UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q  

(Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

 

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 001-33627

 


 

TSS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

20-2027651

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

110 E. Old Settlers Blvd

Austin, Texas

 

78664

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

( 512 ) 310 - 10 00

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   ☒   No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☒

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 15, 2019               17,408,032

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None

 

 

 

 

 

 

TSS, INC.

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10Q

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2019

 

“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT

ii

PART I–FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1

Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements

1

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

14

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

17

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

17

PART II–OTHER INFORMATION

17

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

17

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

18

Item 6.    Exhibits

18

 

 

 

 

 

“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT

UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

 

From time to time, we make oral and written statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” (rather than historical facts) as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in its rules, regulations and releases, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward looking statements made from time to time, including, but not limited to, the forward- looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Form 10-Q”), as well as those made in other filings with the SEC.

 

Forward looking statements can be identified by our use of forward looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “forecast,” “foresee” or other similar words. Such forward looking statements are based on management’s current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in plans that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described under Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

We expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or any changes in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.

 

As used herein, except as otherwise indicated by the context, the terms “TSS”, “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” are used to refer to TSS, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

ii

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

TSS, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands except par values)

 

 

   

March 31 ,

   

Dece m ber 31,

 
   

201 9

   

201 8

 
   

( u naudited)

         

Current Assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 6,026     $ 6,178  

Contract and other receivables, net

    841       727  

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

    154       154  

Inventories, net

    99       108  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    280       266  

Total current assets

    7,400       7,433  

Property and equipment, net

    395       390  

Lease right-of-use asset

    1,834       -  

Goodwill

    780       780  

Intangible assets, net

    375       398  

Other assets

    109       109  

Total assets

  $ 10,893     $ 9,110  
                 

Current Liabilities:

               

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 2,437     $ 2,390  

Deferred revenues

    2,075       2,181  

Current portion of lease liabilities

    529       -  

Total current liabilities

    5,041       4,571  

Long-term borrowings

    1,878       1,838  

Non-current portion of lease liabilities

    1,421       -  

Deferred revenues – non-current portion

    137       112  

Other liabilities

    -       108  

Total liabilities

    8,477       6,629  
                 

Commitments and Contingencies

    -       -  
                 

Stockholders’ Equity:

               

Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; none issued

    -       -  

Common stock, $.0001 par value; 49,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; 18,122 and 17,520 issued; 17,186 and 16,743 outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

    2       2  

Additional paid-in capital

    69,344       69,241  

Treasury stock 936 and 777 shares at cost at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018

    (1,679 )     (1,542 )

Accumulated deficit

    (65,251

)

    (65,220

)

Total stockholders' equity

    2,416       2,481  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 10,893     $ 9,110  

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

1

 

 

 

TSS, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per-share amounts; unaudited)

 

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31

 
   

2019

   

201 8

 

Results of Operations:

               

Revenue

  $ 4,660     $ 4,849  

Cost of revenue

    3,024       2,983  

Gross profit

    1,636       1,866  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    1,505       1,575  

Depreciation and amortization

    81       106  

Total operating costs

    1,586       1,681  

Income from operations

    50       185  

Other income (expense)

               

Interest expense

    (109

)

    (93

)

Interest and other income

    36       -  

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

    (23

)

    92  

Income tax expense

    8       11  

Net income (loss)

  $ (31

)

  $ 81  
                 

Basic income (loss) per common share:

  $ 0.00     $ 0.01  

Diluted Income (loss) per common share:

  $ 0.00     $ 0.00  

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

 

2

 

 

 

TSS, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For t he Three Months Ended March 31 , 201 9

(in thousands, except share amounts, unaudited)

 

 

   

Common Stock

   

 

Additional

Paid-in

   

Treasury Stock

   

Accumulated

   

Total

Stockholders'

Equity

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Deficit

   

(Deficit)

 

Balance January 1, 2018

    16,316     $ 2     $ 68,886       769     $ (1,536

)

  $ (67,657

)

  $ (305

)

Restricted stock cancelled

    (30 )     -       -       -       -       -       -  

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       49       -       -       -       49  

Net income

    -       -       -       -       -       81       81  

Balance at March 31, 2018

    16,286     $ 2     $ 68,935       769     $ (1,536

)

  $ (67,576

)

  $ (175

)

 

 

                   

Additional

                           

Total

 
   

Common Stock

   

Paid-in

   

Treasury Stock

   

Accumulated

   

S tock holders'

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Deficit

   

Equity

 

Balance January 1, 2019

    17,520     $ 2     $ 69,241       777     $ (1,542

)

  $ (65,220

)

  $ 2,481  

Restricted stock issued

    297       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Restricted stock cancelled

    (5 )     -       -       -       -       -       -  

Treasury shares repurchased

                            159       (137 )     -       (137

)

Stock options exercised

    310       -       31       -       -       -       31  

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       72       -       -       -       72  

Net income (loss)

    -       -       -       -       -       (31 )     (31

)

Balance at March 31, 2019

    18,122     $ 2     $ 69,344       936     $ (1,679

)

  $ (65,251

)

  $ 2,416  

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.  

 

3

 

 

 

TSS, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands; unaudited)

 

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
   

201 9

   

201 8

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

               

Net income (loss)

  $ (31

)

  $ 81  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

               

Depreciation and amortization

    81       106  

Non-cash interest

    26       24  

Amortization of debt discount

    14       22  

Stock-based compensation

    72       49  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Contract and other receivables

    (114

)

    (985

)

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

    -       30  

Inventories, net

    9       40  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    (14

)

    (1

)

Right-of-use asset     124       -  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    47       (194

)

Deferred revenues

    (81

)

    429  

Operating lease liabilities

    (116

)

    -  

Other liabilities

    -       5  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    17       (394

)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

               

Capital expenditures

    (63

)

    (37

)

Net cash used in investing activities

    (63

)

    (37

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

               

Proceeds from issuance of equity

    31       -  

Repurchase of treasury stock

    (137 )     -  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (106

)

    0  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (152

)

    (431

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    6,178       2,268  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 6,026     $ 1,837  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

               

Cash paid for interest

  $ 53     $ 48  

Cash paid for taxes

  $ 5     $ 4  

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

TSS, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Statements

(unaudited)

 

 

Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies

  

Description of Business

 

 

TSS, Inc. (‘‘TSS’’, the ‘‘Company’’, ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’ or ‘‘our’’) provides a comprehensive suite of services for the planning, design, deployment, maintenance, refresh and take-back of end-user and enterprise systems, including the mission-critical facilities they are housed in. We provide a single source solution for enabling technologies in data centers, operations centers, network facilities, server rooms, security operations centers, communications facilities and the infrastructure systems that are critical to their function. Our services consist of technology consulting, design and engineering, project management, systems integration, systems installation and facilities management. Our corporate offices and integration facility are located in Round Rock, Texas.

 

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, which has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements, and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim reporting, and include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows. These interim 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, 2018.

 

Accounting Changes

 

Except for the changes discussed below, we have consistently applied the accounting policies to all periods presented in these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

On January 1, 2019, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), which increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASC 842 is intended to represent an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. We adopted ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at January 1, 2019. The adoption of ASC 842 had a substantial impact on our balance sheet. The most significant impact was the recognition of the operating lease right-of-use assets and the liability for operating leases. Accordingly, upon adoption, leases that were classified as operating leases under previous GAAP were classified as operating leases under ASC 842, and we recorded an adjustment of $1.96 million to operating lease right-of-use assets and the related lease liability. The lease liability is based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, determined under prior GAAP, discounted using our secured incremental borrowing rate at the effective date of January 1, 2019. As permitted under ASC 842, we elected several practical expedients that permit us not to reassess (1) whether a contract is or contains a lease, (2) the classification of existing leases, and (3) whether previously capitalized costs continue to qualify as initial indirect costs. The application of the practical expedients did not have a significant impact on the measurement of the right-of-use assets or operating lease liabilities.

 

See Note 5 for further information on leases.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenues 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.

 

Maintenance services

 

We generate maintenance services revenues from fees that provide our customers with as-needed maintenance and repair services on modular data centers during the contract term. Our contract terms are typically one year in duration, are billed annually in advance, and are non-cancellable. As a result, we record deferred revenue (a contract liability) and recognize revenue from these services on a ratable basis over the contract term. We can mitigate our exposure to credit losses by discontinuing services in the event of non-payment; however our history of non-payments and bad debt expense has been insignificant.

 

5

 

 

Integration s ervices

 

We generate integration services revenues from fees that provide our customers with customized system and rack-level integration services. We recognize revenue upon shipment to the customer of the completed systems as this is when we have completed our services and when the customer obtains control of the promised goods. We typically extend credit terms to our integration customers based on their credit worthiness and generally do not receive advance payments. As such, we record accounts receivable at the time of shipment, when our right to the consideration becomes unconditional. Accounts receivable from our integration customers are typically due within 30-60 days of invoicing. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on a periodic analysis of individual account balances, including an evaluation of days outstanding, payment history, recent payment trends, and our assessment of our customers’ credit worthiness. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our allowance for doubtful accounts was less than $8,000.

 

Equipment s ales

 

We generate revenues under fixed price contracts from the sale of data center and related ancillary equipment to customers in the United States. We recognize revenue when the product is shipped to the customer as that is when the customer obtains control of the promised goods. Typically, we do not receive advance payments for equipment sales; however if we do, we record the advance payment as deferred revenue. Normally we record accounts receivable at the time of shipment, when our right to the consideration has become unconditional. Accounts receivable from our equipment sales are typically due within 30-45 days of invoicing.

 

Deployment and Other services

 

We generate revenues from fees we charge our customers for other services, including repairs or other services not covered under maintenance contracts, installation and servicing of equipment including modular data centers that we sold, and other fixed-price services including repair, design and project management services. In some cases, we arrange for a third party to perform warranty and servicing of equipment, and in these instances, we recognize revenue as the amount of any fees or commissions that we expect to be entitled to. Other services are typically invoiced upon completion of services or completion of milestones. We record accounts receivable at the time of completion when our right to consideration becomes unconditional.

 

Some of our contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices.

 

Judgments

 

We consider several factors in determining that control transfers to the customer upon shipment of equipment or upon completion of our services. These factors include that legal title transfers to the customer, we have a present right to payment, and the customer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership at the time of shipment or completion of the services.

 

Sales taxes

 

Sales (and similar) taxes that are imposed on our sales and collected from customers are excluded from revenues.

 

Shipping and handling costs

 

Costs for shipping and handling activities, including those activities that occur subsequent to transfer of control to the customer, are recorded as cost of revenues and are expensed as incurred. We accrue costs for shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the promised good or service has transferred to the customer.

