to March 1, 2022, Microlab’s financial results have been included in the results of the RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment as well as in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company expects the goodwill recorded to be deductible for income tax purposes. Acquired amortizable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging fromone to 15 years. Total costs, as of October 31, 2022, related to the acquisition of Microlab were approximately $1.3 million and have been expensed as incurred and categorized in selling and general expenses.

The following table summarizes the components of the purchase price at fair value at March 1, 2022:

The following table summarizes the allocation of the preliminary purchase price at fair value at March 1, 2022:

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined operating results of the Company and Microlab as if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. Pro forma data is subject to various assumptions and estimates and is presented for informational purposes only. This pro forma data does not purport to represent or be indicative of the consolidated operating results that would have been reported had the transaction been completed as described herein, and the data should not be taken as indicative of future consolidated operating results.

Unaudited pro forma financial information assuming the acquisition of Microlab as of November 1, 2021 is presented in the following table:

Note 3–** Concentrations of credit risk**

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents with high-credit quality financial institutions. At October 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalent balances in excess of federally insured limits in the amount of approximately $3.4 million.

Sales from each customer that were 10% or greater of net sales were as follows:

• Less than 10%

For the year ended October 31, 2023, a wireless carrier customer accounted for approximately 10% of total sales and had no accounts receivable. Another distributor customer accounted for approximately 10% of total sales and for 11% of the total net accounts receivable, while another distributor customer accounted for 10% of the total net accounts receivable and less than 10% of total sales. For the year ended October 31, 2022, the same wireless carrier accounted for approximately 20% of total sales, and a distributor accounted for less than 10% of total sales. These two customers’ accounts receivable balances each accounted for approximately 14% and 19% of the total net accounts receivable balance at October 31, 2022. Although the distributors have been on-going major customers of the Company and the wireless carrier is a newer customer to the Company, the written agreements with these customers do not have any minimum purchase obligations and they could stop buying our products at any time and for any reason. A reduction, delay, or cancellation of orders from these customers or the loss of these customers could significantly reduce our future revenues and profits.

Note 4–** Inventories and major vendors**

Inventories, consisting of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost has been determined using the weighted average cost method. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

One vendor accounted for 15% of inventory purchases during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, and one vendor accounted for 27% of inventory purchases for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022. We have arrangements with our vendors to purchase products based on purchase orders that we periodically issue.

Note 5–** Other current assets**

Other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, H.R. 748 (“CARES Act”), eligible employers are able to claim an ERC, which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. If the employer’s employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, the employer may get an advance payment from the Internal Revenue Service. The period assessed for eligibility of the ERC is on a calendar year basis. As of October 31, 2023, the remaining portion of the ERC that we have not yet received is included as other receivables in other current assets.

Note 6–** Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities**

Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

Accrued receipts represent purchased inventory for which invoices have not been received.

Note 7–** Segment information**

We aggregate operating divisions intotwo reporting segments that have similar economic characteristics primarily in the following areas: (1) the nature of the product and services; (2) the nature of the production process; (3) the type or class of customer for their products and services; (4) the methods used to distribute their products or services; and (5) if applicable, the nature of the regulatory environment. Based upon this evaluation, as of October 31, 2023, we hadtwo reportable segments – RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment and Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly (“Custom Cabling”) segment.

On August 1, 2023, C Enterprises moved and transitioned its physical operations into the RF Connector office in San Diego, CA. Given the synergies in consolidating both the operating divisions into one building, C Enterprises has now been included in the RF Connector segment. Further, since the acquisition of C Enterprises in 2019, the customer base for the division has shifted more towards distribution as opposed to direct to end customer which is more aligned with the RF Connector segment. The segment change of including C Enterprise as part of the RF Connector segment was made retroactive to the beginning of our fiscal year starting November 1, 2022 and reclassified for fiscal 2022 for comparative purposes. Prior to the transition, C Enterprises was included in the Custom Cabling segment.

The RF Connector segment consists of three divisions and the Custom Cabling segment consists of three divisions. The six divisions that met the quantitative thresholds for segment reporting are the RF Connector and Cable Assembly division (“RF Connector division”), Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, C Enterprises, Schrofftech, and Microlab. While each segment has similar products and services, there was little overlapping of these services to their customer base. The biggest difference in segments is in the channels of sales: sales or product and services for the RF Connector segment were primarily through the distribution channel, while the Custom Cabling segment sales were through a combination of distribution and direct to the end customer.

Management identifies segments based on strategic business units that are, in turn, based along market lines. These strategic business units offer products and services to different markets in accordance with their customer base and product usage. For segment reporting purposes, the RF Connector, C Enterprises and Microlab divisions constitutes the RF Connector segment, and the Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, and Schrofftech divisions constitute the Custom Cabling segment.

