登録者が法案のセクション13、15(d)によって報告義務のあるすべての報告書を過去12ヵ月間(またはその期間中に登録者がそのような報告書を提出することが求められたより短い期間)に提出したか、または(2)過去90日間にわたって当該報告書の提出要件の対象となったかどうかを示すチェックマークを記入してください。はい☒ No ☐
規制S-tのルール405に基づき、過去12か月間(またはそのような短期間)、登録者が提出を求められたすべてのインタラクティブデータファイルを電子的に提出したかどうかをチェックマークで示す。はい☒ No ☐
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited and in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$
3,660
$
4,451
$
11,321
$
12,301
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
23
82
17
129
Other comprehensive income
23
82
17
129
Comprehensive income
$
3,683
$
4,533
$
11,338
$
12,430
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited and in thousands except share amounts)
Outstanding Common Shares
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital & Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Retained Earnings
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023
19,703,800
$
2
$
97,999
$
73,096
$
171,097
Net income
—
—
—
3,117
3,117
Issuance of restricted stock under the Equity Plan
382,568
—
—
—
—
Purchase of common stock for tax withholding
(144,516)
—
(1,245)
—
(1,245)
Amortization of stock-based compensation
—
—
936
—
936
Cash dividends declared
—
—
—
(6,549)
(6,549)
Cumulative translation adjustment
—
—
12
—
12
Balance at March 31, 2023
19,941,852
$
2
$
97,702
$
69,664
$
167,368
Net income
—
—
—
4,733
4,733
Amortization of stock-based compensation
—
—
923
—
923
Cash dividends declared
—
—
—
(6,538)
(6,538)
Issuance of restricted stock under the Equity Plan
20,210
—
90
—
90
Cumulative translation adjustment
—
—
35
—
35
Balance at June 30, 2023
19,962,062
$
2
$
98,750
$
67,859
$
166,611
Net income
—
—
—
4,451
4,451
Issuance of restricted stock under the Equity Plan
10,416
—
—
—
—
Amortization of stock-based compensation
—
—
884
—
884
Cash dividends declared
—
—
—
(6,523)
(6,523)
Cumulative translation adjustment
—
—
82
—
82
Balance at September 30, 2023
19,972,478
$
2
$
99,716
$
65,787
$
165,505
5
(Unaudited and in thousands except share amounts)
Outstanding Common Shares
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital & Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Retained Earnings
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at January 1, 2024
19,992,102
$
2
$
101,172
$
62,597
$
163,771
Net income
—
—
—
4,236
4,236
Issuance of restricted stock under the Equity Plan
396,771
—
—
—
—
Purchase of common stock for tax withholding
(151,026)
—
(2,428)
—
(2,428)
Amortization of stock-based compensation
—
—
1,148
—
1,148
Cash dividends declared
—
—
—
(6,600)
(6,600)
Cumulative translation adjustment
—
—
42
—
42
Balance at March 31, 2024
20,237,847
$
2
$
99,934
$
60,233
$
160,169
Net income
—
—
—
3,425
3,425
Issuance of restricted stock under the Equity Plan
17,768
—
131
—
131
Amortization of stock-based compensation
—
—
1,159
—
1,159
Cash dividends declared
—
—
—
(6,624)
(6,624)
Cumulative translation adjustment
—
—
(48)
—
(48)
Balance at June 30, 2024
20,255,615
$
2
$
101,176
$
57,034
$
158,212
Net income
—
—
—
3,660
3,660
Issuance of restricted stock under the Equity Plan
8,440
—
—
—
—
Amortization of stock-based compensation
—
—
1,173
—
1,173
Cash dividends declared
—
—
—
(6,780)
(6,780)
Cumulative translation adjustment
—
—
23
—
23
Balance at September 30, 2024
20,264,055
$
2
$
102,372
$
53,914
$
156,288
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited and in thousands)
2024
2023
Operating activities:
Net income
$
11,321
$
12,301
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and accretion
3,210
3,768
Deferred income tax expense
3,624
5,605
Stock-based compensation
3,480
2,743
Provisions for credit losses, service credits and other
450
415
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
1,481
1,305
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(1,061)
(1,102)
Net operating lease liabilities
(48)
(1,243)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
(4,284)
(7,396)
Deferred revenue
2,342
(2,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities
20,515
14,396
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(2,348)
(2,419)
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,348)
(2,419)
Financing activities:
Cash distributions to stockholders
(20,045)
(19,404)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
130
90
Purchase of common stock for tax withholding on vested equity awards
(2,428)
(1,245)
Net cash used in financing activities
(22,343)
(20,559)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
17
129
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(4,159)
(8,453)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
31,989
35,754
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
27,830
$
27,301
Supplemental disclosure:
Income taxes paid
$
298
$
236
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Spok Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPOK) ("Spok," "we," "our" or the "Company"), through its wholly owned subsidiary Spok, Inc., is proud to be the global leader in healthcare communications. We deliver clinical information to care teams when and where it matters most to improve patient outcomes. Top hospitals rely on Spok products and services to enhance workflows for clinicians, support administrative compliance, and provide a better experience for patients.
We offer a focused suite of unified clinical communication and collaboration solutions that include call center applications, clinical alerting and notifications, one-way and advanced two-way wireless messaging services, mobile communications and public safety solutions.
We provide one-way and advanced two-way wireless messaging services, including information services, throughout the United States. These services are offered on a local, regional and nationwide basis, employing digital networks. One-way messaging consists of numeric and alphanumeric messaging services. Numeric messaging services enable subscribers to receive messages that are composed entirely of numbers, such as a phone number, while alphanumeric messages may include numbers and letters, which enable subscribers to receive text messages. Two-way messaging services enable subscribers to send and receive messages to and from other wireless messaging devices, including pagers, personal digital assistants and personal computers. We also offer voice mail, personalized greetings, message storage and retrieval, and equipment loss and/or maintenance protection to both one-way and two-way messaging subscribers. These services are commonly referred to as wireless messaging and information services.
We also develop, sell and support enterprise-wide systems for hospitals and other organizations needing to automate, centralize and standardize clinical communications. These solutions are used for contact centers, clinical alerting and notification, mobile communications and messaging and for public safety notifications. These areas of market focus complement the market focus of our wireless services outlined above.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In management's opinion, the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments and accruals that are necessary for the presentation of the results of all interim periods reported herein and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.
Amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within the operating expense categories of cost of revenue; research and development; technology operations; selling and marketing; and general and administrative are recorded exclusive of depreciation and accretion. These items are shown separately to the extent that they are considered material for the periods presented.
Certain prior period amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations or the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The financial information included herein, other than the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, is unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023 has been derived from, but does not include all, the disclosures contained in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”). The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.
8
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those related to the impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, accounts receivable allowances, revenue recognition, depreciation expense, asset retirement obligations and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
NOTE 2 - RISKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”) and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of Part I of the 2023 Annual Report, which describe key risks associated with our operations and industry.
NOTE 3 - RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures". This ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within segment profit or loss. This ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is also permitted, and retrospective application is required. This ASU will likely result in additional required disclosures when adopted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this ASU and expect to adopt them for the year ending December 31, 2024.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures," which expands the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and the income taxes paid. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential effect that the updated standard will have on our financial statement disclosures.
NOTE 4 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES UPDATE
Our significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 1, “Organization and Significant Accounting Policies” of the 2023 Annual Report.
NOTE 5 - REVENUE, DEFERRED REVENUE AND PREPAID COMMISSIONS
Wireless Revenue
Wireless revenue consists of two primary components: paging revenue and product and other revenue. Paging revenue consists primarily of recurring fees associated with the provision of messaging services and fees for paging devices and is net of a provision for service credits. Product and other revenue reflects system sales, sales of paging devices and charges for devices that are not returned and are net of anticipated credits. Our core offering includes subscriptions to one-way or two-way messaging services for a periodic (monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual) service fee. This is generally based upon the type of service provided, the geographic area covered, the number of devices provided to the customer and the period of commitment. A subscriber to one-way messaging services may select coverage on a local, regional or nationwide basis to best meet their messaging needs. Two-way messaging is generally offered on a nationwide basis. See Item 1. “Business,” in the 2023 Annual Report for more details.
9
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Software Revenue
Software revenue consists of two primary components: operations revenue and maintenance revenue. Operations revenue consists primarily of license and subscription revenues for our healthcare communications solutions, revenue from the sale of hardware that facilitates the use of our software solutions, and professional services revenue related to the implementation of our solutions. Maintenance revenue is generated from our ongoing support of our software solutions or related hardware and access to when-and-if available software updates. Maintenance is generally purchased and renewed on an annual basis.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Our software licenses and hardware are generally recognized at a point in time when we have transferred control to the customer. For software licenses, revenue is not recognized until the related license(s) has been made available to the customer and the customer can begin to benefit from its right to use the license(s). Our software licenses represent a right to use Spok’s intellectual property ("IP") as it exists at a point in time at which the license is granted. Many of our software licenses have significant standalone functionality due to their ability to process a transaction or perform a function or task, and we do not need to maintain those products, once provided to the customer, for value to exist. While the functionality of the IP that we license may substantively change during the license period, customers are not contractually or practically required to update their license as a result of those changes.
Our wireless, professional services, and maintenance are generally recognized over time due to a customer's simultaneous receipt and consumption of the benefit as we perform the work. As we transfer control over time, we recognize revenue based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires significant judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. Generally, we use the time-elapsed measure of progress for performance obligations that include wireless, maintenance or subscription services. We believe this method best depicts the simultaneous transfer and consumption of the benefit based on our performance as these services are generally considered standby services. For professional services, we leverage an input methodology based on the number of hours worked on a project versus the total expected hours necessary to complete the project. Revenues are recognized proportionally as hours are incurred.
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue type:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue:
Paging revenue
$
17,605
$
18,119
$
53,208
$
54,915
Product and other revenue
656
853
1,945
1,962
Wireless revenue
$
18,261
$
18,972
$
55,153
$
56,877
License
$
2,042
$
2,413
$
6,365
$
7,723
Professional services
4,835
3,833
13,146
10,909
Hardware
395
798
1,113
2,088
Operations revenue
7,272
7,044
20,624
20,720
Maintenance
9,337
9,412
27,984
27,475
Software revenue
$
16,609
$
16,456
$
48,608
$
48,195
Total revenue
$
34,870
$
35,428
$
103,761
$
105,072
10
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The U.S. was the only country that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023. Revenue generated in the U.S. and internationally consisted of the following for the periods stated:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
United States
$
34,206
$
34,662
$
101,650
$
102,523
International
664
766
2,111
2,549
Total revenue
$
34,870
$
35,428
$
103,761
$
105,072
Deferred Revenues
Our deferred revenues represent payments made by, or due from, customers in advance of our performance. Changes in the balance of total deferred revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Additions
Revenue Recognized
September 30, 2024
Deferred Revenue
$
26,946
$
50,421
$
(48,078)
$
29,289
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized $21.3 million related to amounts deferred as of December 31, 2023.
Prepaid Commissions
Our prepaid commissions represent payments made to employees in advance of our performance on the related underlying contracts. These costs have been incurred directly in relation to obtaining a contract. As such, these costs are amortized over the estimated period of benefit. Changes in the balance of total prepaid commissions during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2023
Additions
Commissions Recognized
September 30, 2024
Prepaid Commissions
$
2,285
$
2,895
$
(2,064)
$
3,116
Prepaid commissions are included within prepaid expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and commissions expense is included within selling and marketing in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Remaining Performance Obligations
The balance of remaining performance obligations at September 30, 2024 was $63.6 million, which excludes $5.3 million of additional transaction value that was deemed cancellable by the customer without significant penalty. We expect to recognize approximately $36.2 million of our remaining performance obligations over the next 12 months, with the remaining balance recognized thereafter.
NOTE 6 - LEASES
We have operating lease arrangements for corporate offices, cellular towers, storage units and small building space. The building space is used to house infrastructure, such as transmitters, antennae and other various equipment for the Company’s wireless paging services. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, renewal terms are generally of an evergreen nature (either month-to-month or year-to-year). For leases with a term greater than 12 months, renewal terms are generally explicit and provide for one to five optional renewals consistent with the initial term. Many of our leases, with the exception of those for our corporate offices, include options to terminate the lease within one year. Variable lease payments, residual value guarantees or purchase options are not generally present in these leases.