 

6

 

 

The following table shows our revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and by product or service type (in ’000):

 

Three-Months Ended March 31,

 

2019

   

2018

 

FACILITIES:

               

Maintenance revenues

  $ 1056     $ 1,166  

Equipment sales

    97       612  

Deployment and other services

    1,737       1,601  
    $ 2,890     $ 3,379  
                 

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION:

               

Integration services

  $ 1,770     $ 1,470  

TOTAL REVENUES

  $ 4,660     $ 4,849  

 

 

Remaining Performance Obligations

 

Remaining performance obligations include deferred revenue and amounts we expect to receive for goods and services that have not yet been delivered or provided under existing, non-cancellable contracts. For contracts that have an original duration of one year or less, we have elected the practical expedient applicable to such contracts and we do not disclose the transaction price for remaining performance obligations at the end of each reporting period and when we expect to recognize this revenue. As of March 31, 2019, Deferred Revenue of $2,075,000 represents our remaining performance obligations for our maintenance contracts, all of which are expected to be recognized within one year. The remaining $137,000 of Deferred Revenue is our remaining performance obligations for other services, all of which is expected to be recognized between one and two years.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

We are currently economically dependent upon our relationship with a large US-based IT Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If this relationship is unsuccessful or discontinues, our business and revenue may suffer. The loss of or a significant reduction in orders from this customer or the failure to provide adequate products or services to it could significantly reduce our revenue.

 

The following customers accounted for a significant percentage of our revenues for the periods shown:

 

   

Three months ended

March 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 
                 
                 

US-based IT OEM

    92 %     76 %

 

No other customers represented more than 10% of our revenues for any periods presented. Our US-based IT OEM customer represented 69% and 75% of our accounts receivable at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. A US-based modular data center manufacturer represented 11% of our accounts receivable at March 31, 2019. No other customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable at March 31, 2019 or at December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

Note 2 – Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

 

Receivables

 

Contract and other receivables consisted of the following (in ‘000’s):

 

   

March 31,

2019

   

December 31,

2018

 

Contract and other receivables

  $ 849     $ 735  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    (8 )     (8

)

Contracts and other receivables, net

  $ 841     $ 727  

 

7

 

 

Inventor ies

 

We state inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using the first-in-first-out-method (in ‘000’s) as follows:

 

   

March 31,

2019

   

December 31,

2018

 

Raw materials

  $ 101     $ 110  

Less Reserve

    (2

)

    (2

)

Inventories, net

  $ 99     $ 108  

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets , net

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net consisted of the following (in ‘000’s):    

 

   

March 31 , 201 9

   

December 31, 201 8

 
   

Gross

           

Gross

         
   

Carrying

   

Accumulated

   

Carrying

   

Accumulated

 
   

Amount

   

Amortization

   

Amount

   

Amortization

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

                               

Goodwill

  $ 780       -     $ 780       -  

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                               

Customer relationships

  $ 906     $ (531 )   $ 906     $ (508 )

Acquired software

  $ 234     $ (234 )   $ 234     $ (234 )

 

We recognized amortization expense related to intangibles of approximately $23,000 and $36,000 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

We have elected to use December 31 as our annual date to test goodwill and intangibles for impairment. As circumstances change that could affect the recoverability of the carrying amount of the assets during an interim period, we will evaluate its indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment. We performed a quantitative analysis of our goodwill and intangibles at December 31, 2018 as part of our annual testing for impairment and concluded that there was no impairment. There were no identified triggering events or circumstances that occurred during the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 that would have required an interim impairment analysis of our goodwill and other long-lived intangible assets.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in ’000):

  

   

Estimated Useful

   

March 31 ,

    December 31 ,  
   

Lives (in years)

   

201 9

   

201 8

 

Trade equipment

      5       $ 102     $ 102  

Leasehold improvements

    2 5       261       250  

Furniture and fixtures

      7         16       16  

Computer equipment and software

      3         1,650       1,599  
                  2,029       1,967  
                             
Less accumulated depreciation                 (1,634 )     (1,577 )
Property and equipment, net               $ 395     $ 390  

 

Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of leasehold improvements and software totaled $58,000 and $70,000 the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

8

 

 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following (in ’000):

 

   

March 31,

2019

   

December 31,

2018

 

Accounts payable

  $ 1,580     $ 944  

Accrued expenses

    525       566  

Compensation, benefits & related taxes

    285       856  

Other accrued expenses

    47       24  

Total accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 2,437     $ 2,390  

 

 

 

Note 3 – Long term borrowings

   

Long-term borrowings consisted of the following (in ’000):    

 

   

March 31,

2019

   

December 31,

2018

 

Notes Payable due July 2022

  $ 1,995     $ 1,995  

Accrued interest – long term

    174       148  

Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

    (291

)

    (305

)

      1,878       1,838  

Current portion of long-term borrowing

    -       -  

Non-current portion of long-term borrowing

  $ 1,878     $ 1,838  

 

 

In February 2015, we entered into a multiple advance term loan agreement and related agreements with MHW SPV II, LLC (‘‘MHW’’), an entity affiliated with the Chairman of our Board of Directors, for a loan in the maximum amount of $2 million. We borrowed $945,000 under this loan agreement on February 3, 2015 and executed a promissory note to evidence this loan and the terms of repayment which requires interest-only payments until maturity.

 

In July 2017, we amended and restated the terms of this multiple advance term loan agreement whereby we increased the maximum principal amount of loans to $2.5 million for up to sixty days, and $2 million thereafter. The term of the loan was modified to be five years from the date of modification, thereby extending the term of the $945,000 loan to July 19, 2022. As part of this modification, the interest rate on the $945,000 loan remains at a fixed annual rate of 12%, however it was changed so that 6% is paid in cash monthly in arrears, and 6% is payable in kind, to be evidenced by additional promissory notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to the accrued but unpaid interest. We can prepay the loan at any time, subject to a prepayment fee of (a) 2% if the prepayment is made between July 20, 2018 and July 19, 2019, and (b) 1% if the prepayment is made between July 20, 2019 and July 19, 2020.

 

In conjunction with entering into the loan agreement, the Company and MHW also entered into a warrant granting MHW the right to purchase up to 1,115,827 shares of the Company’s common stock. As part of the July 2017 modification, we also modified the warrant to change the exercise price of the shares and to extend the term of the warrant to July 19, 2022. The warrant is now exercisable for a period of five years from July 19, 2017 at an exercise price of $0.10 for the first 390,539 shares, $0.20 for the next 390,539 shares and $0.30 for the final 334,749 shares. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the warrant will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction. The fair value of the modified warrant was determined to be approximately $167,000 and the incremental value of the warrant compared to the original warrant was approximately $6,000. This amount was added to the remaining unamortized value of the original warrant such that approximately $93,000 will be amortized using the straight-line method (which approximates the effective interest rate method) over the term of the loan. $5,000 was amortized during each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for this warrant.

 

On July 19, 2017, we borrowed an additional $650,000 from MHW Partners, an entity affiliated with MHW. This loan ranks parri-passu with the $945,000 promissory notes held by MHW and is subject to the same loan agreement. Similar to the notes held by MHW, this note issued to MHW Partners bears interest at 12% per annum payable in cash monthly in arrears at a rate of 6% per annum and payable in kind at a fixed rate of 6% per annum and has a maturity date of July 19, 2022. We can prepay the note issued to MHW Partners at any time, subject to a prepayment fee of (a) 2% if the prepayment is made between July 20, 2018 and July 19, 2019, and (b) 1% if the prepayment is made between July 20, 2019 and July 19, 2020.

 

9

 

 

The obligations under the loan to MHW and MHW Partners are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets pursuant to the terms of a security agreement. At the time we entered into the revolving line of credit described below, MHW and MHW Partners executed a subordination agreement to evidence their agreement that their security interest is subordinated to the security interest of Texas Capital Bank, N.A.

 

In conjunction with entering into the loan with MHW Partners, we entered into a warrant granting MHW Partners the right to purchase up to 767,500 shares of our common stock. The warrant is exercisable for a period of 5 years from July 19, 2017, at an exercise price of $0.10 for the first 268,625 shares, $0.20 for the next 268,625 shares and $0.30 for the final 230,250 shares. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of this warrant will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transactions. The fair value of the warrant granted was approximately $115,000. Using the relative-fair value allocation method, the debt proceeds were allocated between the debt value and the fair value of the warrants, resulting in a recognition of a discount on the loan of approximately $98,000 and a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. This discount will be amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the loan. Approximately $5,000 was amortized during each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Peter H. Woodward, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is a principal of MHW Capital Management LLC, which is the investment manager of MHW and MHW Partners. MHW Capital Management LLC is entitled to a performance related fee tied to any appreciation in the valuation of the common stock in excess of the applicable strike price under the warrant.

 

On October 6, 2017, we entered into an amendment to our multiple advance term loan agreement and the related security agreement with MHW and MHW Partners, to add new lenders to the loan and security agreements. Upon execution, Mr. Glen Ikeda and Mr. Andrew Berg became new lenders to the Company. In accordance with the terms of the Amendment, Mr. Ikeda then provided a loan in the amount of $300,000 and Mr. Berg provided a loan in the amount of $100,000 (collectively the “New Loans”).

 

The New Loans have a maturity date of July 19, 2022. The New Loans do not bear interest and we are permitted to make optional prepayments at any time without premium or penalty, provided that if we prepay the outstanding principal amount of a New Loan prior to the second anniversary of the date of the applicable note, then the total amount of such prepayment will not exceed 95% of the total principal amount of the applicable note and any remaining principal amount under the note shall be fully and finally cancelled, extinguished, forgiven and terminated without further action of any party.

 

The New Loans include customary affirmative covenants for secured transactions of this type, including compliance with laws, maintenance of insurance, maintenance of assets, timely payments of taxes and notice of adverse events. The loan agreement and ancillary documents include customary negative covenants including limitations on liens on assets of the Company.

 

Concurrent with the New Loans, we entered into a warrant with Mr. Ikeda granting Mr. Ikeda the right to purchase up to 954,231 shares of our common stock. This warrant is exercisable until July 19, 2022, at an exercise price of $0.10 for the first 498,981 shares, $0.20 for the next 273,981 shares and $0.30 for the final 181,269 shares. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of this warrant will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction. Mr. Ikeda exercised the warrant in December 2018.

 

Concurrent with the New Loans, we entered into a warrant with Mr. Berg granting Mr. Berg the right to purchase up to 318,077 shares of our common stock. This warrant is exercisable until July 19, 2022, at an exercise price of $0.10 for the first 166,327 shares, $0.20 for the next 91,327 shares and $0.30 for the final 60,423 shares. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of this warrant will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction. Mr. Berg exercised the warrant in December 2018.

 

The fair value of the two warrants granted in connection with the New Loans was approximately $367,000. Using the relative fair-value allocation method, the debt proceeds were allocated between the debt value and the fair value of the warrants, resulting in a recognition of a discount on the new loans of approximately $191,000, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. This discount will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the straight-line method (which approximates the effective interest rate method). Approximately $10,000 was amortized during each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

 

10

 
 

 

 

Note 4 – Revolving Line of Credit

 

In December 2018, we entered into a revolving line of credit (the “credit facility”) with Texas Capital Bank, National Association (“Lender”) pursuant to a Business Loan Agreement (Asset Based) (the “Loan Agreement”). The obligations under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of our assets. Our wholly-owed subsidiaries, Vortech LLC, VTC, LLC, Total Site Solutions Arizona, LLC and Alletag Builders, Inc. jointly and severally guaranteed our obligations under the credit facility.

