SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from.................to...................
Commission file number 0-8460

PORTA SYSTEMS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
11-2203988
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)

6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 170, Syosset, New York 11791
(Address of principal executive offices)

516-364-9300
(Company’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 x       No o

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, see definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of Exchange Act. Check one:
Large accelerated filer o       Accelerated filer o           Non-accelerated filer o           Small reporting company x

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o     No x

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

Common stock (par value $0.01 per share) 9,954,096 shares as of November 11, 2008.
 
 


 
PART I.- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1- Financial Statements
PORTA SYSTEMS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share information)
 
   
Unaudited
     
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2008
 
2007
 
Current assets
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
372
 
$
494
 
Accounts receivable - trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $20 in 2008 and $50 in 2007
   
4,492
   
5,098
 
Inventories
   
6,983
   
6,411
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
426
   
203
 
Total current assets
   
12,273
   
12,206
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
1,532
   
1,678
 
Goodwill, net
   
2,961
   
2,961
 
Other assets
   
54
   
54
 
Total assets
 
$
16,820
 
$
16,899
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
             
Current liabilities:
             
Senior debt including interest
 
$
3,926
 
$
25,026
 
Subordinated notes including interest
   
191
   
13,044
 
6% convertible subordinated debentures, principal amount
   
385
   
385
 
Accounts payable
   
5,360
   
5,523
 
Accrued expenses and other
   
2,570
   
2,555
 
Accrued interest payable
   
320
   
186
 
Total current liabilities
   
12,752
   
46,719
 
               
Long term liabilities:
             
Senior debt including interest
   
15,374
   
 
Subordinated notes including interest
   
2,815
   
 
Deferred compensation and other long term liabilities
   
660
   
707
 
Total long term liabilities
   
18,849
   
707
 
Total liabilities
   
31,601
   
47,426
 
               
Stockholders’ deficit:
             
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued
   
   
 
Common stock, par value $.01; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued 9,956,881 shares in 2008 and 907,701 shares in 2007
   
100
   
9
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
76,244
   
76,217
 
Accumulated deficit
   
( 84,467
)
 
(100,457
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
             
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(4,720
)
 
(4,358
)
     
(12,843
)
 
(28,589
)
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,785 shares
   
(1,938
)
 
( 1,938
)
Total stockholders’ deficit
   
(14,781
)
 
(30,527
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
 
$
16,820
 
$
16,899
 
               
             
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

Page 1 of 21

 
PORTA SYSTEMS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Sales
 
$
19,527
 
$
21,922
 
Cost of sales
   
14,779
   
15,139
 
Gross profit
   
4,748
   
6,783
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
3,847
   
4,526
 
Research and development expenses
   
1,136
   
1,201
 
Total expenses
   
4,983
   
5,727
 
               
Operating income (loss)
   
(235
)
 
1,056
 
               
Interest expense, net
   
(1,393
)
 
(1,536
)
Other income, net
   
26
   
7
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
   
(1,602
)
 
(473
)
               
Income tax expense
   
(53
)
 
(58
)
               
Loss from continuing operations before extraordinary gain and discontinued operations
   
(1,655
)
 
(531
)
               
Discontinued operations:
             
Loss from discontinued operations (net of taxes of zero)
   
   
(87
)
Write off of net assets of discontinued operations
   
   
(434
)
Total loss from discontinued operations
   
   
(521
)
               
Extraordinary gain on troubled debt restructure (net of zero tax) (Note 3)
   
17,645
   
 
 
             
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
15,990
 
$
(1,052
)
               
Other comprehensive loss:
             
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(362
)
 
(121
)
               
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
$
15,628
 
$
(1,173
)
               
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock:
             
Continuing operations
 
$
(0.57
)
$
(0.59
)
Discontinued operations
   
   
(0.57
)
Extraordinary item
   
6.05
   
 
   
$
5.48
 
$
(1.16
)
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
2,916
   
905
 
 
             
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock:
             