11
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Lease costs are included in technology operations and general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table presents lease costs disaggregated by type:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating lease cost
$
999
$
1,143
$
3,049
$
3,494
Short-term lease cost
2,396
2,298
7,297
6,837
Total lease cost
$
3,395
$
3,441
$
10,346
$
10,331
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities - operating leases
$
3,634
$
3,993
The following table presents the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate:
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years)
4.40
4.60
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases
6.51%
4.98%
Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2024, were as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024 (remaining three months)
$
796
2025
2,816
2026
2,366
2027
1,742
2028
1,263
Thereafter
1,395
Total future lease payments
10,378
Imputed interest
(1,269)
Total
$
9,109
12
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Depreciation and accretion expenses consisted of the following for the periods stated:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Depreciation
Leasehold improvements
$
46
$
24
$
121
$
51
Asset retirement costs
(104)
66
(312)
196
Paging and computer equipment
869
959
2,647
2,864
Furniture, fixtures and vehicles
90
54
231
165
Total depreciation
901
1,103
2,687
3,276
Accretion
174
164
523
492
Total depreciation and accretion expense
$
1,075
$
1,267
$
3,210
$
3,768
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable was recorded net of an allowance of $0.8 million at September 30, 2024, and $1.6 million at December 31, 2023. Accounts receivable, net includes $5.9 million and $6.0 million of unbilled receivables at September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively. Unbilled receivables are defined as the Company's right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that we have transferred to the customer but have not yet billed for, generally as a result of contractual billing terms.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following as of the dates stated:
(Dollars in thousands)
Useful Life (In Years)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Leasehold improvements
lease term
$
2,430
$
2,202
Asset retirement costs
1-5
3,722
3,722
Paging and computer equipment
1-5
84,129
86,332
Furniture, fixtures and vehicles
3-5
3,042
3,129
Total property and equipment
93,323
95,385
Accumulated depreciation
(86,335)
(88,064)
Total property and equipment, net
$
6,988
$
7,321
NOTE 8 - GOODWILL
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, we performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill and determined that a triggering event had not occurred. While an impairment assessment is performed annually in the fourth quarter, the Company monitors its business environment for potential triggering events on a quarterly basis. There is potential for further impairment charges being recognized in future periods based on these ongoing assessments.
13
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 9 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The components of the changes in the asset retirement obligation liabilities were:
(Dollars in thousands)
Short-Term Portion
Long-Term Portion
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
206
$
7,191
$
7,397
Accretion
442
81
523
Amounts paid
(361)
—
(361)
Reclassifications
4
(4)
—
Balance as of September 30, 2024
$
291
$
7,268
$
7,559
The short-term portion of the balance above is included within other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
The cost associated with the estimated removal costs and timing refinements due to ongoing network rationalization activities is expected to accrete to a total liability of $8.9 million. The total estimated liability is based on the transmitter locations remaining after we have consolidated the number of networks we operate and assuming the underlying leases continue to be renewed to that future date. Accretion expense related solely to asset retirement obligations and was recorded based on the interest method.
NOTE 10 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
General
Our authorized capital stock consists of 75 million shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 25 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
At September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, we had no stock options outstanding.
At September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, there were 20,264,055 and 19,992,102 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively, and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
Dividends
Cash distributions to stockholders, as disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, include previously declared cash dividends on shares of vested restricted common stock ("restricted stock") issued to our non-executive directors and dividends related to vested restricted stock units ("RSUs") issued to eligible employees. Cash dividends on RSUs and restricted stock have been accrued and are paid when the applicable vesting conditions are met. Accrued cash dividends on forfeited restricted stock and RSUs are also forfeited. The following table details our cash dividends declared and paid in 2024 through the date hereof:
(Dollars in thousands)
Declaration Date
Record Date
Payment Date
Per Share Amount
Total Declared(1)
February 21, 2024
March 15, 2024
March 29, 2024
$
0.3125
$
6,600
May 1, 2024
May 24, 2024
June 24, 2024
0.3125
6,624
July 24, 2024
August 19, 2024
September 9, 2024
0.3125
6,780
Total
$
0.9375
$
20,004
(1) The total declared reflects the cash dividends declared in relation to common stock, deferred stock units ("DSUs") and unvested RSUs.
On October 30, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.3125 per share of common stock with a record date of November 18, 2024, and a payment date of December 9, 2024. Cash dividends related to common stock of approximately $6.3 million will be paid from available cash on hand.
14
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Common Stock Repurchase Program
On February 16, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock. Under the repurchase program, repurchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, all in accordance with the rules of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic and market conditions, legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we did not repurchase any common stock.
Net Income per Common Share
Basic net income per common share is computed on the basis of the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per common share is computed on the basis of the weighted average common shares outstanding plus the effect of all potentially dilutive common shares, including outstanding restricted stock and RSUs, which are treated as contingently issuable shares, using the “treasury stock” method.
The components of basic and diluted net income per common share were as follows for the periods stated:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Numerator:
Net income
$
3,660
$
4,451
$
11,321
$
12,301
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
20,264,055
19,970,936
20,229,146
19,942,325
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
20,523,873
20,304,092
20,534,883
20,308,973
Basic net income per common share
$
0.18
$
0.22
$
0.56
$
0.62
Diluted net income per common share
$
0.18
$
0.22
$
0.55
$
0.61
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
On April 10, 2023, our Board of Directors adopted an amendment and restatement of the Spok Holdings, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the "2020 Equity Plan") to increase the number of shares available for issuance by 1,000,000 shares that our stockholders subsequently approved on July 25, 2023. At July 25, 2023, a total of 1,268,444 shares of common stock had been reserved for issuance under the 2020 Equity Plan.
Awards under the 2020 Equity Plan may be in the form of stock options, restricted common stock, RSUs, performance awards, dividend equivalents, stock payment awards, deferred stock, DSUs, stock appreciation rights or other stock or cash-based awards.
Restricted stock awards generally vest one year from the date of grant. Related dividends accumulate during the vesting period and are paid at the time of vesting.