 

The maximum amount of the credit facility is $1,500,000. The credit facility is subject to a borrowing base of 80% of eligible accounts receivables, subject to customary exclusions and limitations. Borrowings under the credit facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus 3% (effective rate of 5.49% at March 31, 2019). Certain accounts receivables subject to a vendor payment program with a customer are excluded from the definition of eligible accounts receivables under the credit facility. In addition to interest payable on the principal amount of indebtedness outstanding from time to time under the credit facility, we will pay a 0.25% unused credit facility fee, payable quarterly in arrears. The credit facility matures on December 31, 2020.

 

The credit facility requires that we maintain a minimum liquidity of $500,000 at all times excluding availability under the loan. It also requires us to comply with certain financial covenants including a maximum Total Leverage Ratio of 3.00, a minimum Total Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.50 and a minimum Total Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.25. The credit facility also limits the amount of new indebtedness to $250,000 per fiscal year without Lender’s prior written approval.

 

The Loan Agreement and ancillary documents include customary affirmative covenants for secured transactions of this type, including maintaining adequate books and records, periodic financial reporting, compliance with laws, maintenance of insurance, maintenance of assets, timely payment of taxes, and notices of adverse events. The Loan Agreement and ancillary documents include customary negative covenants, including incurrence of other indebtedness, mergers, consolidations and transfers of assets and liens on assets of the company. The Loan Agreement and ancillary documents also include customary events of default, including payment defaults, failure to perform or observe terms, covenants or agreements included in the Loan Agreement and ancillary documents, insolvency and bankruptcy defaults, judgment defaults, material adverse chance defaults, and change of ownership defaults.

 

There were no amounts outstanding under this credit facility at March 31, 2019 and we were in compliance with all financial covenants. The maximum amount we were eligible to borrow at March 31, 2019 was approximately $149,000.

 

 

 

Note 5 - Leasing Arrangements

 

We have operating leases for our office and integration facilities as well as for certain equipment and vehicles. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 3 years. As of March 31, 2019, we have not entered into any lease arrangement classified as a finance lease.

 

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in lease right-of-use assets, current lease liabilities and lease liabilities, non-current, on our consolidated balance sheet. We have elected an accounting policy to not recognize short-term leases (one year or less) on the balance sheet. We also elected the package of practical expedients which applies to leases that commenced before the adoption date. By electing the package of practical expedients, we did not need to reassess whether any existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any existing leases and initial direct costs for any existing leases.

 

Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When the implicit rate of the lease is not provided or cannot be determined, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight- line basis over the lease term. Components of lease expense and other information is as follows:

 

   

March 31,

2019

 
Lease expense        

Operating lease cost

  $ 177  

Variable lease cost

    59  

Sublease income

    (16

)

Total operating lease cost

    220  
         

Operating Lease – operating cash flows

    (161

)

New right-of-use assets – operating leases

    -  
Weighted average remaining lease term – Operating leases (in months)     36  

Weighted average discount rate – Operating leases

    12.0 %

 

11

 

 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

March 31,

2019

 

2019

  $ 552  

2020

    784  

2021

    807  

2022

    194  

Thereafter

    -  

Total minimum future lease payments

    2,337  

Less imputed interest

    (387

)

Total

  $ 1,950  

 

Reported as of March 31, 2019

       

Current lease liability

  $ 529  

Lease liability – non-current

    1,421  
    $ 1,950  

 

 

 

Note 6 - Net Income (Loss) Per-Share

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the period. Potential common stock, for the purposes of determining diluted income (loss) per share, includes the effects of dilutive unvested restricted stock, options to purchase common stock and convertible securities. The effect of such potential common stock is computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted income (loss) per share computations for income from continuing operations. In the table below, income represents the numerator and shares represents the denominator (in thousands except per share amounts).  

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31 ,

 
   

201 9

   

201 8

 
                 

Basic net income (loss) per share :

               

Numerator:

               

Net income (loss)

  $ (31

)

  $ 81  

Denominator:

               

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding

    17,710       15,969  

Basic net income (loss) per share

  $ 0.00     $ 0.01  
                 

Diluted net income (loss) per share :

               

Numerator:

               

Net income

  $ (31

)

  $ 81  

Plus interest expense on convertible debt

    -       -  
    $ (31

)

  $ 81  

Denominator:

               

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding

    17,710       15,969  

Dilutive options and warrants outstanding

    -       2,910  

Effect of conversion of convertible notes

    -       -  

Number of shares used in diluted per-share computation

    17,710       18,879  
                 

Diluted net income (loss) per share

  $ 0.00     $ 0.00  

 

 

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 potentially dilutive shares of 4,223,000 and 150,000, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares because their effect would have been anti-dilutive in those periods.  

 

12

 
 

 

 

Note 7 – Related Party Transactions

 

 

We have $945,000 principal outstanding at March 31, 2019 in promissory notes payable to MHW, net of remaining discount of $61,000. Per the terms of the notes, we paid interest of approximately $ 31,000 and $29,000 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 20178, respectively. We have $650,000 principal outstanding at March 31, 2019 in promissory notes payable to MHW Partners, net of remaining discount of $64,000. Per the terms of the notes, we paid interest of $21,000 and $20,000 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Peter H. Woodward, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is a principal of MHW Capital Management, LLC which is the investment manager of MHW and MHW Partners. MHW Capital Management LLC is entitled to a performance-related fee tied to appreciation in the valuation of the common stock in excess of the applicable strike price under the warrant issued to MHW.

 

 

Note 8 - Segment Reporting

 

Segment information reported in the tables below represents the operating segments of the Company organized in a manner consistent with which separate information is available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision-maker in assessing performance and allocating resources. Our activities are organized into two major segments: facilities and systems integration. Our facilities unit is involved in the design, project management and maintenance of data center and mission-critical business operations. Our systems integration unit integrates IT equipment for OEM vendors and customers to be used inside data center environments, including modular data centers. All of our revenues are derived from the U.S. market. Segment operating results reflect earnings before stock-based compensation, acquisition related expenses, other expenses, net, and provision for income taxes.

 

Revenue and operating results by reportable segment reconciled to reportable net income (loss) for the three -month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 and other segment-related information is as follows (in thousands):

 

    Three Month Periods  
    ended March 31,  
    2019     2018  
Revenues                
                 

Facilities

  $ 2,890     $ 3,379  

System integration services

    1,770       1,470  

Total revenues

  $ 4,660     $ 4,849  
                 
Operating Income:                

Facilities

  $ 510     $ 705  

System integration services

    (460 )     (520 )

Consolidated operating income

  $ 50       185  
                 

Depreciation expense:

               

Facilities

  $ 32     $ 8  

System integration services

    26       62  

Consolidated depreciation expense

  $ 58     $ 70  
                 
Interest expense                

Facilities

  $ 60     $ 59  

System integration services

    49       34  

Consolidated interest expense

  $ 109     $ 93  

 

   

March 31,

2019

   

Dec. 31,

2018

 
Total Assets                

Facilities

  $ 866     $ 1,063  

System integration services

    1,798       1,514  

Other consolidated activities

    8,229       6,533  

Total consolidated assets

  $ 10,893     $ 9,110  

 

 

Other consolidated activities include assets not specifically attributable to each business segment including cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other assets that are managed at a corporate level.

 

13

 
 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 201 8 included in our 20 1 8 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This report contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations with respect to future results of operations that may be embodied in oral and written forward-looking statements, including any forward-looking statements that may be included in this report, are subject to risks and uncertainties that must be considered when evaluating the likelihood of our realization of such expectations. Our actual results could differ materially. The words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “will” and similar phrases as they relate to us are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, please see the “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A of our 201 6 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of items that may affect our future results.  

 

Overview

 

 

TSS, Inc. (‘‘TSS’’, the ‘‘Company’’, ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’ or ‘‘our’’) provides comprehensive services for the planning, design, deployment, maintenance, and refurbishment of end-user and enterprise systems, including the mission-critical facilities they are housed in. We provide a single source solution for enabling technologies in data centers, operations centers, network facilities, server rooms, security operations centers, communications facilities and the infrastructure systems that are critical to their function. Our services include technology consulting, design and engineering, project management, systems integration, systems installation and facilities management. Our headquarters and integration facility are located in Round Rock, Texas.

 

Our business is concentrated on the data center infrastructure and services market. This market continues to be highly competitive as commerce moves to cloud-based solutions and as data storage requirements continue to escalate for many industries. These underlying macroeconomic trends are driving demand for more information technology equipment, more efficient data center design and operation, resulting in continued growth in this market. We compete against many larger competitors who have greater resources than we do, which may affect our competitiveness in the market. We rely on several large customers to win contracts and to provide business to us under ‘‘Master Service Agreements’’, and the loss of such customers could have a material negative effect on our results.

 

In 2016 we made the decision to focus our business on the modular data center area and to concentrate our activities around our systems integration and facilities maintenance businesses. We also developed and expanded our rack integration services to increase the utilization of our systems integration facility and to insulate us from the variable timing of modular data center orders. This simplification of our business and the focus towards the modular data center market will increase our customer concentration in the short-term and concentrate the markets in which we compete. However, our business is not focused on providing a life-cycle of activities in support of the use of modular data centers and rack integration, including assembly, deployment and maintenance of these modules.

    

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

Revenue

 

Revenue consists of fees earned from the planning, design and project management for mission-critical facilities and information infrastructures, as well as fees earned from providing maintenance services for these facilities. We also earn revenue from providing system configuration and integration services to IT equipment vendors. Currently we derive all our revenue from the U.S. market.

 

We contract with our customers under five primary contract types: fixed-price service and maintenance contracts, time and material contracts, cost-plus-fee, guaranteed maximum price and fixed-price contracts. Cost-plus-fee and guaranteed maximum price contracts are typically lower risk arrangements and thus yield lower profit margins than time-and-materials and fixed-price arrangements which generate higher profit margins generally, relative to their higher risk. Certain of our service and maintenance contracts provide comprehensive coverage of all the customers equipment (excluding IT equipment) at a facility during the contract period. Where customer requirements are clear, we prefer to enter into comprehensive fixed-price arrangements or time-and-materials arrangements rather than cost-plus-fee and guaranteed maximum price contracts.

 

Most of our revenue is generated based on services provided either by our employees or subcontractors. To a lesser degree, the revenue we earn includes reimbursable travel and other costs to support the project. Since we earn higher profits from the labor services that our employees provide compared with use of subcontracted labor and other reimbursable costs, we seek to optimize our labor content on the contracts we are awarded to maximize our profitability.