Continuing operations
 
$
(0.54
)
$
(0.59
)
Discontinued operations
   
   
(0.57
)
Extraordinary item
   
5.79
   
 
   
$
5.25
 
$
(1.16
)
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
3,043
   
905
 
               
             
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Page 2 of 21

 
PORTA SYSTEMS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Sales
 
$
6,305
 
$
6,651
 
Cost of sales
   
5,239
   
4,563
 
Gross profit
   
1,066
   
2,088
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
1,222
   
1,533
 
Research and development expenses
   
341
   
423
 
Total expenses
   
1,563
   
1,956
 
               
Operating (Loss) Income
   
(497
)
 
132
 
               
Interest expense, net
   
(213
)
 
(547
)
Other income, net
   
17
   
9
 
Loss before income taxes
   
(693
)
 
(406
)
               
Income tax expense
   
(16
)
 
(19
)
               
Loss from continuing operations before extraordinary item
   
(709
)
 
(425
)
               
Extraordinary gain on troubled debt restructure (net of zero tax) (Note 3)
   
17,645
   
 
               
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
16,936
 
$
(425
)
               
Other comprehensive loss:
             
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(240
)
 
(26
)
             
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
$
16,696
 
$
(451
)
               
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock:
             
Continuing operations
 
$
(0.10
)
$
(0.47
)
Extraordinary item
   
2.54
   
 
   
$
2.44
 
$
(0.47
)
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,937
   
905
 
               
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock
             
Continuing operations
 
$
(0.10
)
$
(0.47
)
Extraordinary item
   
2.53
   
 
   
$
2.43
 
$
(0.47
)
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,966
   
905
 
             
             
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Page 3 of 21

 
PORTA SYSTEMS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities of continuing operations:
             
Net income/ (loss)
 
$
15,990
 
$
(1,052
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/ (loss) to net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations:
             
Loss from discontinued operations
   
   
521
 
Extraordinary gain on debt restructuring
   
(16,287
)
     
Stock based compensation expense
   
7
       
Depreciation and amortization
   
249
   
281
 
Inventory reserve
   
(384
)
 
(405
)
Allowance for bad debt
   
(30
)
 
10
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
360
   
(28
)
Inventories
   
(290
)
 
(941
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(195
)
 
209
 
Other assets
   
(3
)
 
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
309
   
240
 
Net cash used in continuing operations
   
(274
)
 
(1,165
)
               
Net cash used in operations of discontinued operations
   
   
(87
)
               
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(274
)
 
(1,252
)
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Capital expenditures, net
   
(103
)
 
(304
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(103
)
 
(304
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Borrowings of senior debt
   
600
   
 
Repayment of debt
   
(274
)
 
(140
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
326
   
(140
)
 
             
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(71
)
 
(10
)
               
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(122
)
 
(1,706
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the year
   
494
   
2,102
 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period
 
$
372
 
$
396
 
               
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
             
Cash paid for interest expense
 
$
5
 
$
568
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
4
 
$
 
               
Non-Cash Financing and Investing:
             
Non-cash exchange of common stock issued in debt restructure
 
$
100
 
$
 
Interest accrued and forgiven in accordance with FAS 15
             
‘Troubled Debt Restructure” during the period
 
$
(1,358
)
$
 
             
             
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Page 4 of 21



PORTA SYSTEMS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1:
Management’s Responsibility For Interim Financial Statements Including All Adjustments Necessary For Fair Presentation:

Management acknowledges its responsibility for the preparation of the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements which reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary in its opinion for a fair statement of its consolidated financial position and the results of its operations for the interim period presented. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for the year ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described within. The audit opinion included in the December 31, 2007 Form 10-K annual report contained an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The factors which resulted in the explanatory paragraph are continuing. Results for the third quarter or the first nine months of 2008 are not necessarily indicative of results for the year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. 

On July 31, 2008, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to effect a one-for-11.11 reverse split pursuant to which each share of common stock was converted into 0.0900090009 shares of common stock. Neither the par value nor the number of authorized shares was changed as a result of the reverse split. The financial statements give retroactive effect to the reverse split.

