1. Business Description, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description:

ClearOne, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “ClearOne” or the “Company”), is a global market leader enabling conferencing, collaboration, and network streaming solutions. The performance and simplicity of our advanced, comprehensive solutions offer unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability and scalability.

Basis of Presentation:

Fiscal Year – This report on Form 10-K includes consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years 2019 and 2018.

Consolidation – These consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of ClearOne, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-Company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of 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 the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Key estimates in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include, among others, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and product returns, provisions for obsolete inventory, potential impairment of goodwill and of long-lived assets, and deferred income tax asset valuation allowances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation – We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk through our foreign subsidiaries. Other than our subsidiaries in India and Spain, all other foreign subsidiaries are U.S. dollar functional, for which gains and losses arising from remeasurement are included in earnings. Our Spanish subsidiary is Euro functional, for which gains and losses arising from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Our Indian subsidiary is Indian Rupee functional, for which gains and losses arising from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. We translate and remeasure foreign assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. We translate revenue and expenses using average rates during the year.

Concentration Risk – We depend on an outsourced manufacturing strategy for our products. We outsource the manufacture of all of our products to third party manufacturers located in Asia. If any of these manufacturers experience difficulties in obtaining sufficient supplies of components, component prices significantly exceeding the anticipated costs, an interruption in their operations, or otherwise suffer capacity constraints, we would experience a delay in production and shipping of these products, which would have a negative impact on our revenues. Should there be any disruption in services due to natural disaster, economic or political difficulties, transportation restrictions, acts of terror, quarantine or other restrictions associated with infectious diseases, or other similar events, or any other reason, such disruption may have a material adverse effect on our business. Operating in the international environment exposes us to certain inherent risks, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and tariffs, and potentially adverse tax consequences, which could materially affect our results of operations. Currently, we have no second source of manufacturing for a portion of our products.

Significant Accounting Policies:

Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high-quality financial institutions. At times, such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.

Marketable Securities - The Company has classified its marketable securities as available-for-sale securities. These debt securities are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity until realized. Gains and losses on marketable security transactions are reported on the specific-identification method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and establishes a new cost basis for the security. Losses are charged against “Other income” when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. We review several factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value is less than cost and the cause for the fair value decline, (ii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position and (iv) our ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. There were no other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Accounts Receivable – Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of expected returns and allowance for doubtful accounts. Generally, credit is granted to customers on a short-term basis without requiring collateral, and as such, these accounts receivable, do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are past due. The Company extends credit to customers who it believes have the financial strength to pay. The Company has in place credit policies and procedures, an approval process for sales returns and credit memos, and processes for managing and monitoring channel inventory levels.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. Management regularly analyzes accounts receivable including current aging, historical write-off experience, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We review customer accounts quarterly by first assessing accounts with aging over a specific duration and balance over a specific amount. We review all other balances on a pooled basis based on past collection experience. Accounts identified in our customer-level review as exceeding certain thresholds are assessed for potential allowance adjustment if we conclude the financial condition of that customer has deteriorated, adversely affecting their ability to make payments. Delinquent account balances are written off if the Company determines that the likelihood of collection is not probable. If the assumptions that are used to determine the allowance for doubtful accounts change, the Company may have to provide for a greater level of expense in future periods or reverse amounts provided in prior periods.

The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
Balance at beginning of the year	$	631		$	472
Allowance increase		92			159
Write offs, net of recoveries		(299	)		—
Balance at end of the year	$	424		$	631

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost computed on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. In addition to the price of the product purchased, the cost of inventory includes the Company’s internal manufacturing costs, including warehousing, engineering, material purchasing, quality and product planning expenses and applicable overhead, not in excess of estimated realizable value. Consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration, direct selling expenses, and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

The inventory also includes advance replacement units (valued at cost) provided by the Company to end-users to service defective products under warranty. The value of advance replacement units included in the inventory was $102 and $184, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The inventory consists of current inventory of $11,441 and long-term inventory of $6,284. Long term inventory represents inventory held in excess of our current (next 12 months) requirements based on our recent sales and forecasted level of sales.