 

14

 

 

We have been concentrating our sales efforts towards maintenance and integration services where we have traditionally earned higher margins. Historically our design and project-management services were tied to a few, high-value contracts for the construction of new data centers at any point in time. In addition to contributing to large quarterly fluctuations in revenue depending upon project timing, these projects required higher levels of working capital and generated lower margins than our maintenance and integration services. We re-focused our design and project management services towards smaller scaled jobs typically connected with addition/move/retrofit activities rather than new construction, to obtain better margins. We have also focused on providing maintenance services for modular data center applications as this market continues to expand. We continue to focus on increasing our systems integration revenues through more consistent revenue streams that will better utilize our assets in that business.

 

Revenues for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 decreased by $0.2 million, or 4% compared to the same period in 2019. Our 2018 revenue included $680,000 from our critical power and cooling business that we sold in the fourth quarter of 2018. Our facilities segment (which included our critical power and cooling business) had a $0.5 million or 14% decrease in revenue compared to 2018 driven by the sale of the business. Our remaining facilities business increased compared to the prior year due to a higher level of new modular data center deployments. Our systems integration business revenues increased by $0.3 million or 20% compared to the first quarter of 2018 due to higher modular data center fit outs and higher rack services revenue. Our revenue of $4.7 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 was down by $1.1 million in revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 reflecting the absence of $1.2 million in revenue we had in the fourth quarter of 2018 from our critical power and cooling business.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue includes the cost of component parts for our products, labor costs expended in the production and delivery of our services, subcontractor and third-party expense, equipment and other costs associated with our test and integration facilities, excluding depreciation of our manufacturing property and equipment, shipping costs, and the costs of support functions such as purchasing, logistics and quality assurance. The cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue was 65% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 compared to 62% for the same period in 2018 and 62% in the fourth quarter of 2018. This increase from 2018 reflects the higher level of modular data center deployments that have higher third-party expenses and resultant lower margins for us and higher procurement costs in our integration business.

 

Since we earn higher profits on our own labor services, we expect gross margins to improve when our labor services mix increases relative to the use of subcontracted labor or third-party material. Our direct labor costs are relatively fixed in the short-term, and the utilization of direct labor is critical to maximizing our profitability. As we continue to bid and win contracts that require specialized skills that we do not possess, we would expect to have more third-party subcontracted labor to help us fulfill those contracts. In addition, we can face hiring challenges in internally staffing larger contracts. While these factors could lead to a higher ratio of cost of services to revenue, the ability to outsource these activities without carrying a higher level of fixed overhead improves the profitability overall for the company because they can increase income, broaden our revenue base and have a favorable return on invested capital.

 

A large portion of our revenue is derived from fixed price contracts. Under these contracts, we set the price of our services and assume the risk that the costs associated with our performance may be greater than we anticipated. Our profitability is therefore dependent upon our ability to estimate accurately the costs associated with our services. These costs may be affected by a variety of factors, such as lower than anticipated productivity, conditions at the work sites differing materially from what was anticipated at the time we bid on the contract, and higher than expected costs of materials and labor. Certain agreements or projects could have lower margins than anticipated or losses if actual costs for contracts exceed our estimates, which could reduce our profitability and liquidity.

 

 

Gross Profit

 

Our gross profit margin for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 was 35% compared to a gross profit margin of 38% in the first quarter of 2018 and a gross profit margin of 38% in the fourth quarter of 2018. This decrease in margin compared to 2018 was primarily attributable to higher costs on modular data center deployment projects in 2019 as we experienced more activity compared to the previous year. With lower revenue compared to 2018, the lower margin resulted in our gross profit being $1.6 million for the quarter, compared to a gross profit of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2018.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consists of compensation and related expenses, including variable sales compensation, for our executive, administrative and sales and marketing personnel, as well as related travel, selling and marketing expenses, professional fees, facility costs, insurances and other corporate costs. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2019, our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $95,000 or 6% compared to the same period of 2018. This decrease was due to lower headcount related costs following the sale of our critical power and cooling business in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

15

 

 

Operating income

 

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2019, we recorded an operating profit of $50,000. This compares to an operating profit of $185,000 that we had in the in the first quarter of 2018 that was inclusive of $158,000 of profit generated by our power and cooling business that we sold at the end of 2018.

 

Net income

 

After income taxes we recorded a net loss of $31,000 or $0.00 per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. This compared to net income of $81,000 or $0.01 per share for the same period in 2018.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary sources of liquidity at March 31, 2019 are our cash and cash equivalents on hand, funds available under our bank credit facility and projected cash flows from operating activities.

 

If we continue to meet the cash flow projections in our current business plan, we expect that we will have adequate capital resources necessary to continue operating our business for at least the next twelve months. Our business plan and our assumptions around the adequacy of our liquidity are based on estimates regarding expected revenues and future costs. However, there are potential risks, including that our revenues may not meet our projections, our costs may exceed our estimates, or our working capital needs may be greater than anticipated. Further, our estimates may change, and future events or developments may also affect our estimates. Any of these factors may change our expectation of cash usage in 2019 and beyond or significantly affect our level of liquidity, which may limit our opportunities to grow our business.

 

Our quarterly operating results have shown improved results since the beginning of 2017. Our quarterly revenues have fluctuated between $4.2 million to $7.3 million. Our gross profit margin has ranged from 33% to 42%, and our operating results have allowed us to achieve operating profits in every quarter since 2017. This level of profitability has allowed us to strengthen our balance sheet and we eliminated our deficits in working capital and stockholders’ equity during 2018. In December 2018 we entered into a 2-year, $1.5 million, receivables-based revolving line of credit with Texas Capital Bank, NA to provide us additional liquidity and financial flexibility for managing our working capital and business. We remain open to further funding to finance growth in our business, to finance potential acquisitions or to further improve our liquidity position, however there can be no guarantee that such financing will be available to us or that we will complete any such financing.

 

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.0 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

 

Significant uses of cash

 

Operating activities:

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 was $17,000 compared to cash used in operating activities of $0.4 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. This improvement was primarily driven by less funds used to finance working capital compared to the previous period. There were no material changes in our working capital compared to the fourth quarter.

 

 

Investing activities:

 

Cash used in investing activities was $63,000 in the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 for the purchases of property and equipment. This compares to cash used in 2018 of $37,000 for purchases of property and equipment.

 

 

Financing activities:

 

Cash used in financing activities was $106,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019, which reflects $31,000 in proceeds received from the exercise of employee stock options and $137,000 used in the purchase of treasury stock related to tax obligations around option exercises and vesting of restricted shares.. There were no financing activities in the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.

 

16

 

 

Future uses of cash

 

Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are to fund working capital for current operations. Our primary sources of funds to meet our liquidity and capital requirements include cash on hand, funds generated from operations including the funds from our customer financing programs, and borrowings under our bank credit facility. We believe that if future results do not meet expectations, we can implement reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses to better achieve profitability and therefore improve cash flows, or that we could take further steps such as the issuance of new equity or debt. However, the timing and effect of these steps may not completely alleviate a material effect on liquidity. We may also require additional capital if we seek to acquire additional businesses as a way to increase the scale of our operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2019 we had no off balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Pronouncements

 

Except with respect to adoption of the new lease accounting standard on January 1, 2019, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as set forth in the Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2018. See also Item 1. Financial Statements Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies regarding Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Our management performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of March 31, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that information relating to the Company (including its combined subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in the Company’s SEC reports (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding financial disclosures.

 

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for the three months ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

Currently, we are not a party to any material litigation in any court, and management is not aware of any contemplated proceeding by any governmental authority against us. From time to time, we are involved in various legal matters and proceedings concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of business. We currently believe that any ultimate liability arising out of these matters and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

17

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

 

 

Monthly Period During the Quarter Ended March 31, 2019

 

Total Shares Purchased

   

Average

Price paid

per Share

   

Total Shares Purchased as Part

of Publicly Announced Plans

   

Approximate

Dollar Amount of

Shares Yet To Be

Purchased Under

Plans

 

Jan. 1, 2019 - Jan. 31, 2019

    29,650     $ 0.80       -       -  

Feb.1, 2019 – Feb 28, 2019

    106,657     $ 0.85                  

Mar. 1, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2019

    22,458     $ 1.00       -       -  

Total

    158,765     $ 0.87                  

 

 

(a)

All of these shares were acquired from associates to satisfy the exercise price due upon exercise of previously awarded stock options or to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of restricted stock.

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

10.1*

Executive Employment Agreement dated January 27, 2018 between the Company and Kieran Brennan.

   

10.2*

Award Agreement dated January 27, 2018 between the Company and Kieran Brennan.

   

31.1*

Certification of TSS, Inc. Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2*

Certification of TSS, Inc. Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1** Certification of TSS, Inc. Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   

32.2**

Certification of TSS, Inc. Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 


 

101.INS *

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH *

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL *

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF *

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

101.LAB *

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

 

 

*

Filed herewith.

 

**

Furnished herewith.

 

18

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

TSS, INC.

 

 

 

Date: May 15, 2019

By:

/s/ Anthony Angelini

 

 

Anthony Angelini

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

By:

/s/ John K. Penver

   

John K. Penver

   

Chief Financial Officer

   

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

19

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), effective this 27th day of January 2018 (“ Effective Date ”), is made and entered into between TSS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and KIERAN BRENNAN (the “ Executive ”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in exchange for the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive, each intending to be legally bound, hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:

 

 

1.

DEFINITIONS

 

The following words and terms shall have the meanings set forth below for the purposes of this Agreement:

 

1.1. Affiliates . “ Affiliates ” of a Person, or a Person “ affiliated ” with another Person, are any Persons which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or are controlled by or are under common control with, the Person specified.

 

1. 2 . Board . “ Board ” means the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

1.3 . Cause . The following constitutes “ Cause ” giving rise to the Company’s right to terminate the Executive’s employment under Section 5.1 of this Agreement: (a) the Executive’s willful failure to perform, or gross negligence in the performance of, his duties and responsibilities to the Company and its Affiliates; (b) any act that would constitute a material violation of the Company’s material written policies; (c) intentionally engaging in conduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company; (d) conviction of (1) a crime of embezzlement or a crime involving moral turpitude; (2) a crime with respect to the Company involving a breach of trust or dishonesty; or (3) in either case, a plea of guilty or no contest to such a crime; or (e) the Executive’s violation of his obligations under the Assignment Agreement (as defined in Section 6 of this Agreement) or under Sections 2.4 or 7 of this Agreement or by his breach of a fiduciary duty owed the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

1.4. Change in Control of the Company . “ Change in Control of the Company ” means (a) a sale, transfer or exclusive licensing by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (measured by either book value in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied or fair market value determined in the reasonable good faith judgment of the Board) in any transaction or series of related transactions (other than sales in the ordinary course of business); (b) any sale, transfer or issuance or series of sales, transfers and/or issuances of shares of the Company’s capital stock by the Company or any holders thereof that results in any Person or Persons acting as a “group” (as such term is used under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than the holders of Company’s capital stock as of the date hereof, owning directly or indirectly capital stock of the Company possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power (under ordinary circumstances) in the election of the Board; (c) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (d) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.

 

 

 

 

1.5 . Date of Termination . “ Date of Termination ” means (a) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death, or (b) if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason other than the Executive’s death, the date on which Executive ceases to be an employee of the Company.