Contingent RSUs generally vest over a three-year performance period upon successful completion of the performance objectives. Non-contingent RSUs generally vest in thirds, annually, over a three-year period. Dividend equivalent rights generally accompany each RSU award, and those rights accumulate and vest along with the underlying RSU.
Dividend equivalent rights generally accompany each DSU award and are paid to participants in cash on the Company's applicable dividend payment date whether the DSU is vested or unvested. The dividend equivalent right associated with a DSU continues until delivery of the underlying shares of common stock is made.
15
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Payment of the underlying shares of common stock occurs at the earliest of a participant's separation from service, disability, death, or a change in control.
The following table summarizes the activities under the 2020 Equity Plan from January 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024:
Activity
Total equity securities available at January 1, 2024
1,275,704
RSU, DSU and restricted stock awarded to eligible employees, net of forfeitures
(305,360)
Total equity securities available at September 30, 2024
970,344
The following table details activities with respect to outstanding RSUs, DSUs, and restricted stock under the 2020 Equity Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
Shares
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value per Share
Unvested at January 1, 2024
1,035,268
$
9.12
Granted
309,404
15.47
Vested
(411,646)
10.06
Forfeited
(4,044)
11.13
Unvested at September 30, 2024
928,982
$
10.81
Of the 928,982 unvested RSUs, DSUs and restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2024, 491,734 RSUs include contingent performance requirements for vesting purposes. At September 30, 2024, there was $4.2 million of unrecognized net compensation cost related to RSUs and restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 2016, our Board of Directors adopted the Spok Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") that our stockholders subsequently approved on July 25, 2016. A total of 250,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan.
The ESPP allows employees to purchase shares of common stock at a discounted rate, subject to plan limitations. Under the ESPP, eligible participants can voluntarily elect to have contributions withheld from their pay for the duration of an offering period, subject to the ESPP limits. At the end of an offering period, contributions will be used to purchase the Company's common stock at a discount to the market price based on the first or last day of the offering period, whichever is lower.
Participants are required to hold common stock for a minimum period of two years from the grant date. Participants will begin earning dividends on shares after the purchase date. Each offering period will generally last for no longer than six months. Once an offering period begins, participants cannot adjust their withholding amount. If a participant chooses to withdraw, any previously withheld funds will be returned to the participant, with no stock purchased, and that participant will be eligible to participate in the ESPP during the next offering period. If the participant terminates employment with the Company during the offering period, all contributions will be returned to the employee and no stock will be purchased.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the fair value of the common stock to be purchased during each offering period on the offer date. The Black-Scholes model requires the use of estimates for the expected term, the expected volatility of the underlying common stock over the expected term, the risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend payment.
16
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, 9,933 shares of the Company's stock were purchased, as compared to 12,558 shares purchased during the same period in 2023. The following table summarizes the activities under the ESPP from January 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024:
Activity
Total ESPP equity securities available at January 1, 2024
109,762
ESPP common stock purchased by eligible employees
(9,933)
Total ESPP equity securities available at September 30, 2024
99,829
Amounts withheld from participants will be classified as accrued compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until funds are used to purchase shares. This liability amount is immaterial to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
We record all stock-based compensation, which consist of RSUs, DSUs, restricted stock, equity in lieu of salary, and the option to purchase common stock under the ESPP, at fair value as of the grant date. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on a straight-line amortization basis over the respective service period. Forfeitures and withdrawals are accounted for as incurred.
The following table reflects the items for stock-based compensation expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods stated:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Performance-based RSUs
$
459
$
332
$
1,378
$
1,087
Time-based RSUs, DSUs and restricted stock
692
536
2,038
1,613
ESPP
22
16
64
43
Total stock-based compensation
$
1,173
$
884
$
3,480
$
2,743
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES
Spok files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions as required.
Our quarterly tax provision and our quarterly estimate of our annual effective tax rate are subject to significant variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our pre-tax and taxable income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, changes in how we do business, changes in our stock price, foreign currency gains (losses), tax law developments (including changes in statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative practices), and relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income or loss. For example, the impact of discrete items and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower.
For 2024, the anticipated effective income tax rate is expected to continue to differ from the federal statutory rate of 21%, primarily due to the effect of state income taxes, permanent differences between book and taxable income, and certain discrete items.
We had total net deferred income tax assets ("DTAs") of $42.6 million and $46.3 million as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively. We had a valuation allowance of $2.3 million as of both September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
We assess the recoverability of our deferred income tax assets, which represent the tax benefits of future tax deductions, based on available positive and negative evidence and by considering the adequacy of future taxable income from all sources, including prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. This assessment is required to determine whether, based on all available evidence, it is "more likely than not" (meaning a probability of greater than 50%) that all or some portion of the deferred income tax assets will be realized in future periods. During the fourth quarter of each year, we update our multi-year forecast of taxable income for our operations, which assists in analyzing the recoverability of our DTAs.
17
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company maintains a valuation allowance related to Federal Foreign Tax Credits and certain state net operating losses and state tax credits, as the Company does not believe current projections of future taxable income will be sufficient to utilize those tax assets prior to expiration.
NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
There have been no material changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to the commitments and contingencies previously reported in the 2023 Annual Report.
NOTE 13 - RELATED PARTIES
A member of our Board of Directors serves as EVP and Chief Information Officer for an entity that is also a customer of the Company. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized revenues of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to the contracts from the entity at which the individual is employed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized revenues of $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to the contracts from the entity at which the individual is employed.
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report") contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Spok Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” "us," “Spok,” “our” or the “Company”) that set forth anticipated results based on management’s current plans, known trends and assumptions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “target,” “forecast” and similar expressions, as they relate to Spok are forward-looking statements.
Although these statements are based upon current plans, known trends and assumptions that management considers reasonable, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those discussed in this section and "Risk Factors" below and under the captions “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”),” and “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 ("2023 Annual Report"). Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, known trends change, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from past results and those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, targeted or forecasted. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to consult all further disclosures the Company makes in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that it will file with the SEC. Also note that, in the 2023 Annual Report, the Company provides a cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to its business. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from past results as well as those results that may be anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, targeted or forecasted. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risk factors. Consequently, investors should not consider the risk factor discussion to be a complete discussion of all of the potential risks or uncertainties that could affect Spok's business, statement of operations or financial condition, subsequent to the filing of this Quarterly Report.