Note 2:
Inventories 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on the average or first-in, first-out method) or market. The composition of inventories at the end of the respective periods is as follows (net of reserve of $1,548,000 for 2008 and $1,952,000 for 2007):
 
   
September 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
           
Parts and components
 
$
4,379,000
 
$
3,669,000
 
Work-in-process
   
939,000
   
858,000
 
Finished goods
   
1,665,000
   
1,884,000
 
  $
 6, 983,000
 
$
6,411,000
 

Note 3:
Debt Restructuring
 
On July 31, 2008, the Company implemented a trouble debt restructure plan (as defined under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 15-Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructuring). Under this standard, the gain on the restructuring was measured by the excess of (i) the carrying amount of the liability settled over (ii) the fair value of the assets transferred to the creditor (the face amount increased by interest accreted to maturity and issue costs). The Company recognized a gain on the restructuring of debt of $17,645,000 net of costs associated with the restructuring. 
 
Page 5 of 21


Terms of restructuring:

·
The holder of our senior debt converted notes in the principal amount of $23,373,000 into a note for $11,601,156 plus 7,038,236 shares of common stock, representing 70% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and all of the issuances contemplated by the restructuring plan (the “Total Issuances”). The note bears interest at 12.5% per annum amortized on a payment schedule over its 6¾-year term. As required under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 15-Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructuring (“SFAS 15”), the amount of this note as shown on the balance sheet includes interest at the stated rate through the stated maturity date of the note. At September 30, 2008, the current portion of this senior note reflects principal of $1,000,000 and interest of $1,392,000, and the long term portion reflects principal of $10,601,000 and interest of $4,773,000. (See Note 6- Subsequent Event)
 
·
A note in the principal amount of $1,600,000 (the “Working Capital Note”) due to our senior debt holder was extended to December 31, 2008. The interest through the repayment term of the loan of $207,000 has been added to the face value of the note on the balance sheet and is included with the current portion of our senior debt. The interest was calculated at 14% based on a September 30, 2008 LIBOR plus 10%. At September 30, 2008, the current portion of this senior note reflects principal of $1,453,000 and interest of $81,000. (See Note 6- Subsequent Event)
 
·
The holders of all of the Company’s subordinated notes converted the entire principal and interest on the notes, which amounted to approximately $13,583,000, into notes in the principal amount of $1,750,000 and 1,407,667 shares of common stock, representing 14% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances. The $1,750,000 notes will be repaid based upon a 25-year amortization schedule and will mature January 31, 2016. Such debt bears interest at 10% annually payable quarterly in arrears. As required by SFAS 15, the interest on these notes, through the stated term of the loan in the amount of $1,256,000 has been added to the amount of the note on the balance sheet.
 
·
The holders of the Company’s convertible debentures due July 1, 2002 (the “Debentures”), in the principal amount of $385,000 plus accrued interest of $318,000, have been offered the right to convert their debentures into a subordinated note in the principal amount equal to their proportionate share (based on the principal amount of debentures) of $100,000 and their proportionate shares of 100,546 shares of common stock, representing 1% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances. These notes will have a 25-year amortization schedule and a 7½-year maturity date. The $100,000 notes will bear interest at 10% annually payable quarterly in arrears. As of September 30, 2008, no subordinated note holder has converted their debentures; as such, the original debt of $385,000 and accrued interest of $318,000 continues to be classified as current liabilities. The Company is restricted from making any payments on these debentures unless and to the extent that the notes are converted. The notes issued with respect to any debentures which are converted will be reflected on the Company’s balance sheet in accordance with SFAS 15.
 
·
Certain other creditors have agreed to accept substantial discounts on their outstanding claims. The gain on restructuring of these payables and accrued expenses (net of zero tax) was $838,000.
 
·
The Company issued 603,277 shares of common stock, representing 6% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances, to key employees. The value of these shares is included in selling, general and administrative expenses as a non-cash expense of $7,000, reflecting the value of the shares.
 