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures that materially increase values or capacities or extend useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. Routine maintenance, repairs, and renewal costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses from the sale, trade-in, or retirement of property and equipment are recorded in current operations and the related book value of the property is removed from property and equipment accounts and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization accounts. Estimated useful lives are generally two to ten years. Depreciation and amortization are calculated over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvement amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related assets.

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination are amortized over their useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Intangible assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which are generally three to ten years. Intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets subject to depreciation and amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent of other groups of assets. The impairment of long-lived assets requires judgments and estimates. If circumstances change, such estimates could also change. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less the estimated costs to sell.

Recent accounting standard related to leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). This new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11 which provides an alternative transition method that allows entities to apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company has adopted the requirements of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, the first day of fiscal year 2019, using the optional transition method. The Company elected to use certain practical expedient options, which allows an entity not to reassess whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases. There was an increase in assets of $2,966 and liabilities of $3,101 due to the recognition of the required right-of-use asset and corresponding liability for all lease obligations that are currently classified as operating leases with the difference of $135 related to existing deferred rent that reduced the ROU asset recorded. The standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Change in accounting policy related to leases: We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease - right of use (“ROU”) assets, accrued liabilities, and operating lease liability in our consolidated balance sheets. As of adoption of ASC 842 and as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was not party to finance lease arrangements. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Under the available practical expedient, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

Adoption of New Revenue Standard: On January 1, 2018, as required, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), ASU No. 2015-14 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”), ASU No. 2016-08 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (“ASU 2016-08”), ASU No. 2016-10 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (“ASU 2016-10”), ASU No. 2016-12 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (“ASU 2016-12”) and ASU No. 2016-20 - Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2016-20”) (collectively “the New Revenue Standard”). To conform to the New Revenue Standard, the Company modified its revenue recognition policy as described further below.

Change in Accounting Policy: On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the New Revenue Standard using the modified retrospective method, applying the guidance to all open contracts and recognized an adjustment to increase retained earnings by $2,782 reduce deferred product revenue by $4,337 and reduce distributor channel inventories by $1,555 as of that date. The comparative financial information has not been restated and continues to be presented under the accounting standards in effect for the respective periods. The Company applied the practical expedient and has not disclosed the revenue allocated to future shipments of partially completed contracts.

Prior to our change in accounting policy, revenue from product sales to distributors was not recognized until the return privilege had expired or until it can be determined with reasonable certainty that the return privilege had expired, which approximated when the product was sold-through to customers of our distributors (dealers, system integrators, value-added resellers, and end-users), rather than when the product was initially shipped to a distributor. At each quarter-end, we evaluated the inventory in the distribution channel through information provided by our distributors. The level of inventory in the channel fluctuated up or down each quarter based upon our distributors’ individual operations. Accordingly, each quarter-end deferral of revenue and associated cost of goods sold were calculated and recorded based upon the actual channel inventory reported at quarter-end. Further, with respect to distributors and other channel partners not reporting the channel inventory, the revenue and associated cost of goods sold were deferred until we received payment for the product sales made to such distributors or channel partners.

After the change in the accounting policy, substantially all of the Company’s revenue is recognized following the transfer of control of the products to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2018, revenue decreased by $1,252 due to the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.

Revenue Recognition Policy: The Company generates revenue from sales of its audio and video conferencing equipment to distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. The Company also generates revenue, to a much lesser extent, from sale of software and licenses to distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers and end-users. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation in an amount reflecting the consideration to which it expects to be entitled. For sales agreements, the Company has identified the promise to transfer products, each of which are distinct, to be the performance obligation. The Company applies a five-step approach in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is recognized at the time control of the products transfers to the customer.