 

1.6 . Disability . Termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company based on “ Disability ” means termination of the Executive’s employment at the Company’s sole discretion, upon thirty (30) days prior written notice in the event the Executive becomes “ Disabled ,” as defined in any group term disability insurance maintained by the Company applicable to the Executive, or, (b) if the Company shall not maintain such insurance, the determination by an independent physician acting reasonably and in good faith that the Executive is incapacitated by reason of a physical or mental illness that is long-term in nature and that prevents the Executive from performing the substantial and material duties of his employment with the Company, provided that such incapacity can reasonably be expected to prevent the Executive from working at least six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period. The Company may require the Executive to have the examination described in the preceding sentence at any time for the purpose of determining whether the Executive has a long-term disability, and the Executive agrees to submit to such examination upon request of the Board; provided that the Company shall pay all costs and expenses associated with such examination. This Section 1.6 shall be interpreted and applied consistently with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and other applicable law.

 

1. 7 . Good Reason . Termination of the Executive’s employment by the Executive for a “ Good Reason ” shall mean termination by the Executive because of: (a) failure of the Company to pay any installment of the Executive’s Base Salary when such installment is due pursuant to this Agreement, which failure is not cured within fifteen (15) days; (b) any other breach or breaches of this Agreement by the Company, which breaches are, singularly or in the aggregate, material, and which are not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice of such breach or breaches to the Company by the Executive; or (c) a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary without the express written consent of the Executive.

 

1. 8 . Person . “ Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, any other business entity and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

2

 

 

1. 9 . Restrictive Period . “ Restrictive Period ” means the nine (9) month period measured from the Termination Date through the date that is nine (9) months following the Date of Termination.

 

1.10 . Subsidiary . “ Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.

 

 

2.

EMPLOYMENT

 

2.1. Employment Period .

 

2.1.1 The Company hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts said employment and agrees to render services to the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2018 (the “ Expiration D ate ”), unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions herein (such period is the “ Employment Period ”); provided, however, that if this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement, then the “Expiration Date” for the then current “Renewal Term” (as hereinafter defined) shall be the date that is last day of the one year period of any Renewal Term.

 

2.1.2 This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for an additional one year period commencing at the expiration of the initial Employment Period or any subsequent renewal term (each, a “ Renewal Term ”) unless the Company provides written notice of termination to the Executive not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, the Employment Period shall immediately terminate prior to any Expiration Date (i) upon Executive’s death, Disability or termination for a Good Reason or (ii) upon termination by the Company for Cause. In all other circumstances, thirty (30) days’ prior written notice is required by either party to the other to terminate this Agreement.

 

3

 

 

2.2. Duties . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall have the title Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Executive shall perform such services for the Company as is consistent with the Executive’s position (subject to the power and authority of the Board to expand or limit such services and to overrule actions of officers of the Company) and as lawfully directed, from time to time, by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or the Board. The Executive shall devote the Executive’s full working time and attention and use the Executive’s best efforts and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement. The Executive shall not, during the Employment Period, provide services to any business activity for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage other than the services provided under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may (a) volunteer services for or on behalf of such religious, educational, non-profit and/or other charitable organization as the Executive may wish to serve, (b) manage his personal, financial and legal affairs, or (c) with the consent of the Board, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, serve on up to two (2) boards of directors of other entities, so long as the activities described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (c) do not interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities to the Company as provided hereunder or violate any of the terms of this or any other agreement entered into with the Company. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive may be required to travel on business in connection with the Executive’s performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

2. 3 . Insurance . The Company may, at its discretion, apply for and procure in its own name and for its own benefit life and/or disability insurance on the Executive in any amount or amounts considered available. The Executive agrees to cooperate in any medical or other examination, supply any information and execute and deliver any applications or other instruments in writing as may be reasonably necessary to obtain and constitute such insurance. The Executive hereby represents that the Executive has no reason to believe that the Executive’s life is not insurable at rates now prevailing for a healthy person of the Executive's gender and age.

 

2. 4 . Corporate Opportunity . The Executive agrees that, unless approved by the Board, he will not take personal advantage of any business opportunities that arise during his employment with the Company and that may be of benefit to the Company. All material facts regarding such opportunities must be promptly reported to the Board for consideration by the Company in accordance with the Company’s policies.

 

 

3.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

 

3.1. Base Salary . During the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Executive an initial base salary of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) per year (“ Base Salary ”) paid in approximately equal installments bi-weekly.

 

3.2. Annual Bonus . For each calendar year that begins during the Employment Period (each such calendar year, a “ Bonus Year ”), the Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus in an amount and on such terms as are established by the Board in its sole discretion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Executive’s target annual bonus for the 2018 Bonus Year shall equal 50% of the Base Salary on terms established by the Board for such Bonus Year. Any bonus for an applicable calendar year, or portion thereof, shall be paid to the Executive no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the Bonus Year.

 

4

 

 

3. 3 . Vacation and Benefits . The Executive shall receive vacation, health insurance and other employee benefits as the Company makes available to other executives, as may exist at any particular time and from time to time during the Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any health, hospitalization, life, disability, or other insurance plan, program or policy shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the plan, program, or policy; and the Company shall not be liable to the Executive, the Executive’s family, heirs, executors, or beneficiaries for any payment payable or claimed to be payable under any such benefit plan, program, or policy.

 

3. 4 . Withholding . All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if any, relating to tax and other payroll deductions as the Company may reasonably determine should be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

3. 5 . Policies, Procedures & Benefit Plans . Except as otherwise provided herein, the Executive’s employment shall be subject to the policies and procedures that apply generally to the Company’s employees as the same may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time, during the Employment Period, by the Board in its sole discretion. The Executive agrees to comply with such policies and procedures in all material respects.

 

3. 7 . Equity. On the Effective Date, the Executive shall receive options to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and 200,000 shares of restricted stock upon the terms and conditions set forth in that certain Award Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, between the Company and the Executive.

 

 

4.

EXPENSES

 

4. 1 . Expenses . During the Employment Period, including following any Date of Termination for appropriate expenses incurred on or prior to the Date of Termination, the Company shall reimburse the Executive promptly or otherwise provide for or pay for all pre-approved reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in furtherance of, or in connection with, the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries, consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to such reasonable documentation and other limitations as may be established from time to time by the Board, including against presentation of vouchers or receipts therefor.

 

 

5.

TERMINATION

 

5.1. Termination Due to Death or Disability, By the Company For Cause or By the Executive . If the Employment Period is terminated (a) by reason of the Executive’s Death or Disability; (b) by the Company for Cause; (c) by the Executive (other than for a Good Reason); or (d) (subject to Section 5.2 with respect to COBRA benefits) by the Company or the Executive for any reason before the first anniversary of the Effective Date; then the Executive shall only be entitled to receive the Executive’s Base Salary and the reimbursement of any applicable expenses pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement through the Date of Termination, and the Executive shall have no right to any other compensation thereafter (including without limitation pursuant to Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 of this Agreement, but not including Section 5.4 of this Agreement). No Person shall be entitled hereunder to participate in any employee benefit plan after the Date of Termination if the Employment Period is terminated in connection with this Section 5.1 , except as otherwise expressly required by applicable law (i.e., COBRA) and provided that nothing herein shall be interpreted to limit the Executive’s conversion rights, if any, under any of the Company’s employee benefit plans.

 

5

 

 

5.2. Termination By the Company Other Than f or Cause or B y the Executive for a Good Reason . In addition to the payment to the Executive of the Executive’s Base Salary and the reimbursement of any applicable expenses pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement through the Date of Termination, if (a) after the first anniversary of the Effective Date the Employment Period is terminated (i) by the Company other than for Cause, (ii) by the Executive for a Good Reason, or (iii) by the Company in accordance with Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement by providing the requisite notice to the Executive to terminate this Agreement prior to any Expiration Date; and (b) the Executive executes a general release in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) on or before the Date of Termination; and (c) the Executive has not breached the terms of the “Assignment Agreement” (as defined below); then the Company shall continue paying the Executive salary payments based on the Base Salary (at the rate in effect at the Date of Termination) for a period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending six (6) months from the Date of Termination. Any payment under this Section 5.2 shall be made in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll schedule at the time the payments are made. The Executive shall be entitled to receive the benefits under any plan or program adopted or sponsored by the Company or its Subsidiaries (to the extent the Executive participates and is vested in such benefits) in accordance with the terms of such plan or program. If the Executive elects and remains eligible for health coverage pursuant to Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ COBRA ”) (and subject to withholding pursuant to Section 3.5 of this Agreement), then commencing within fifteen (15) business days following the date on which the Release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, the Company will, for a period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending (X) three (3) months from the Date of Termination if the Date of Termination occurs on or before the first anniversary of the Effective Date or (Y) six (6) months from the Date of Termination if the Date of Termination occurs after the first anniversary of the Effective Date, pay a percentage of the premium for such COBRA health coverage equal to the percentage of the premium for health insurance coverage paid by the Company on the Date of Termination. The Executive shall not be entitled to any other salary or compensation after termination of the Employment Period under this Section 5.2 (other than as set forth in this Section 5.2 and Section 5. 4 of this Agreement). No Person shall be entitled hereunder to participate in any employee benefit plan after the Date of Termination if the Employment Period is terminated in connection with this Section 5.2 , except as otherwise specifically provided hereunder or as required by applicable law (i.e., COBRA) and provided that nothing herein shall be interpreted to limit the Executive’s conversion rights, if any, under any of the Company’s employee benefit plans.

 

6

 

 

5.3. Termination following a Change in Control of the Company. In addition to the payment to the Executive of the Executive’s Base Salary and the reimbursement of any applicable expenses pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement through the Date of Termination, if (a) the Employment Period is terminated within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control of the Company; and (b) the Executive executes the Release on or before the Date of Termination; and (c) the Executive has not breached the terms of the “Assignment Agreement” (as defined below); then the Company shall continue paying the Executive salary payments based on the Base Salary (at the rate in effect at the Date of Termination) for a period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending twelve (12) months from the Date of Termination. Any payment under this Section 5. 3 shall be made in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll schedule at the time the payments are made. The Executive shall be entitled to receive the benefits under any plan or program adopted or sponsored by the Company or its Subsidiaries (to the extent the Executive participates and is vested in such benefits) in accordance with the terms of such plan or program. If the Executive elects and remains eligible for health coverage pursuant to COBRA (and subject to withholding pursuant to Section 3.5 of this Agreement), then commencing within fifteen (15) business days following the date on which the Release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, the Company will, for a period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending twelve (12) months from the Date of Termination, pay a percentage of the premium for such COBRA health coverage equal to the percentage of the premium for health insurance coverage paid by the Company on the Date of Termination. The Executive shall not be entitled to any other salary or compensation after termination of the Employment Period under this Section 5. 3 (other than as set forth in this Section 5. 3 and Section 5. 4 of this Agreement). No Person shall be entitled hereunder to participate in any employee benefit plan after the Date of Termination if the Employment Period is terminated in connection with this Section 5. 3 , except as otherwise specifically provided hereunder or as required by applicable law (i.e., COBRA) and provided that nothing herein shall be interpreted to limit the Executive’s conversion rights, if any, under any of the Company’s employee benefit plans.