As reviewed by our chief operating decision maker, we evaluate the performance of each segment based on income or loss before income taxes. We charge depreciation and amortization directly to each division within the segment. Accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and intangible assets are the only assets identified by segment. Except as discussed above, the accounting policies for segment reporting are the same for the Company as a whole.

All of our operations are conducted in the United States; however, we derive a portion of our revenue from export sales. We attribute sales to geographic areas based on the location of the customers. The following table presents the sales by geographic area for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Net sales, income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and other related segment information for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

Note 8–** Income tax provision (benefit)**

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 consists of the following (in thousands):

Income tax at the federal statutory rate is reconciled to our actual net provision (benefit) for income taxes as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

Our total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at October 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of the assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We have evaluated the available evidence supporting the realization of its gross deferred tax assets including the amount and timing of future taxable income, and has determined it is more likely than not that the federal and combined state deferred tax assets will be realized in future tax years, but it is not more likely than not that the separate state deferred tax assets will be realized in future tax years. As such, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the separate state deferred tax assets. The change in valuation allowance was $0.1 million and $0.0 million for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.

At October 31, 2023, the Company has gross United States federal and state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The federal NOL carryforwards will carry forward indefinitely. The state NOL carryforwards of $0.2 million will begin to expire in 2043 unless previously utilized. At October 31, 2023, the Company also has IRC 163(j) interest carryforwards of $0.6 million, which will carry forward indefinitely. At October 31, 2023, the Company also has state research and development credit carryforwards of $0.2 million. The state credit carryforwards of $0.2 million will begin to expire in 2029 unless previously utilized and the remainder will carry forward indefinitely.

The provision (benefit) for income taxes was ($1.2) million or 27.5% and $0.1 million or 9.2% of income before income taxes for fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The fiscal 2023 effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal rate of 21% primarily as a result of the tax benefit from research and development tax credits, the change in valuation allowance and state taxes.

The Company recognizes the benefit of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by authorities. Recognized tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance to total uncertain tax positions in fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

We had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $178,000 and $121,000 attributable to U.S. federal and California research tax credits as of October 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively. During fiscal 2023, the increase in our gross unrecognized tax benefit was primarily related to increased federal and California research tax credits being generated. The uncertain tax benefit of $40,000 is recorded as a reduction to deferred tax assets and the remainder is recorded in income taxes payable in our consolidated balance sheet and if recognized in the future would impact our effective tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. We recognized expense of approximately $20,000 and $13,000 during the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively. We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, it is possible that certain changes may occur within the next twelve months, but we do not anticipate that our accrual for uncertain tax positions will change by a material amount over the next twelve-month period.

We are subject to taxation in the United States and state jurisdictions. Our tax years for October 31, 2020 and forward are subject to examination by the United States and October 31, 2019 and forward with state tax authorities.

Note 9–** Stock options**

Incentive and non-qualified stock option plans

On July 22, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). In September 2020, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2020 Plan by vote as required by NASDAQ. An aggregate of 1,250,000 shares of common stock was set aside and reserved for issuance under the 2020 Plan. As of October 31, 2023,703,252 shares of common stock were remaining for future grants of stock options under the 2020 Plan.

Additional disclosures related to stock option plans

On January 10, 2022, we granted a total of 39,666 shares of restricted stock and 106,001 incentive stock options to one manager and three officers. The shares of restricted stock and incentive stock options vest over four years as follows: (i)one-quarter of the restricted shares and options vested on January 11, 2023; and (ii) the remaining restricted shares and options shall vest in 12 equal quarterly installments over the next three years. All incentive stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant.

On January 11, 2023, we granted a total of 54,092 shares of restricted stock and 108,181 incentive stock options to one manager and three officers, respectively. The shares of restricted stock and incentive stock options vest over four years as follows: (i)one-quarter of the restricted shares and options shall vest on January 10, 2024 and (ii) the remaining restricted shares and options shall vest in 12 equal quarterly installments over the next three years. Also on January 11, 2023, we granted another manager 50,000 incentive stock options. As of October 31, 2023, the 50,000 incentive stock options granted to manager were cancelled and forfeited as the manager was no longer employed. All incentive stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant.

On August 29, 2023, we granted one employee 10,000 incentive stock options. These options vested with respect to 2,500 shares on the date of grant, and the remaining shares vests in equal installments thereafter on each of the next three anniversaries of August 29, 2023. The options expire 10 years from the date of grant.

No other shares or options were granted to Company employees during fiscal 2023.

The fair value of each option granted in 2023 and 2022 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our stock price and other factors. We used the historical method to calculate the expected life of the 2023 and 2022 option grants. The expected life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate with a maturity date corresponding to the options’ expected life. The dividend yield is based upon the historical dividend yield.