Page 6 of 21

 
 
·
As part of the debt restructuring, the outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 155,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.03 to $2.03, which were held by the Company’s directors, were not adjusted as a result of the reverse split
 
·
In addition, for services relating to the debt restructure, the Company will pay Advicorp, PLC, a fee of $200,000, payable in 25 equal monthly installments commencing January 2009 and grant to Advicorp warrants to purchase 201,093 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the average closing price of the common stock on the five trading days commencing August 31, 2008 which was $0.10. Advicorp, PLC is partially owned by one of the members of our board of directors. (See Note 4- Accounting for Stock Based Compensation)
 
As a result of the issuance of more than fifty (50%) percent of the Company’s common stock to new stockholders, the Company’s ability to use its remaining net operating loss carry forwards will be severely curtailed in accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Senior Debt and Subordinated Notes:

In the third quarter 2008, the Company restructured $23,373,000 principal amount of 12.5% Senior Notes, a working capital note of $1,600,000 and $6,144,000 of subordinated notes, as described in this Note 3 under “Terms of Restructuring.” (See Note 6- Subsequent Event)
 
Payments were made during the third quarter of $273,000 on the Working Capital note held by our senior debt holder. This note is due on December 31, 2008.
 
The holder of the senior debt has no obligation to make any further loans to the Company. Any adverse event, including declines in business, could cause a default on the debt and on the decision of the senior debt holder to extend or demand payment. If the senior debt holder demands payment of all or a significant portion of the senior debt when due, the Company will not be able to continue in business, and it is likely that it would seek protection under the Bankruptcy Code.

Convertible Subordinated Debentures:

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding $385,000 principal amount of its Debentures. The interest rate on these debentures increased from the stated interest rate of 6% to 8.26% as a result of the Company’s failure both to make interest payments on the debentures since July 1, 2000 and to pay principal on July 2, 2002, the stated maturity date. At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, accrued interest, including additional assessments due to the default, on the debentures was $318,000 and $183,000, respectively, and is included in other accrued interest payable. The trustee of the Debentures gave notice to the Company that the non-payment caused an event of default. The convertibility feature associated with the Debentures expired upon their stated maturity date, which was July 1, 2002. The holder of the senior debt had precluded the Company from making payments on the debentures. See the discussion under “Terms of Restructuring” in this Note 3 with respect to the right which the Company granted to the holders of the Debentures to convert the Debentures into subordinated notes and equity.

Effect on interest expense of troubled debt restructure to the nine months ending September 30, 2008 income:

 
 
Initial Interest
capitalized in troubled
debt restructuring
 
Interest portion of
debt paid
 
Balance of
capitalized interest
 
YTD income effect of
capitalized interest
 
Senior Debt
 
$
6,372,000
 
$
126,000
 
$
6,246,000
 
$
159,000
 
Subordinated Debt
   
1,256,000
   
   
1,256,000
   
29,000
 
Total
 
$
7,628,000
 
$
126,000
 
$
7,502,000
 
$
188,000
 


Page 7 of 21

 
 
Note 4:
Accounting for Stock Based Compensation

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company issued nonqualified stock options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock under its 1999 Plan that provides for the automatic grant to non-management directors. This Plan provides for the automatic grant to non-management directors of non-qualified options to purchase 5,000 shares on May 1st of each year commencing May 1, 1999, based upon the average closing price of the last ten trading days of April of each year.
 
As part of the debt restructuring (See Note 3), the board of directors determined that the number of shares subject to outstanding options and the exercise prices, which range from $2.03 per share to $0.03 per share, would not be affected by the reverse split. Options under this Plan have a term of 10 years from the original date of grant. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model and straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period when granting stock options. All options previously granted are fully vested. Based on the Black-Scholes valuation model there is a diminimus non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock options granted during the quarter which is not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Stock compensation expense for all vested options to date is immaterial.
 
The Company issued 603,277 shares of common stock, representing 6% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances, to key employees (See Note 3). The value of the stock compensation of approximately $7,000 was based on the Company’s common stock price on the date the stock was granted.
 