 

5.4 . Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment . For a period of six (6) months following termination of the Employment Period for any reason, as such period may be extended with the consent of the Executive, the Executive shall fully cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the winding up of pending work on behalf of the Company including, but not limited to, any litigation in which the Company is involved, and the orderly transfer of any such pending work to other executives of the Company as may be designated by the Company. The Executive shall be compensated for any time spent pursuant to this Section 5. 4 at the specific request of the Company at a per diem amount based upon the Executive’s Base Salary at the Date of Termination.

 

5.5 . Termination by Mutual Consent . Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this Section 5 , if at any time during the course of this Agreement the parties by mutual consent decide to terminate the Employment Period, they shall do so by separate agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of such termination.

 

5.6 . Section 409A . Notwithstanding any other provision with respect to the timing of payments under Section 5.2 of this Agreement, if, at the time of the Executive’s termination, the Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “ Code ”), and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto) of the Company, then only to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any payments to which the Executive may become entitled under Section 5.2 of this Agreement that are subject to Section 409A of the Code (and not otherwise exempt from its application) will be withheld until the first business day of the seventh month following the Date of Termination, at which time the Executive shall be paid an aggregate amount equal to six months of payments otherwise due to the Executive under the terms of Section 5.2 of this Agreement, as applicable. After the first business day of the seventh month following the date of termination and continuing each month thereafter, the Executive shall be paid the regular payments otherwise due to the Executive in accordance with the terms of Section 5.2 of this Agreement , as thereafter applicable.

 

7

 

 

 

6.

INVENTION, ASSIGNMENT AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

6.1. Assignment Agreement . The parties hereto have entered into an Invention Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “ Assignment Agreement ”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time pursuant to the terms thereof. The provisions of the Assignment Agreement are intended by the parties to survive, and shall survive, the termination or expiration of the Employment Period and this Agreement.

 

 

 

7.

NON-SOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS OR EMPLOYEES; NON-COMPETITION

 

7.1. Covenant Not-to-Solicit Customers. During the Employment Period and the Restrictive Period, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any Person, whether as principal, agent, stockholder, employee, consultant, representative or in any other capacity, that engages in a Competitive Activity (as defined below) in any geographic area in which the Company actively markets or in which the Executive knows the Company intends to actively market, solicit any Person that:

 

(a) is a customer or client of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that the Executive had dealings with by virtue of the Executive’s employment with the Company as of the Date of Termination;

 

(b) has been a customer or client of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that the Executive had dealings with by virtue of the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time within two (2) years prior to the Date of Termination; or

 

(c) is a prospective customer or client that the Executive had been actively soliciting with, or on behalf of, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Date of Termination.

 

7.2. Covenant Not-to-Solicit Employees. During the Employment Period and the Restrictive Period, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other Person, whether as principal, agent, stockholder, employee, consultant, representative or in any other capacity:

 

(a) recruit, solicit or encourage any person to leave the employ of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

 

(b) hire any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a regular employee, consultant, independent contractor or otherwise.

 

8

 

 

7.3.   Non-Competition. The Executive recognizes and acknowledges the competitive and proprietary nature of the business operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries. During the Employment Period and the Restrictive Period, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, for himself or on behalf of any Person, directly or indirectly, whether as principal, agent, stockholder, employee, consultant, representative or in any other capacity, own, manage, operate or control, or be concerned, connected or employed by, or otherwise associate in any manner with, engage in or have a financial interest in any business that engages in a Competitive Activity in any geographic area in which the Company actively markets or in which the Executive knows the Company intends to actively market. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competitive Activity ” means the design, development, manufacture, marketing, or sale of any product or service that is in competition with any product or service designed, developed, manufactured, marketed, or sold by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on the Date or Termination or with respect to which the Company or its Subsidiaries has acquired or developed, prior to the Date of Termination, confidential information that it intends to use in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, or sale of a product or service. The parties acknowledge that the Company or its Subsidiaries may from time to time during the term of this Agreement change or increase the types of products or services it provides and its geographic markets, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be amended from time to time to include such different products, services, or geographic markets for the purposes of this Section 7.3 . Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Executive from purchasing or owning stock in any such competitive business if such stock is publicly traded, and provided that his holdings do not exceed one percent (1%) of the issued and outstanding capital stock of such business.

 

7.4 . Non-Disparagement. The Executive shall not make any public statement, or engage in any conduct, that is disparaging to the Company, or any of its employees, officers, directors or stockholders, including, but not limited to, any statement that disparages the products, services, finances, financial condition, capabilities or other aspects of the business of the Company. Notwithstanding any term to the contrary herein, the Executive shall not be in breach of this Section 7 for the making of any truthful statements under oath.

 

7.5 . Reasonableness of Restrictions. The Executive has carefully read and considered the provisions of this Section 7 , and, having done so, agrees (a) that the restrictions set forth herein are reasonable, in terms of scope, duration, geographic area, and otherwise, (b) that the protection afforded to the Company hereunder is necessary to protect its legitimate business interests, (c) that the agreement to observe such restrictions form a material part of the consideration for this Agreement and the Executive’s employment by the Company and (d) that upon the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, he will be able to earn a livelihood without violating the foregoing restrictions. In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any of the provisions of this Section 7 shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions thereof shall nevertheless continue to be valid and enforceable as though the invalid or unenforceable parts had not been included therein. In the event that any provision of this Section 7 relating to the time period and/or the areas of restriction and/or related aspects shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the maximum restrictiveness such court deems reasonable and enforceable, the time period and/or areas of restriction and/or related aspects deemed reasonable and enforceable by the court shall become and thereafter be the maximum restriction in such regard, and the restriction shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent deemed reasonable by such court. The Restrictive Period shall be computed by excluding from such computation any time during which the Executive is in violation of any provision of this Section 7.

 

9

 

 

 

8.

EXECUTIVE’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

8.1. Other Agreements . The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, non-compete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other Person.

 

8.2. Enforceability . The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of the Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

8.3. No Breach; No Conflict of Interest . The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound and (b) the Executive is not, to the best of the Executive's knowledge and belief, involved in any situation that might create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest with loyalty to or duties for the Company.

 

8.4. Notification of Materials or Documents from Other Employers . The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive has not brought and will not bring to the Company or use in the performance of responsibilities at the Company any materials or documents of a former employer or client that are not generally available to the public, unless the Executive has obtained express written authorization from the former employer or client and the Company for their possession and use.

 

8.5. Notification of Other Post-Employment Obligations . The Executive also understands that, as part of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive is not to breach any obligation of confidentiality that the Executive has to former employers or clients, and agrees to honor all such obligations to former employers or clients during employment with the Company.

 

8.6.   Consultation with Counsel . The Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that the Executive has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding the Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and that the Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

 

10

 

 

8.7. No Tax Guarantee. Payments or benefits under this Agreement are subject to any applicable employment or tax withholdings or deductions. It is the intention of the parties that all payments or benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and this Agreement shall be interpreted accordingly. If it is determined that a provision is not compliant with Section 409A of the Code, the parties will, by mutual agreement, amend this Agreement as necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, provided however, that the Company will not be obligated to incur additional expense. Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to seek independent advice from his tax advisor(s) with respect to the application of Section 409A of the Code to any payments or benefits under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company does not guarantee the tax treatment of any payments or benefits under this Agreement, including without limitation under the Code, federal, state or local laws.

 

  

9.

ARBITRATION

 

9.1. Claims. The Executive and the Company mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of certain claims or controversies (collectively, “ Claims ) arising out of or relating to the Executive’s employment or termination of employment under this Agreement that either party may have against the other, including the Company’s officers, stockholders, directors, employees, or benefit plans, the benefit plans’ sponsors, fiduciaries, administrators, or affiliates; and all successors and assigns of any of them, or agents in their capacity as such or otherwise. Claims covered by this Agreement shall include claims for (a) wages or other compensation due; (b) breach of any contract or covenant (express or implied); (c) tort claims; (d) discrimination (including but not limited to race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, marital status, or any other basis protected by any applicable federal, state or local law); (e) payment of wages; (f) benefits (except where an employee benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims procedure shall use an arbitration procedure different from this one); and (g) violation of any federal, state, or local law, statute, regulation, or ordinance, or recognized under common law. The Claims not covered by this Agreement shall include claims (h) for workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation benefits; (i) brought pursuant to Sections 6 or 10 of this Agreement and breach of duty of loyalty; and (j) unrelated to the Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

9.2. Procedures . The arbitration shall be governed by the procedures of the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its then-current Model Employment Arbitration Procedures and shall take place in the Washington-Metropolitan area.

 

9.3. Legal Fees . If the parties to this Agreement become parties to an arbitration proceeding or litigation arising from or relating to this Agreement, the non-prevailing party shall pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the prevailing party in such arbitration or litigation.

 

 

10.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

10.1. Assignment . The Company may assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any Person with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Person shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. The Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

11

 

 

10.2. Notice . For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or Federal Express, signature required, if to the Company, addressed to its corporate headquarters at the time notice is given, “Attention Board of Directors”; if to the Executive, addressed to his home address as listed in the Company’s records at the time notice is given.

 

10.3. Amendment and Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto. Any such amendment shall comply with the requirements of Section 409Aof the Code, if applicable.

 

10.4. Non-Waiver of Breach . No failure by either party to declare a default due to any breach of any obligation under this Agreement by the other, nor failure by either party to act quickly with regard thereto, shall be considered to be a waiver of any such obligation, or of any future breach.

 

10.5. Severability . In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason and subject to Section 7.5 of this Agreement, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

10.6. Governing Law . To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the validity and effect of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be construed and determined in accordance with the law of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Texas.

 

10.7. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to such subject matter, whether oral or written, which shall be null and void and of no further force or effect.

 

10.8. Binding Effect ; Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the transferees, successors and assigns of the Company, including without limitation any Person with which the Company may merge or consolidate. The Company’s Subsidiaries are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, including the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

10.9. Headings . Numbers and titles to Sections hereof are for information purposes only and, where inconsistent with the text, are to be disregarded.

 

12

 

 

10.10. Survival . Section 1 and Sections 5 through 10 of this Agreement shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding the expiration or termination of the Employment Period.

 

10.11. No Strict Construction . The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

10.12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including by means of facsimile), each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

 

10.13. Indemnification of the Executive. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by the Bylaws of the Company, in a manner as applied to other officers of the Company, indemnify, protect and hold the Executive harmless from and against any expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, claims, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceeding arising out of, or related to, the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company shall cause the Executive to be covered under directors and officers liability insurance policies in reasonable amounts in accordance with the Company's standard corporate policies.