Sales agreements with customers are renewable periodically and contain terms and conditions with respect to payment, delivery, warranty and supply, but typically do not require mandatory purchase commitments. In the absence of a sales agreement, the Company’s standard terms and conditions at the time of acceptance of purchase orders apply. The Company considers the customer purchase orders, governed by sales agreements or the Company’s standard terms and conditions, to be the contract with the customer. The Company evaluates certain factors including the customer’s ability to pay (or credit risk).

In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. Sales to distributors, are typically made pursuant to agreements that provide return rights with respect to discontinued or slow-moving products, referred to as stock rotation. Sales to distributors can also be subject to price adjustment on certain products, primarily for distributors with drop-shipping rights. Although payment terms vary, most distributor agreements require payment within 45 days of invoicing.

The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue from sales agreements upon transferring control of a product to the customer. This typically occurs when products are shipped or delivered, depending on the delivery terms, or when products that are consigned at customer locations are sold to dealers or end users. Revenue recognized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 for equipment sales was $24,513, and for software, licenses, etc. was $529. Sales returns and allowances are estimated based on historical experience. Provisions for discounts and rebates to customers, estimated returns and allowances, ship and credit claims and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the related revenues are recognized, and are netted against revenues. For returns, the Company recognizes a related asset for the right to recover returned products with a corresponding reduction to cost of goods sold. The Company reviews warranty and related claims activity and records provisions, as necessary.

Frequently, the Company receives orders with multiple delivery dates that may extend across reporting periods. Since each delivery constitutes a performance obligation, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation based on the stand-alone selling price of the products. The Company invoices the customer for each delivery upon shipment and recognizes revenues in accordance with delivery terms. Although payment terms vary, distributors typically pay within 45 days of invoicing and dealers pay within 30 days of invoicing. As scheduled delivery dates are within one year, revenue allocated to future shipments of partially completed contracts are not disclosed.

The Company has elected to record freight and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer as a fulfillment cost and include it in cost of revenues. Taxes assessed by government authorities on revenue-producing transactions, including value-added and excise taxes, are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

The details of deferred revenue and associated cost of goods sold and gross profit are as follows:

	As of December 31,
	2019		2018
Deferred revenue	$	173	$	283
Deferred cost of goods sold		—		—
Deferred gross profit	$	173	$	283

The Company offers rebates and market development funds to certain of its distributors, dealers/resellers, and end-users based upon the volume of product purchased by them. The Company records rebates as a reduction of revenue in accordance with GAAP.

The Company provides, at its discretion, advance replacement units to end-users on defective units of certain products under warranty. Since the purpose of these units is not revenue generating, the Company tracks the units due from the end-user, until the defective unit has been returned. Any amount due from the customer upon failure to return the products is accounted as receivable only after establishing customer's failure to return the products. The inventory due from the customer is accounted at cost or market value whichever is lower.

The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue into primary product groups:

	Year Ended December 31
	2019		2018
Audio Conferencing	$	11,609	$	13,946
Microphones		8,818		9,012
Video products		4,615		5,198
	$	25,042	$	28,156

The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue into major regions:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
North and South America	$	14,040	$	16,534
Asia (including Middle East) and Australia		7,773		7,924
Europe and Africa		3,229		3,698
	$	25,042	$	28,156

Warranty Costs – The Company accrues for warranty costs based on estimated warranty return rates and estimated costs to repair. These reserve costs are classified as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty returns, and repair cost. The Company reviews the adequacy of its recorded warranty accrual on a quarterly basis.

The details of changes in the Company’s warranty accrual are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
Balance at the beginning of year	$	194		$	245
Accruals/additions		121			288
Usage/claims		(121	)		(339	)
Balance at end of year	$	194		$	194

Advertising – The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs consist of trade shows, magazine advertisements, and other forms of media. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $902 and $1,037, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Income Taxes – The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. These temporary differences will result in deductible or taxable amounts in future years when the reported amounts of the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. On a quarterly basis, the Company tests the value of deferred tax assets for impairment at the taxpaying-component level within each tax jurisdiction. Significant judgment and estimates are required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established as well as the amount of such allowances.