Warrants to purchase 201,072 shares of common stock were granted in the quarter at an exercise price equal to the average closing price of the common stock on the five trading days commencing August 31, 2008 which was $0.10. The warrants have an exercisable life of five years. Based on the Black-Scholes valuation model the value of the warrants was $12,100. The volatility of the Company’s common stock was estimated by management based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock, the risk-free interest rate was based on the US Treasury Rates published by the U.S. Federal Reserve for periods applicable to the estimated life of the warrant, and the expected dividend yield was based on the current and expected dividend policy.
 
Note 5:
Segment Data 

The Company develops, designs, manufactures and markets a range of standard and proprietary telecommunications equipment, as well as components used in military data transmission applications. The Company sells both domestically and internationally. Its core products focus on ensuring communications for service providers worldwide and fall principally into two categories:
 
Voice and Data Connection and Protection Equipment. These products are used to connect copper wire lines, Automated Digital Subscriber Lines, wireless networks, fiber connection/protection lines, and security networks; and to protect equipment from voltage surges. The Company markets its connection and protection products to telephone operating companies, customer premise providers and installers and security providers and installers throughout the world.
 
Signal Processing Equipment. Signal Processing products are sold principally for use in defense and aerospace applications, and support copper wire-based communications systems. Customers for signal processing equipment are major aircraft, naval ship and ground-based vehicle manufacturers, as well as their third party sub-tier partners.
 
The Company formerly had a third reportable segment - Operating Support Systems (“OSS”), which was engaged in the business of marketing, manufacturing and selling products that automated the testing, provisioning, maintenance and administration of communication networks and the management of support personnel and equipment. The Company’s operations in this segment were discontinued as of June 30, 2007. The operation of this segment for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 is reflected as a loss from discontinued operations. 

Page 8 of 21

 
The factors used to determine the above segments focused primarily on the types of products and services provided, and the type of customer served. Each of these segments is managed separately from the others, and management evaluates segment performance based on operating income.
 
There has been no significant change, from December 31, 2007, in the basis of measurement of segment revenues and profit or loss, and no significant change in the Company’s assets for the Line and Signal reporting segments.
 
   
Nine Months ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Sales:
                 
Line
 
$
15,992,000
 
$
18,228,000
 
$
5,145,000
 
$
5,594,000
 
Signal
   
3,535,000
   
3,694,000
   
1,160,000
   
1,057,000
 
Total of Continuing Operations 
 
$
19,527,000
 
$
21,922,000
 
$
6,305,000
 
$
6,651,000
 
                           
Segment profit/(loss):
                         
Line
 
$
637,000
 
$
2,383,000
 
$
(260,000
)
$
637,000
 
Signal
   
724,000
   
933,000
   
220,000
   
235,000
 
Total of Continuing Operations
 
$
1,361,000
 
$
3,316,000
 
$
(40,000
)
$
872,000
 

The following table reconciles segment totals to consolidated totals:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                   
Operating income:
                 
Total segment income/(loss) for reportable segments
 
$
1,361,000
 
$
3,316,000
 
$
(40,000
)
$
872,000
 
Corporate and unallocated
   
(1,596,000
)
 
(2,260,000
)
 
(457,000
)
 
(740,000
)
Consolidated total operating income/(loss)
 
$
(235,000
)
$
1,056,000
 
$
(497,000
)
$
132,000
 
 

Page 9 of 21

 
 
Note 6:
Subsequent Event
 
In November 2008, the Company borrowed additional senior debt of $425,000 from Cheyne, our senior debt holder.  As of November 11, 2008, the Company had a principal outstanding balance of $1,311,000 (excluding accreted interest) on the Working Capital Note. The old Working Capital Note was replaced for a new Working Capital Note in the amount of $1,747,012 (including accrued interest). Interest on the additional $425,000 advance will be expensed as incurred at a rate equal to the six month Libor rate plus 10%. Principal and interest is payable January 2009 though June 2009 with each monthly payment being equal to 25% of the gross receipts received from sales generated in the United Kingdom.  The remaining principal balance of the note and accrued interest is due on June 30, 2009.  The New Working Capital Note is collateralized by all of the assets of the Company which also secure the existing senior debt.
 