 

10.14. Injunctive Relief. The Executive represents and acknowledges that, in light of the payments to be made by the Company to the Executive hereunder and for other good and valid reasons, as a result of the restrictions stated in the Assignment Agreement and the restrictions in Section 7 of this Agreement, the Company and its Affiliates would sustain irreparable harm and, therefore, in addition to any other remedies which the Company or its Affiliates may have under this Agreement or otherwise, the Company shall be entitled to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction restraining the Executive from committing or continuing any such violation of this Agreement, and the Executive shall not object to such application.

 

10.15 . Section 409A and Tax Matters. This Agreement is intended to meet the requirements to avoid being subject to the additional taxes imposed on deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. No person connected with the Agreement in any capacity, including but not limited to the Company and any Affiliate of the Company and their respective directors, officers, agents and employees, makes any representation, commitment or guarantee that any tax treatment, including but not limited to federal, state and local income, estate and gift tax treatment, will be applicable with respect to any amounts payable under the Agreement or that such tax treatment will apply to or be available to the Executive on account of participation in the Agreement. In no event whatsoever shall the Company or any Affiliate be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code).

 

[Signature s on next page]

 

13

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Executive Employment Agreement to be duly executed on the date and year first written above.

 

 

THE COMPANY:

 
 

 

 

TSS, INC.

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
By:

  /s/Anthony Angelini                     

 
 

Anthony Angelini

 
 

Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

THE EXECUTIVE:

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

  /s/ Kieran Brennan

 

Kieran Brennan

 

 

14

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

SEPARATION FROM EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

 

1. This Separation from Employment Agreement and Release (this “Agreement”) is between the Executive, Kieran Brennan, the Executive’s spouse, family, agents and attorneys) (jointly, the “Executive”) and TSS, Inc. (the “Company”), its subsidiaries, affiliated entities, direct or indirect owners and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, predecessors, successors, purchasers, assigns, representatives, fiduciaries, and insurers (jointly, the "Released Parties").

 

2. If the Executive signs this agreement and does not revoke it, the Executive will receive the applicable severance payments and benefits set forth in Section 5 of that certain Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of January 17, 2018 (the “Employment Agreement”).

 

3. The Executive, deeming this Agreement to be fair, reasonable, and equitable, and intending to be legally bound hereby, agrees to and hereby does, forever and irrevocably fully waive the Executive’s right to assert any and all forms of legal claims against the Released Parties, of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, arising from the beginning of time through the date the Executive execute this Agreement (the “Execution Date”). Except as set forth below, the Executive’s waiver and release herein is intended to bar any form of legal claim, complaint or any other form of action (jointly referred to as “Claims”) against the Released Parties seeking any form of relief including, without limitation, equitable relief (whether declaratory, injunctive or otherwise), the recovery of any damages, or any other form of monetary recovery whatsoever (including, without limitation, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and any other costs) against the Released Parties, for any alleged action, inaction or circumstance existing or arising through the Execution Date.

 

Without limiting the foregoing general waiver and release, the Executive specifically waives and releases the Released Parties from any Claim arising from or related to the Executive’s employment relationship with the Released Parties or the termination thereof, including, without limitation:

 

 

*

Claims under any state or federal discrimination, fair employment practices or other employment related statute, regulation or executive order (as they may have been amended through the Execution Date) prohibiting discrimination or harassment based upon any protected status including, without limitation, race, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Without limitation, specifically included in this paragraph are any Claims arising under the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1871, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and any similar Texas or other state statute.

 

 

 

 

 

*

Claims under any other state or federal employment related statute, regulation or executive order (as they may have been amended through the Execution Date) relating to other terms and conditions of employment. Without limitation, specifically included in this paragraph are any Claims arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and any similar state statute.

 

*

Claims under any state or federal common law theory including, without limitation, wrongful discharge, breach of express or implied contract, promissory estoppel, unjust enrichment, breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, violation of public policy, defamation, interference with contractual relations, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, deceit, fraud or negligence.

 

*

Any right to recover from any complaints, charges or lawsuits filed by any federal or state agency on the Executive’s behalf.

 

*

Any other Claim arising under state or federal law.

 

4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement does not:

 

 

*

release the Released Parties from any obligation expressly set forth in this Agreement or from any obligation, including without limitation obligations under the Workers Compensation laws, which as a matter of law cannot be released;

 

*

prohibit the Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”);

  

*

prohibit the Executive from participating in an investigation or proceeding by the EEOC or any comparable state or local agency; or

  

*

prohibit the Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this release or waiver under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and does not impose any condition precedent, penalty, or costs for doing so unless specifically authorized by federal law.

 

5. The Executive understands that this Agreement is not an admission of liability under any statute or otherwise by the Released Parties, and that the Released Parties do not admit, but deny, any violation of Executive’s legal rights, and that Executive shall not be regarded as a prevailing party for any purpose, including but not limited to, determining responsibility for or entitlement to attorneys’ fees, under any statute or otherwise. The Executive agrees that in the event the Executive brings a Claim in which the Executive seeks damages or other relief from any Released Party, or in the event the Executive seeks to recover against any Released Party in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on the Executive’s behalf, this Agreement shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims.

 

6. The Executive agrees that the Executive has been paid for all hours worked, including any overtime bonus or other incentive compensation, has submitted all invoices and expense reports, and has not suffered any on-the-job injury for which the Executive has not already filed a claim.

 

 

 

 

7. The Executive agrees that every term of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the fact that an agreement has been reached and the amount paid, shall be treated by the Executive as strictly confidential, and expressly covenants not to display, publish, disseminate, or disclose the terms of this Agreement to any person or entity other than the Executive’s immediate family, the Executive’s attorney(s) (for purposes of seeking advice concerning this agreement only) and the Employee’s accountant(s) (for purposes of seeking tax advice only), unless compelled to make disclosure by lawful court order or subpoena.

 

8. The Executive and the Company have entered into an Invention Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement (the “Assignment Agreement”). The Executive reaffirms his obligation to comply with all of the post-termination obligations in the Assignment Agreement.

 

9. The Executive also agrees that:

 

 

☐ The Executive is entering into this agreement knowingly and voluntarily;

 

☐ The Executive has been advised by the Company to consult an attorney;

 

☐ As set forth in Attachment A, the Executive has been given the right to take 21 days (the “Consideration Period”) to consider this agreement; provided, however the Employee and the Company hereby agree that if there is a dispute as to the payment of wages such that the Executive is unable to make the representation set forth in Section 6 as to payment for hours worked (including any overtime bonus or other incentive compensation), the Consideration Period shall terminate on the later of the natural expiration of the Consideration Period or the date that is one day after the resolution of all claims regarding wages;

 

☐ But for the Executive’s execution of this Agreement, the Executive would not otherwise be entitled to the payments described in paragraph 2; and

 

☐ if any part of this Agreement is found to be illegal or invalid, the rest of the Agreement will be enforceable.

 

10. As a further consideration and inducement for this Agreement, the Executive hereby waives any and all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar state, local, or federal law, statute, rule, order or regulation the Executive may have with respect to the Company. Section 1542 provides:

 

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

 

 

 

 

The Executive expressly agrees that this Release shall extend and apply to all unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated injuries and damages as well as to those that are now disclosed.

 

11. After the Executive signs this agreement, the Executive will have 7 days to revoke it. If the Executive wants to revoke it, the Executive should deliver a written revocation to __________. If the Executive does not revoke it, the Executive will receive the payment described in Paragraph 2.

 

COMPANY

 

TSS, INC.

 

 

By:     Date:    
  Name:        
  Title:        
           
EXECUTIVE        
           
           
    Date:    
Executive        

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENT A

 

CONSIDERATION PERIOD

 

I, Kieran Brennan, understand that I have the right to take at least 21 days to consider whether to sign this Separation From Employment and Release Agreement, which I received on [TERMINATION DATE]. If I elect to sign this Agreement before 21 days have passed, I understand I am to sign and date below this paragraph to confirm that I knowingly and voluntarily agree to waive the 21-day consideration period.

 

 

 

 

Executive Signature

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

INVENTION ASSIGNMENT

AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

The following confirms an Invention Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement (“Agreement”) between me and TSS, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company,” which term includes the Company’s affiliates, subsidiaries and any assigns). The promises and commitments that I make in this Agreement are a material part of the Company’s consideration in my employment relationship with the Company.

 

1.

I understand and agree that my employment by the Company creates a duty of loyalty and a relationship of confidence and trust between me and the Company with respect to any information made known to me by the Company or by any client, customer or vendor of the Company or other person who submits information to the Company, or which may be learned by me during the period of my employment.

 

2.

I recognize that the Company is continuously engaged in activities that the Company regards as confidential, proprietary and/or legally protectable, which activities are at least in part intended to further the interests of the Company and to provide the Company with a competitive advantage. The Company possesses and will, in the future, continue to possess information that has been or will be created, discovered, developed or otherwise becomes known to the Company (including information created by, discovered or developed by, or made known to me) during the period of or arising out of my employment by the Company. I understand that various intellectual and other property rights have been assigned or otherwise conveyed to the Company. All information concerning the above described activities and information is collectively called “Proprietary Information” (as defined below) under this Agreement.

 

3.

By way of illustration, but not limitation, “Proprietary Information” includes: trade secrets, processes, formulas, data and know-how; software programs, improvements, and inventions; research and development plans, tools and techniques; new product introduction plans, specifications, requirements documents and strategies; manufacturing techniques, strategies and costs, expenses, supplier information and lists and distribution information; terms and conditions in contracts of all kinds; marketing plans, strategies and service; support strategies and procedures; development schedules; revenue forecasts; computer programs; copyrightable material, employee salaries, employee expertise, employee ability levels, training programs and procedures, copies of memos or presentations incorporating confidential information that I may have in my files (including those which I authored), patent applications and disclosures and customer lists.

 

18

 

 

4.

In consideration of my employment by the Company and the compensation received by me from the Company from time to time, I hereby agree as follows:

 

 

(a)

All Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company, and the Company shall be the sole owner of all patents, copyrights, trademarks and other rights related to Proprietary Information. I hereby assign to the Company any rights I may have or acquire in Proprietary Information. At all times, both during and after my employment by the Company, I will keep in confidence and trust all Proprietary Information, and I will not use or disclose any Proprietary Information or anything related to it without written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing my duties to the Company.

 

 

(b)

All documents, records, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Proprietary Information, furnished to me by the Company or produced by myself or others in connection with employment by the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company, shall be used by me solely for the benefit of the Company and shall be returned to the Company immediately as and when requested by the Company. Even if the Company does not so request, I shall return and deliver all such property to the Company upon termination of my employment by me or by the Company for any reason. I will not take with me any such property or any form of copy or reproduction of such property upon my termination.

 

 

(c)

I will promptly disclose to the Company, or any persons designated by it, all improvements, inventions, formulas, ideas, processes, techniques, know-how and data, whether or not patentable, made or conceived or reduced to practice or learned by me, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of my employment (all said improvements, inventions, formulas, ideas, processes, techniques, know-how and data shall be hereinafter collectively call “Inventions”).