Overview
The following MD&A is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Spok. This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our 2023 Annual Report and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. A reference to a “Note” in this section refers to the accompanying Unaudited Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Spok, acting through its indirect wholly owned operating subsidiary, Spok, Inc., delivers smart, reliable clinical communication and collaboration solutions to organizations, primarily in the U.S. healthcare industry, to help protect the health, well-being and safety of individuals. Organizations rely on Spok for workflow improvement, secure messaging, paging services, contact center optimization and public safety response.
18
Business
See Note 1, "Organization and Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report and Item 1. "Business" of Part I of the 2023 Annual Report, which describe our business in further detail.
Results of Operations
The following table is a summary of our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Revenue:
Wireless revenue
$
18,261
$
18,972
$
(711)
(3.7)
%
$
55,153
$
56,877
$
(1,724)
(3.0)
%
Software revenue
16,609
16,456
153
0.9
%
48,608
48,195
413
0.9
%
Total revenue
34,870
35,428
(558)
(1.6)
%
103,761
105,072
(1,311)
(1.2)
%
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of items shown separately below)
7,133
6,622
511
7.7
%
21,435
19,885
1,550
7.8
%
Research and development
2,831
2,561
270
10.5
%
8,958
7,907
1,051
13.3
%
Technology operations
6,083
6,405
(322)
(5.0)
%
18,563
19,444
(881)
(4.5)
%
Selling and marketing
3,928
4,067
(139)
(3.4)
%
11,582
12,322
(740)
(6.0)
%
General and administrative
8,534
8,216
318
3.9
%
24,585
24,405
180
0.7
%
Depreciation and accretion
1,075
1,267
(192)
(15.2)
%
3,210
3,768
(558)
(14.8)
%
Severance and restructuring
325
77
248
322.1
%
1,101
195
906
464.6
%
Total operating expenses
29,909
29,215
694
2.4
%
89,434
87,926
1,508
1.7
%
Operating income
4,961
6,213
(1,252)
(20.2)
%
14,327
17,146
(2,819)
(16.4)
%
Interest income
264
240
24
10.0
%
908
866
42
4.8
%
Other (expense) income
(75)
41
(116)
(282.9)
%
(91)
(45)
(46)
102.2
%
Income before income taxes
5,150
6,494
(1,344)
(20.7)
%
15,144
17,967
(2,823)
(15.7)
%
Provision for income taxes
(1,490)
(2,043)
553
(27.1)
%
(3,823)
(5,666)
1,843
(32.5)
%
Net income
$
3,660
$
4,451
$
(791)
(17.8)
%
$
11,321
$
12,301
$
(980)
(8.0)
%
Supplemental Information
Full-Time Equivalent ("FTE") Employees
406
381
25
6.6
%
Active transmitters
3,064
3,245
(181)
(5.6)
%
Revenue
We offer a focused suite of unified clinical communications and collaboration solutions that include call center applications, clinical alerting and notifications, one-way and advanced two-way wireless messaging services, mobile communications and public safety solutions.
We develop, sell and support enterprise-wide systems for healthcare, government, large enterprise and other organizations needing to automate, centralize and standardize their approach to clinical communications and collaboration. Our solutions can be found in prominent hospitals, large government agencies, leading public safety institutions, colleges and universities, large hotels, resorts and casinos, and well-known manufacturers. Our primary market is the healthcare provider industry, particularly hospitals. While we have historically identified hospitals with 200 or
19
more beds as the primary targets for our software solutions, as well as our paging services, we have expanded our focus to include smaller hospitals with shorter sales cycles, including academic medical centers.
Revenue generated by wireless messaging services (including voice mail, personalized greeting, message storage and retrieval), equipment, maintenance plans and/or equipment loss protection for both one-way and two-way messaging subscribers is presented as wireless revenue in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Revenue generated by the sale of our software solutions, which includes software license, professional services (installation, consulting and training), equipment procured by us from third parties (to be used in conjunction with our software), and post-contract support (ongoing maintenance), is presented as software revenue in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our software is licensed to end users under an industry standard software license agreement.
Refer to Note 5, "Revenue, Deferred Revenue and Prepaid Commissions" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our wireless and software revenue streams.
The table below details revenue for the periods stated:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Revenue - wireless:
Paging revenue
$
17,605
$
18,119
$
(514)
(2.8)
%
$
53,208
$
54,915
$
(1,707)
(3.1)
%
Product and other revenue
656
853
(197)
(23.1)
%
1,945
1,962
(17)
(0.9)
%
Total wireless revenue
18,261
18,972
(711)
(3.7)
%
55,153
56,877
(1,724)
(3.0)
%
Revenue - software:
License
2,042
2,413
(371)
(15.4)
%
6,365
7,723
(1,358)
(17.6)
%
Professional services
4,835
3,833
1,002
26.1
%
13,146
10,909
2,237
20.5
%
Hardware
395
798
(403)
(50.5)
%
1,113
2,088
(975)
(46.7)
%
Operations revenue
7,272
7,044
228
3.2
%
20,624
20,720
(96)
(0.5)
%
Maintenance revenue
9,337
9,412
(75)
(0.8)
%
27,984
27,475
509
1.9
%
Total software revenue
16,609
16,456
153
0.9
%
48,608
48,195
413
0.9
%
Total revenue
$
34,870
$
35,428
$
(558)
(1.6)
%
$
103,761
$
105,072
$
(1,311)
(1.2)
%
Wireless Revenue
Wireless revenue is generally reflective of the number of units in service and measured monthly as Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU"). On a consolidated basis, ARPU is affected by several factors, including the mix of units in service and the pricing of the various components of our services. The number of units in service changes based on subscribers added, referred to as gross placements, less subscriber cancellations, or disconnects.
Wireless revenue decreasedfor the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, reflective of the secular decrease in our wireless units in service, from 785 thousand as of September 30, 2023 to 730 thousand as of September 30, 2024. This was partially offset by an increase in ARPU, as a result of price increases initiated in September 2024. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, ARPU was $7.95 as compared to $7.59 for the same period in 2023.