Note 7:
Discontinued operations
 
In December 2003, the Company decided to wind down its OSS business. This decision was made because of continuing losses combined with difficulties in marketing OSS products in view of the Company’s financial condition. As of June 30, 2007, the Company discontinued operating this business. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2007, the OSS net assets of $434,000 were written off and the operations of the segment are reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a discontinued operation.

Results of operations for OSS have been segregated from continuing operations and are reflected as discontinued operations approximately as follows:

   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
 
       
Revenues
 
$
100,000
 
         
Loss from discontinued operations
   
(87,000
)
Write off of net assets of discontinued operations
   
(434,000
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
$
(521,000
)
 
Note 8:
Significant Customers

British Telecommunications PLC and its systems integrators together represent the Company’s largest customers and accounted for approximately $2,194,000, or 35% of sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2008, and $7,962,000, or 41% of sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and approximately $2,791,000, or 42% and $10,310,000, or 47% of sales, in the comparable three and nine months of 2007.
 
Page 10 of 21

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

The Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated below, shown as a percentage of sales, are as follows:

   
Nine months ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                   
Sales
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Cost of sales
   
76
%
 
69
%
 
83
%
 
69
%
Gross profit
   
24
%
 
31
%
 
17
%
 
31
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
19
%
 
21
%
 
19
%
 
23
%
Research and development expenses
   
6
%
 
5
%
 
6
%
 
6
%
Operating income/(loss)
   
(1
%)
 
5
%
 
(8
%)
 
2
%
Interest expense - net
   
(7
%)
 
(7
%)
 
(3
%)
 
(8
%)
Loss from continuing operations
   
(8
%)
 
(2
%)
 
(11
%)
 
(6
%)
Loss from discontinued operations
   
%
 
(3
%)
 
%
 
%
Extraordinary gain on Debt Restructure
   
90
%
 
%
 
280
%
 
%
Net loss income
   
82
%
 
(5
%)
 
269
%
 
(6
%)
 
The Company’s sales, from continuing operations, by product line for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2008
     
2007
     
Line
 
$
15,992,000
   
82%
 
$
18,228,000
   
83%
 
Signal
   
3,535,000
   
18%
 
 
3,694,000
   
17%
 
   
$
19,527,000
   
100%
 
$
21,922,000
   
100%
 

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
     
2007
     
Line
 
$
5,145,000
   
82%
 
$
5,594,000
   
84%
 
Signal
   
1,160,000
   
18%
 
 
1,057,000
   
16%
 
   
$
6,305,000
   
100%
 
$
6,651,000
   
100%
 
 
Overview

Our connection and protection equipment includes a variety of connector blocks, protector modules, building entrance terminals, category 5E and 6 cable connectors and protectors, frames used in telephone central switching offices, voice and data installations, multiple dwelling units and customer premises applications. The connector products are used by telephone companies and installers of voice and data transmission equipment to interconnect copper and fiber subscriber lines. The protector modules are used to protect from electrical surges the equipment and personnel of telephone companies, voice and data transmission providers and customer premises equipment providers. The need for protection products has increased as a result of the worldwide move to digital technology, wireless and broadband, which is extremely sensitive to damage by electrical overloads. Moreover, private owners of telecommunications equipment now have the responsibility to protect their equipment, personnel and buildings from damage caused by electrical surges.
 
Page 11 of 21


We also have developed a range of security products for use in Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) installations. Our CCTV video balun products allow full motion color or monochrome video transmission via cost-effective UTP CAT 3 or better cable eliminating expensive and bulky coax cable. The Company’s CCTV surge protectors provide protection against voltage spikes and current surges that can disable and permanently damage expensive video equipment, including cameras and recorders, resulting in loss of important information and reduced security.