 

 

(d)

I agree that all Inventions that I develop or have developed (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) and (i) use or have used equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secret information of the Company, or (ii) use or have used the hours for which I am to be or was compensated by the Company, or (iii) which relate to the business of the Company or to its actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development or (iv) which result, in whole or in part, from work performed by me for the Company shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns, and the Company and its assigns shall be the sole owner of all patents, copyrights and other rights in connection therewith. I hereby assign to the Company any rights I may have or acquire in such Inventions. I further agree as to all such inventions and improvements to assist the Company in every proper way (but at the Company’s expense) to obtain and from time to time enforce patents, copyrights or other rights on said inventions and improvements in any and all countries, and to that end I will execute all documents in use for applying for and obtaining such patents and copyrights thereon and enforcing same, as the Company may desire, together with any assignments thereof to the Company or persons designated by it. My obligation to assist the Company in obtaining and enforcing patents, copyrights or other rights for such inventions and improvements in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of my employment, but the Company shall compensate me at a reasonable rate after such termination for time actually spent by me at the Company’s request on such assistance.

 

B-1

 

 

 

(e)

In the event that the Company is unable for any reason whatsoever to secure my signature to any lawful and necessary document required to apply for or execute any patent, copyright or other applications with respect to such inventions and improvements (including renewals, extensions, continuations, divisions or continuations in part thereof), I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its authorized officers and agents, as my agents and attorneys-in-fact, this power of attorney being coupled with an interest, to act for and in my behalf and instead of me, to execute and file any such application and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patents, copyrights or other rights thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me.

 

 

(f)

As a matter of record, on Attachment A , I have attached a complete list of all inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by the Company that have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my employment with the Company that I desire to remove from the operation of this Agreement, and I covenant that such list is complete. If no such list is signed by me and attached to this Agreement, I represent and warrant that I have no such inventions or improvements at the time of signing this Agreement, and I agree that I will make no claim against the Company with respect to any such inventions or ideas.

 

 

(g)

I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict with this Agreement.

 

 

(h)

I acknowledge that the Company from time to time may be involved in government projects of a classified nature. I further acknowledge that the Company from time to time may have agreements with other persons or governmental agencies that impose obligations or restrictions on the Company regarding inventions made during the course of work thereunder or regarding the confidential nature of such work or information disclosed in connection therewith. I agree to be bound by all such obligations and restrictions and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Company thereunder.

 

 

(i)

I represent and warrant that execution of this Agreement, my employment with the Company and my performance of my proposed duties to the Company in the development of its business have not and will not violate any obligations which I may have to any former employer.

 

B-2

 

 

 

(j)

I agree that at no time during my employment by the Company or thereafter shall I make, or cause or assist any other person to make, any statement or other communication to any third party that impugns or attacks, or is otherwise critical of, the reputation, business or character of the Company or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers or employees.

 

5.

This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment by the Company.

 

6.

This Agreement may not be changed, modified, released, discharged, abandoned or otherwise amended, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing, signed by myself and the Company. I agree that any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation shall not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.

 

7.

I acknowledge receipt of this Agreement and agree that with respect to the subject matter hereof it is my final, complete and exclusive agreement with the Company, superseding any previous oral or written representations, understanding or agreements with the Company or any officer or representative with respect to the subject matter herein.

 

8.

In the event that any paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal or unenforceable, such paragraph or provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to give effect to the intent of the parties or, if necessary, severed from this Agreement and the entire Agreement shall not fail on account thereof, but shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

 

9.

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its choice of law principles.

 

10.

This Agreement shall be binding upon me, my heirs, executors, assigns, and administrators and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns.

 

B-3

 

 

I acknowledge that the foregoing restrictions contained in Section 4 are reasonable in all respects including the scope, duration and geographic limitations. I agree that the restrictions are an appropriate means of protecting the Company’s legitimate business interests, and no greater than necessary to protect the Company’s interests. I acknowledge that these restrictions will not unreasonably interfere with my ability to make a living.

 

 

Dated: January 17, 2018

 

 

 

 
Kieran Brennan  
     
Accepted and Agreed to:  
     
TSS, INC.  
     
     
By:    
  Anthony Angelini, Chief Executive Officer  

 

B-4

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

AWARD AGREEMENT

 

This Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of January 27, 2018 (“Grant Date”), between TSS, Inc. (the “Company”) and Kieran Brennan (the “Executive”). The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the grant to the Executive of (a) restricted shares (the “Restricted Stock”) of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) and (b) an option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Restricted Stock nor the Option is being granted under the Company’s 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. The Company and the Executive have entered into that certain Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date hereof (the “Employment Agreement”). Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

The Company and the Executive agree as follows:

 

1.

The Company grants to the Executive, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, 200,000 shares of Restricted Stock. The Executive may exercise full voting rights with respect to the Restricted Stock. The Restricted Stock shall be forfeited automatically on the Termination Date. Unless forfeited in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, the following shares of Restricted Stock shall become fully vested and no longer subject to forfeiture in accordance with the following:

 

(a) all of the shares of Restricted Stock shall become fully vested upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company,

 

(b) 100,000 shares of Restricted Stock shall become fully vested on January 17, 2019, and

 

(e) 100,000 shares of Restricted Stock shall become fully vested on January 17, 2020.

 

The Company shall retain any certificates representing the Restricted Stock until the Restricted Stock becomes fully vested and no longer subject to forfeiture.

 

2.

The Company grants to the Executive, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, an Option to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock (“Option Shares”) in installments as set forth in the following sentence at an exercise price per share of $0.49 (the “Exercise Price”), which is equal to the volume weighted average price per share of the Common Stock reported daily on the OTCQB marketplace during the 30 calendar days immediately preceding the Grant Date. The Option shall become exercisable and may be exercised in installments in accordance with the following schedule: (a) with respect to 83,333 Option Shares, on January 17, 2019; (b) with respect to 83,333 Option Shares, on January 17, 2020; and (c) with respect to 83,334 Option Shares, on January 17, 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option shall become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company. The Option may not be exercised after January 17, 2028.

 

 

 

 

3.

Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the Option shall terminate effective the close of business on the Termination Date, except (a) to the extent previously exercised, (b) as provided in paragraph 5 of this Agreement, and (c) in the case termination of employment by the Company other than for Cause, for a period of 60 days thereafter the Executive shall be entitled to exercise that portion of the Option that was exercisable at the close of business on the Termination Date, provided that in no event may any portion of the Option be exercised after January 17, 2028.

 

4.

The Option is nontransferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the lifetime of the Executive, the Option may be exercised only by the Executive or, during the period the Executive is under a legal disability, by the Executive’s guardian or legal representative. Except as provided above, neither the Restricted Stock nor the Option may be assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or disposed of in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.

 

5.

If the Executive dies without the Option having been exercised in full, the executor or administrator of the Executive’s estate or the person who inherits the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance shall have the right within three years of the Executive’s death to purchase the number of Option Shares the Executive was entitled to purchase at the date of death, after which the Option will lapse, provided that in no event may the Option be exercised after January 17, 2028.

 

6.

The Option shall be exercised by the delivery of a written notice of exercise to the Company, setting forth the number of Option Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment for the Option Shares. The Exercise Price shall be payable to the Company in full either: (a) in cash or its equivalent, (b) by tendering previously acquired shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Exercise Price (provided that the shares that are tendered must have been held by the Executive for at least six (6) months prior to their tender to satisfy the Exercise Price), (c) by withholding shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of the Option having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Exercise Price, or (d) such other methods as the Company shall authorize. The Company may permit the exercise of the Option upon the receipt from a third party of payment (or a commitment to make payment) in full in cash for the Exercise Price prior to the issuance of the Option Shares in the manner and subject to the procedures as may be established by the Company. As soon as practicable after receipt of a written notification of exercise and full payment, the Company shall deliver to the Executive, in the Executive’s name, certificates in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Option Shares purchased under the Option. For purposes of this Agreement, “Fair Market Value” means the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

7.

The Option may be exercised non-sequentially in respect of any other option to acquire Common Stock granted to the Executive, whether in the Executive’s possession or hereafter acquired.

 

8.

At the time the Restricted Stock vests or the Option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, the Executive hereby authorizes withholding from payroll or any other payment of any kind due the Executive and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for foreign, federal, state and local taxes required by law to be withheld, if any, which arise in connection with the Restricted Stock or the Option. The Company may require the Executive to make a cash payment to cover any withholding tax obligation as a condition of issuance of share certificates representing Option Shares or upon the vesting of Restricted Stock.

 

2

 

 

The Company may permit the Executive to satisfy, in whole or in part, any withholding tax obligation that may arise in connection with the vesting of Restricted Stock or the exercise of the Option either by electing to have the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon vesting or exercise, as the case may be, that number of shares of Common Stock, or by electing to deliver to the Company already-owned shares of Common Stock, in either case having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount necessary to satisfy the statutory minimum withholding amount due. If the Executive elects to satisfy the tax withholding obligation by having the Company withhold shares of Common Stock upon the vesting of the Restricted Stock or the exercise of the Option, the number of shares of Common Stock to be withheld shall be based on the minimum estimated federal, state and local taxes payable by the Exercise as a result of the vesting of the Restricted Stock or the exercise of the Option.

 

9.

The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sales of shares of Common Stock shall be made in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company intends to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Common Stock to be issued hereunder. The Company intends to maintain this registration statement but has no obligation to do so. If the Company fails to file such registration statement or the registration statement ceases to be effective for any reason or there is a restriction under foreign law, the Executive will not be able to transfer or sell any of the shares of Common Stock issued to the Executive under this Agreement unless exemptions from registration or filings under applicable securities laws are available. The Company shall not be obligated to either issue the Common Stock or permit the resale of any shares of Common Stock if such issuance or resale would violate any applicable securities law, rule or regulation.

 

10.

Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, nor confer upon the Executive any right to continue in the employ of the Company.

 

11.

No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is in writing and signed by the Executive and the Company.

 

12.

All obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

 

13.

To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

 

3

 

 

The undersigned parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

  TSS, INC.  
     
  By: /s/ Anthony Angelini  
    Anthony Angelini  
    Chief Executive Officer  
       
  EXECUTIVE  
       
       
       
    /s/ Kieran Brennan  
  Kieran Brennan  

 

4

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION BY PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES–OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Anthony Angelini, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of TSS, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or person performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

May 15, 2019

By:

/s/ Anthony Angelini

 

 

Anthony Angelini

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION BY PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES–OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, John K. Penver, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of TSS, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or person performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

May 15, 2019

By:

/s/ John K. Penver

 

 

John K. Penver

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

UNDER SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 (the “Report”) of TSS, Inc. (the “Registrant”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anthony Angelini, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Registrant and will be retained by the Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

Date: May 15, 2019

By:

/s/ Anthony Angelini

 

 

Anthony Angelini

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

UNDER SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 (the “Report”) of TSS, Inc. (the “Registrant”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John K. Penver, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Registrant and will be retained by the Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

Date: May 15, 2019

By:

/s/ John K. Penver

 

 

John K. Penver

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)