Wireless revenue decreasedfor the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, reflective of the secular decrease in our wireless units in service, from 785 thousand as of September 30, 2023 to 730 thousand as of September 30, 2024. This was partially offset by an increase in ARPU, as a result of price increases initiated in September 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, ARPU was $7.91 as compared to $7.62 for the same period in 2023.
We believe that demand for wireless services will continue to decline for the foreseeable future in line with recent trends, as our wireless products and services are replaced with other competing technologies, such as the shift from narrowband wireless service offerings to broadband technology services.
20
The following reflects the impact of subscribers and ARPU on the change in paging revenue:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change Due To:
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Change
ARPU
Units
Paging revenue
$
17,605
$
18,119
$
(514)
$
795
$
(1,309)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change Due To:
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Change
ARPU
Units
Paging revenue
$
53,208
$
54,915
$
(1,707)
$
1,965
$
(3,672)
As demand for one-way and two-way messaging has declined, we have developed or added service offerings such as encrypted paging and Spok Mobile with a pager number to increase our revenue potential. These service offerings, along with the nominal increases in the standard rate, are designed to mitigate the decline in our wireless revenue. We will continue to explore ways to innovate and provide customers with the highest value possible.
In late 2021, we began offering our newest pager, GenA. This one-way alphanumeric pager features a high resolution ePaper display, intuitive modern user interface, advanced encryption and security features, over-the-air remote programming, and an antimicrobial housing. Users can select from various font sizes, and the large GenA display also leverages proportional fonts to maximize key information on a single screen.
The GenA pager is the only product available on the market with these capabilities, and we maintain an exclusive arrangement with the product's manufacturer. Given the product differentiation of the GenA pager, its development is a key initiative providing a competitive advantage, and we expect this new technology will be popular with our customers in clinical environments and may help slow our wireless revenue attrition.
Software Revenue
Software revenue consists of two components: operations revenue and maintenance revenue. Operations revenue consists primarily of license and subscription revenues for our healthcare communications solutions, revenue from the sale of hardware that facilitates the use of our software solutions, and professional services revenue related to the implementation of our solutions. Maintenance revenue is generated from our ongoing support of our software solutions or related hardware, typically for a period of one year after project completion.
To a large degree, software revenue corresponds to our backlog of performance obligations ready to deliver at some point in the future, and any delays in implementation may affect the timing of revenue recognition. Our software projects generally originate from fixed-bid contracts, although many involve a protracted sales cycle and may result in unforeseen complexity and deviation from the original scope. The time needed to complete projects, therefore, may not align with our original expectations, which affects our backlog. As a result, software revenue may fluctuate on a short-term basis, and we generally evaluate longer-term trends when managing this business.
Operations Revenue
Software operations revenue increased during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase is primarily due to increases in professional services revenue, resulting from our targeted hiring efforts over the last 12 months, as we aligned staffing levels with our backlog which had grown as a result of our operations bookings results. This increase was partially offset by decreases in license and hardware revenue, driven by lower sales.
Software operations revenue decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease is primarily due to decreases in license and hardware revenue, driven by lower sales. More specifically, results from the second quarter of 2023 included $1.8 million in license revenue from a single customer contract with no similar performance in 2024. These decreases were partially offset by increases in professional services revenue, resulting from our targeted hiring efforts over the last 12 months, as we aligned staffing levels with our backlog, which had grown as a result of our operations bookings results.
21
Maintenance Revenue
Maintenance revenue remained flat for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, maintenance revenue increased compared to the same period in 2023, as a result of improvement in our gross revenue churn as well as net new maintenance driven by our operational bookings performance. Given these dynamics, we believe annual maintenance revenue is likely to remain flat or increase marginally, as we continue to enhance our existing software solutions. Further enhancements are expected to provide additional revenues for license sales, which generate new maintenance revenue and help to reduce levels of gross churn.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses are presented in functional categories. Certain of our functional categories are especially important to overall expense control and management. These operating expenses are categorized as follows:
•Cost of Revenue. These are expenses we incur for the delivery of products and services to our customers and consist primarily of hardware, third-party software, outside services expenses and payroll and related expenses for our professional services, logistics, customer support and maintenance staff.
•Research and Development. These expenses relate primarily to the development of new software products and the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of existing products. This classification consists primarily of employee payroll and related expenses, outside services related to the design, development, testing and enhancement of our solutions and, to a lesser extent, hardware equipment. Research and development expenses exclude any development costs that qualify for capitalization.
•Technology Operations. These are expenses associated with the operation of our paging networks. Expenses consist largely of site rent expenses for transmitter locations, telecommunication expenses to deliver messages over our paging networks, and payroll and related expenses for our engineering and pager repair functions. We actively pursue opportunities to consolidate transmitters and other service, rental and maintenance expenses in order to maintain an efficient network while simultaneously ensuring adequate service for our customers. We believe continued reductions in these expenses will occur for the foreseeable future as we continue to consolidate our networks, although the benefits of such network rationalization efforts and resulting costs savings will continue to decline.
•Selling and Marketing. The sales and marketing staff are involved in selling our communication solutions primarily in the United States. These expenses support our efforts to maintain gross placements of units in service, which mitigated the impact of disconnects on our wireless revenue base, and to identify business opportunities for additional or future software sales. We maintain a centralized marketing function that is focused on supporting our products and vertical sales efforts by strengthening our brand, generating sales leads and facilitating the sales process. These marketing functions are accomplished through targeted email campaigns, webinars, regional and national user conferences, monthly newsletters and participation at industry trade shows. Expenses consist largely of payroll and related expenses, commissions and other costs such as travel and advertising costs.
•General and Administrative. These are expenses associated with information technology and administrative functions, including finance and accounting, human resources and executive management. This classification consists primarily of payroll and related expenses, outside service expenses, taxes, licenses and permit expenses, and facility rent expenses.
•Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion. These are expenses that may be associated with one or more of the aforementioned functional categories. This classification generally consists of depreciation from capital expenditures or other assets that are core to our ongoing operations, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of capitalized software development costs, and accretion of asset retirement obligations.