Additional information regarding all of our outstanding stock options at October 31, 2023 and 2022 and changes in outstanding stock options in 2023 and 2022 follows:

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as of October 31, 2023:6.29 years

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable as of October 31, 2023:5.46 years

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options vested and expected to vest as of October 31, 2023:6.29 years

Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at October 31, 2023: $58,000

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at October 31, 2023: $40,000

Aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest at October 31, 2023: $57,000

As of October 31, 2023, $642,000 and $612,000 of expense with respect to nonvested stock options and restricted shares, respectively, has yet to be recognized but is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.34 and 0.96 years, respectively.

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

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

Note 10–** Retirement plan**

We have a 401(k) plan available to our employees. For the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, we contributed and recognized as an expense $567,000 and $488,000, respectively, which amounts represented 3% of eligible employee earnings under the Company’s Safe Harbor Non-elective Employer Contribution Plan.

Note 11–** Term Loan and Line of credit**

In February 2022, we entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) providing for a revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) in the amount of $3.0 million and a $17.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan”, and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Bank”). Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility shall bear interest at a rate of 2.0% plus the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index Rate. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is March 1, 2024. The Company drew down the entire amount of the Term Loan on March 1, 2022. The primary interest rate for Term Loan is 3.76% per annum. The maturity date of the Term Loan is March 1, 2027.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in certain assets of the Company and are subject to certain loan covenants. The Credit Facility requires the maintenance of certain financial covenants, including: (i) consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00; (ii) consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00; and (iii) consolidated minimum EBITDA of at least $600,000 for the discrete quarter ended January 31, 2022. In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants.

As of July 31, 2023, we were not in compliance with the consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio nor were we in compliance with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio covenants (the “Defaults”). On September 12, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to the Loan Agreement (“Loan Amendment No. 1”) with the Bank, which, among other matters, provided for a temporary waiver of (i) the Defaults, and (ii) compliance with the consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio and the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio minimum covenants for the quarterly periods ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024 and July 31, 2024. Further, pursuant to Loan Amendment No. 1, we were required to maintain (i) (a) until September 21, 2023, minimum liquidity (week-end cash balance plus availability from the Revolving Credit Facility) of $4.0 million, and (b) from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity equal to the greater of (1) $4.0 million or (2)80% of the liquidity that had been forecast for this date at the fourth week of the forecast and (ii) minimum EBITDA of ($400,000), $500,000, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million for the quarters ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, respectively.

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

As of October 31, 2023, we have borrowed $13,162,000 under the Term Loan and $1.0 million from the Revolving Credit Facility.

The foregoing summary description of Loan Amendment No. 2 is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of Loan Amendment No. 2, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.36 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Note 12–** Related party transactions**

A portion of our operating leases are leased from K&K Unlimited, a company controlled by Darren Clark, the former owner and current President of Cables Unlimited. Cables Unlimited’s monthly rent expense under the lease is $16,000 per month, plus payments of all utilities, janitorial expenses, routine maintenance costs, and costs of insurance for Cables Unlimited’s business operations and equipment. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, we paid a total of $208,000 under the leases.

During fiscal 2023, we paid royalties to Elmec Ltd. (“Elmec”), a European-based company that owns the intellectual property that is used in Schrofftech’s products. One third of Elmec is jointly owned by David Therrien and Richard DeFelice, two of the former owners and current President and Vice President, respectively, of Schrofftech. For the year ended October 31, 2023, we paid a total of $24,000 of royalty payments to Elmec. The expenses related to these transactions are included in cost of goods sold.

Note 13–** Cash dividend and declared dividends**

We didnot pay any dividends during fiscal year 2023, nor during fiscal year 2022.

Note 14–** Commitments**

We adopted ASU 2016-02 on November 1, 2019, and elected the practical expedient modified retrospective method whereby the lease qualification and classification was carried over from the accounting for leases under ASC 840. The lease contracts for the corporate headquarters, RF Connector division manufacturing facilities, Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, and C Enterprises commenced prior to the effective date of November 1, 2019, and were determined to be operating leases. All other new contracts have been assessed for the existence of a lease and for the proper classification into operating leases. The rate implicit in the leases was undeterminable and, therefore, the discount rate used in all lease contracts is our incremental borrowing rate.

We have operating leases for corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, and certain storage units. Our leases have remaining lease terms ofone year tofive years. A portion of our operating leases are leased from K&K Unlimited, a company controlled by Darren Clark, the former owner and current President of Cables Unlimited, to whom we make rent payments totaling $16,000 per month.

We also have other operating leases for certain equipment. The components of our facilities and equipment operating lease expenses for the period ended October 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

Other information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of October 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

As of October 31, 2023, operating lease right-of-use asset was $15.7 million and operating lease liability totaled $20.6 million, of which $1.3 million is classified as current. There wereno finance leases as of October 31, 2023.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.