The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of future taxable income and the period over which we expect the deferred tax assets to be recovered. Our assessment of future taxable income is based on historical experience and current and anticipated market and economic conditions and trends. In 2018, as a result of negative evidence, principally three years of cumulative pre-tax operating losses, we concluded that it was more likely than not that net operating losses, tax credits and other deferred tax assets were not realizable and therefore, we recorded a full valuation allowance against those net deferred tax assets. Adjustments to the valuation allowance increase or decrease the Company’s income tax provision or benefit.

As of December 31, 2019 the Company had no net deferred tax assets due to valuation allowances recorded to account for the consecutive quarters with losses before taxes.

Recent changes: The Company follows the provisions contained in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.

Earnings Per Share – The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per common share:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
Numerator:
Net loss	$	(8,408	)	$	(16,687	)
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares		16,638,580			8,942,629
Dilutive common stock equivalents using treasury stock method		—			—
Diluted weighted average shares		16,638,580			8,942,629

Basic loss per common share:	$	(0.51	)	$	(1.87	)
Diluted loss per common share:	$	(0.51	)	$	(1.87	)

Weighted average options outstanding		566,200			713,331
Anti-dilutive options not included in the computation		566,200			713,331

Share-Based Payment – We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires certain estimates, including an expected forfeiture rate and expected term of options granted. We also make decisions regarding the method of calculating expected volatilities and the risk-free interest rate used in the option-pricing model. The resulting calculated fair value of stock options is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. When there are changes to the assumptions used in the option-pricing model, including fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, there will be variations in the calculated fair value of our future stock option awards, which results in variation in the compensation cost recognized.

Other recent accounting pronouncements: The Company has determined that other recently issued accounting standards will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Liquidity:

As of December 31, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents were approximately $4,064 compared to $11,211 as of December 31, 2018. Our working capital was $18,934 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $28,357 as of December 31, 2018. Net cash used in operating activities was $4,656 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of cash used of $1,965 from $6,621 of cash used in operating activities in the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

We are currently pursuing all available legal remedies to defend our strategic patents from infringement. We have already spent approximately $13,591 from 2016 through 2019 towards this litigation and may be required to spend more to continue our legal defense. We believe the recent decision by the U.S. District Court in August granting our request for a preliminary injunction to prevent our competitor from manufacturing, marketing, and selling its competing ceiling microphone array in an infringing configuration is an incredibly valuable ruling for ClearOne and its business. We believe that the decision validates the strength and importance of ClearOne’s intellectual property rights, recognizes ClearOne’s innovations in this space, and stops our competitor from further infringing our Graham patent (U.S. Patent No. 9,813,806) pending a full trial. We believe this ruling will help pave way for ClearOne’s recovery from the immense harm inflicted by our competitor's infringement of our valuable patents.

We have been actively engaged in preserving cash by suspending our dividend program, allowing our share repurchase program to expire and implementing company-wide cost reduction measures. We have also raised additional capital in 2018 by issuing common stock and in 2019 by issuing senior convertible notes. In addition, we expect to generate additional cash as our inventory levels are brought down to historical levels. We also believe that the measures taken by us will yield higher revenues in the future. We believe all of these and effective management of working capital will provide the liquidity needed to meet our operating needs through at least March 31, 2021. We also believe that our strong portfolio of intellectual property and our solid brand equity in the market will enable us to raise additional capital if and when needed to meet our short and long-term financing needs; however, there can be no assurance that, if needed, we will be successful in obtaining the necessary funds through equity or debt financing. If we need additional capital and are unable to secure financing, we may be required to further reduce expenses, delay product development and enhancement, or revise our strategy regarding ongoing litigation.