22
The following is a review of our operating expense categories for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consisted primarily of the following items:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Payroll and related
$
4,584
$
3,973
$
611
15.4
%
$
13,861
$
11,815
$
2,046
17.3
%
Cost of sales
1,199
1,381
(182)
(13.2)
%
3,642
4,127
(485)
(11.8)
%
Recoverable taxes and fees
1,017
904
113
12.5
%
2,905
2,780
125
4.5
%
Stock-based compensation
81
46
35
76.1
%
241
179
62
34.6
%
Other
252
318
(66)
(20.8)
%
786
984
(198)
(20.1)
%
Total cost of revenue
$
7,133
$
6,622
$
511
7.7
%
$
21,435
$
19,885
$
1,550
7.8
%
FTE Employees
155
135
20
14.8
%
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, cost of revenue increased compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by increases in payroll and related expenses, partially offset by decreases in cost of sales.
The increases in payroll and related expenses are primarily due to increases in headcount for added professional services resources in conjunction with our efforts to better align staffing levels with our backlog, as well as increases in employee compensation costs.
The decreases in cost of sales are primarily related to lower hardware sales as compared to the same periods in 2023.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses consisted of the following items:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Payroll and related
$
1,599
$
1,571
$
28
1.8
%
$
4,600
$
4,698
$
(98)
(2.1)
%
Outside services
1,049
985
64
6.5
%
3,820
3,011
809
26.9
%
Stock-based compensation
49
(43)
92
(214.0)
%
147
14
133
950.0
%
Other
134
48
86
179.2
%
391
184
207
112.5
%
Total research and development
$
2,831
$
2,561
$
270
10.5
%
$
8,958
$
7,907
$
1,051
13.3
%
FTE Employees
41
38
3
7.9
%
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, research and development expenses increased, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by an increase in outside services as we continue to invest in the enhancement of our software solutions.
23
Technology Operations
Technology operations expenses consisted primarily of the following items:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Payroll and related
$
2,057
$
2,247
$
(190)
(8.5)
%
$
6,418
$
6,833
$
(415)
(6.1)
%
Site rent
2,635
2,859
(224)
(7.8)
%
8,162
8,596
(434)
(5.0)
%
Telecommunications
687
702
(15)
(2.1)
%
2,066
2,117
(51)
(2.4)
%
Stock-based compensation
45
39
6
15.4
%
134
134
—
—
%
Other
659
558
101
18.1
%
1,783
1,764
19
1.1
%
Technology Operations
$
6,083
$
6,405
$
(322)
(5.0)
%
$
18,563
$
19,444
$
(881)
(4.5)
%
FTE Employees
66
69
(3)
(4.3)
%
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, technology operations expenses decreased compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to decreases in payroll and related expenses and site rent.
The decreases in payroll and related expenses are primarily due to the reduction in headcount as a result of our continuous efforts to optimize costs, partially offset by increases in employee compensation costs. In addition, as a result of our network rationalization efforts, site rent and telecommunications costs decreased in response to a 5.6% decline in active transmitters from September 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024. As we reach certain minimum frequency commitments, as outlined by the United States Federal Communications Commission, we may be unable to continue our efforts to rationalize and consolidate our networks.
Selling and Marketing
Selling and marketing expenses consisted of the following items:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Payroll and related
$
2,565
$
2,509
$
56
2.2
%
$
7,707
$
7,428
$
279
3.8
%
Commissions
899
1,134
(235)
(20.7)
%
2,064
3,429
(1,365)
(39.8)
%
Stock-based compensation
135
100
35
35.0
%
405
286
119
41.6
%
Advertising and events
251
232
19
8.2
%
910
734
176
24.0
%
Other
78
92
(14)
(15.2)
%
496
445
51
11.5
%
Total selling and marketing
$
3,928
$
4,067
$
(139)
(3.4)
%
$
11,582
$
12,322
$
(740)
(6.0)
%
FTE Employees
72
67
5
7.5
%
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, selling and marketing expenses decreased compared to the same periods in 2023, driven primarily by decreases in commissions and partially offset by increases in payroll and related costs.
24
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the decrease in commissions is primarily due to amortization of commissions expense that were previously expensed as incurred under an ASC 606 practical expedient. With the growth in multi-year contracts over the last two years, more related revenue continues to extend beyond the 12-month period allowed for under this practical expedient. As a result, the associated commission expenses are now expensed in alignment with the related revenue, resulting in lower expenses compared to the same periods in 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the decrease also includes a one-time benefit from an adjustment to commissions expense that was previously expensed as incurred, as well as lower commissions expense stemming from lower license bookings as compared to the same period in 2023.
The increase in payroll and related expenses is due to increases in employee compensation costs.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consisted of the following items:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Total
%
2024
2023
Total
%
Payroll and related
$
3,403
$
3,482
$
(79)
(2.3)
%
$
10,239
$
10,303
$
(64)
(0.6)
%
Stock-based compensation
863
723
140
19.4
%
2,553
2,111
442
20.9
%
Facility rent, office and technology costs
1,768
1,877
(109)
(5.8)
%
5,171
5,635
(464)
(8.2)
%
Outside services
1,269
1,217
52
4.3
%
3,437
3,512
(75)
(2.1)
%
Taxes, licenses and permits
314
241
73
30.3
%
787
780
7
0.9
%
Bad debt
52
27
25
92.6
%
45
(77)
122
(158.4)
%
Other
865
649
216
33.3
%
2,353
2,141
212
9.9
%
Total general and administrative
$
8,534
$
8,216
$
318
3.9
%
$
24,585
$
24,405
$
180
0.7
%
FTE Employees
72
72
—
—
%
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, general and administrative expenses increased compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by increases in other and stock-based compensation. These increases were partially offset by decreases in facility rent, office and technology costs.
The increases in stock-based compensation are due to increases in employee compensation costs.
The decreases in facility rent, office and technology costs were driven by an overall reduction in office space compared to the same periods in 2023.
Depreciation and Accretion
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, depreciation and accretion expenses were $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, depreciation and accretion expenses were $3.2 million and $3.8 million, respectively. These expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to decreases in asset retirement costs.
Severance and Restructuring
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we incurred severance and restructuring expenses of $0.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, primarily related to early termination for the lease of our corporate headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia in September 2023 as a result of our continuous efforts to optimize costs. No significant severance and restructuring expenses were incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
25
Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes was $1.5 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Provision for income taxes was $3.8 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Provision for income taxes decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to the effect of the anticipated annual effective tax rate change resulting from certain permanent tax differences, estimated research and development tax credits and related valuation allowance, and certain discrete items. Further details can be found in Note 11, "Income Taxes" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of September 30, 2024, we held cash and cash equivalents of $27.8 million. The available cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in our operating accounts and cash invested in interest-bearing funds managed by third-party financial institutions. The Company maintains a majority of its cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, and the majority of our deposits at these institutions exceed insured limits. Market conditions can impact the viability of these institutions. In the event of failure of any of the financial institutions where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, there can be no assurance that we would be able to access uninsured funds in a timely manner or at all. Any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Cash Sources
Our primary sources of liquidity have been our cash flows generated from operations and existing cash and cash equivalents. We maintain a level of liquidity sufficient to allow us to meet our cash needs in both the short term (next 12 months) and long term (beyond 12 months). At any point in time, we maintain approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million in our operating accounts at third-party financial institutions. While we monitor daily the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in our operating accounts.
Cash Uses
We intend to use our cash on hand to provide working capital, to support operations, to invest in our business, and to return value to stockholders through cash dividends and repurchases of our common stock. We may also consider using cash to fund or complete opportunistic investments and acquisitions that we believe will provide a measure of growth or revenue stability while supporting our existing operations.
With the successful completion of the restructuring plan and our ongoing efforts to stabilize revenue and optimize costs, we anticipate positive cash flow generation will continue in future operating periods. In February 2022, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock. This repurchase authority allows us, at management's discretion, to selectively repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market depending upon market price and other factors.
Cash Flows Overview
In the event that net cash provided by operating activities and cash on hand are not sufficient to meet future cash requirements, we may be required to reduce planned capital expenses, reduce or eliminate our cash dividends to stockholders, not repurchase shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program, sell assets or seek additional financing. We can provide no assurance that reductions in planned capital expenses or proceeds from asset sales would be sufficient to cover shortfalls in available cash or that outside financing would be available on acceptable terms.
Based on current and anticipated levels of operations, we anticipate that net cash provided by operating activities, together with the available cash on hand at September 30, 2024, should be adequate to meet our anticipated cash requirements for the short term (next 12 months) and long term (beyond 12 months).
26
The following table sets forth information on our net cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the periods stated:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
(Dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
20,515
$
14,396
$
6,119
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,348)
(2,419)
71
Net cash used in financing activities
(22,343)
(20,559)
(1,784)
Operating Activities
As discussed above, we are dependent on cash flows from operating activities to meet our cash requirements. Cash from operations varies depending on changes in various working capital items, including deferred revenues, accounts payable, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and various accrued expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $20.5 million, an increase of $6.1 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of net income of $11.3 million, accounts receivable of $1.5 million, deferred revenue of $2.3 million, and non-cash items such as depreciation and accretion of $3.2 million, deferred income tax expense of $3.6 million and stock-based compensation of $3.5 million, partially offset by accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other of $4.3 million and prepaid expenses and other assets of $1.1 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $14.4 million, primarily driven by net income of $12.3 million, accounts receivable of $1.3 million and non-cash items such as depreciation and accretion of $3.8 million, deferred income tax expense of $5.6 million and stock-based compensation of $2.7 million. These increases were partially offset by accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other of $7.4 million, deferred revenue of $2.0 million, net operating lease liabilities of $1.2 million and prepaid expenses and other assets of $1.1 million.
Investing Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities reflects purchases of property and equipment.
Financing Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $22.3 million and $20.6 million, respectively, primarily due to cash distributions to stockholders and the purchase of common stock for tax withholding purposes on vested equity awards.
On October 30, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.3125 per share of common stock with a record date of November 18, 2024, and a payment date of December 9, 2024. This cash dividend of approximately $6.3 million, applicable to our common stock outstanding, will be paid from available cash on hand.
Commitments and Contingencies
In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include data processing services, operating leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities.
Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable, legally binding, non-cancelable, have a remaining term in excess of one year and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable pricing provisions; and the approximate timing of transactions. The amounts of such obligations are based on our contractual commitments; however, it is possible that we may be able to negotiate lower payments if we choose to exit these contracts before their expiration date.
Our contractual payment obligations for operating leases apply to leases for office space and transmitter locations. Substantially all of these leases have lease terms ranging from one month to five years. We continue to review our office and transmitter locations and intend to replace, reduce or consolidate leases where possible. As we reach certain minimum frequency commitments, as outlined by the United States Federal Communications Commission, we may be unable to continue our efforts to rationalize and consolidate our networks.
27
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
The Company evaluates contingencies on an ongoing basis and establishes loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
The following table provides the Company's significant commitments and contractual obligations as of September 30, 2024:
Payments Due by Period
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
1 year or less
1 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
More than 5 years
Operating lease obligations
$
10,925
$
3,455
$
4,376
$
1,987
$
1,107
Unconditional purchase obligations
5,374
2,170
2,906
298
—
Total contractual obligations
$
16,299
$
5,625
$
7,282
$
2,285
$
1,107
Refer to Note 6, "Leases" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on our commitments and contingencies.
Related Party Transactions
See Note 13, "Related Parties" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion regarding our related party transactions.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preceding discussion and analysis of financial condition and operations is based on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those related to the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, accounts receivable, revenue recognition, depreciation expense, asset retirement obligations, and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
There have been no changes to the critical accounting policies reported in the 2023 Annual Report that affect our significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
As of September 30, 2024, we had no outstanding debt and no revolving credit facility.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We conduct a limited amount of business outside the United States. The financial impact of transactions billed in foreign currencies is immaterial to our financial results and, consequently, we do not have any material exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
28
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management carried out an evaluation, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of our last fiscal quarter. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act as controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes made to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Refer to Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding legal proceedings in which we are involved.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risk factors included in “Item 1A – Risk Factors” of Part I of the 2023 Annual Report have not materially changed during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
29
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document*
Filed
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
Filed
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation*
Filed
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition*
Filed
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels*
Filed
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation*
Filed
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
Filed
*
The financial information contained in these XBRL documents is unaudited.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
SPOK HOLDINGS, INC.
Dated: October 31, 2024
/s/ Calvin C. Rice
Name:
Calvin C. Rice
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized officer)