Our connection and protection products are used by international telephone service providers and by regional telecommunication service providers and independent telecommunication service providers in the United States, and by owners of private telecommunications equipment providing communications and data transmission facilities and equipment. These products are also purchased by equipment manufacturers for integration with their systems. In addition, our telecommunications connection products have been sold to telephone operating companies in various foreign countries. This equipment is compatible with existing telephone systems both within and outside the United States and can generally be used without modification, although we do custom-design modifications to accommodate the specific needs of our customers.

Our Signal Processing products include data bus components, cable assemblies and wideband transformers. Our data bus components provide network infrastructure that connects remote terminals used in military data transmission applications, where an extremely high level of reliability and performance is required. Our wideband video isolation transformers are used by the television and broadcast, medical imaging, in-flight entertainment and industrial process control industries to reduce ground noise, interference and improve picture quality. Our wideband products are also used by test and measurement engineers in the characterization of data transmission networks. 

Both of our divisions generated income from continuing operations prior to allocations of corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. We had a net loss from operations on our Line segment of $260,000 for the third quarter of 2008 compared to a net operating income of $637,000 in the comparable period of 2007, due to a significant decline in sales to British Telecommunications as well as a decrease in the margin we generate from these sales. References to British Telecommunications include British Telecommunications and its systems integrators. Our Signal segment generated net income from operations of $220,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $235,000 in the comparable period in 2007. We recognize revenue from Line and Signal products when the product is shipped.
 
We are very dependent upon our continued sales to British Telecommunications, which accounted for $7,962,000, or 41% of sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, $10,310,000, or 47% of sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, $2,194,000, or 35% of sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2008, and $2,791,000, or 42% of sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2007. Our sales to British Telecommunications declined $2,348,000, or 23%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and declined $597,000, or 21%, from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decline was primarily due to decreased sales of connector products of approximately $5,294,000 for the nine month ended September 30, 2008 and $1,337,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, partially offset by increased sales of protection modules of approximately $2,947,000 and $740,000 in the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. To the extent that British Telecommunications reduces its purchases from, or purchases products at a price which results in a reduced gross margin, our ability to operate profitably will be impaired. This decline in sales to British Telecommunications and the reduced gross margin on those sales constitute a substantial part of the reason for the operating loss of $235,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to operating income of $1,056,000 for the comparable period of 2007, and the primary reason for the operating loss in the third quarter 2008 of $497,000 as compared to the operating income in the third quarter 2007 of $132,000, offset by reduced expenditures in selling, general and administrative expenses. We may not be able to replace this business from other customers and we cannot give any assurance that British Telecommunications will increase its purchases from us in the future or that we will be able to improve our margins on these sales.
 
Page 12 of 21


The present economic climate has made credit more difficult to obtain and is resulting in decreases in purchases for capital goods, such as our products. As a result, the current economic slowdown may seriously affect our business to the extent that our existing customers reduce or defer their purchases. If we are not able to develop new business and if our existing customers reduce or defer the purchase of our products, we may be unable to continue in business and it may be necessary for us to seek protection under the Bankruptcy Code.

In addition, the dollar has recently strengthened against a number of foreign currencies, including the British pound and the Mexican peso. Sales to customers in Great Britain and Mexico are made in the local currency. As a result, while our costs are incurred in dollars, as a result of the stronger dollar, the dollar value of our collections from these customers, primarily British Telecommunications, has decreased. Our operations were affected by the stronger dollar during the third quarter of 2008 and the effect may be greater during the fourth quarter.

Reverse Split and Debt Restructuring:

On July 31, 2008, we amended our certificate of incorporation to effect a one-for-11.11 reverse split pursuant to which each share of common stock became converted into 0.0900090009 shares of common stock.

On July 31, 2008, we implemented a trouble debt restructure plan (as defined under SFAS 15). Pursuant to the restructuring plan:

·
The holder of our senior debt converted notes in the principal amount of $23,373,000 into a note for $11,601,156 plus 7,038,236 shares of common stock, representing 70% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and all of the issuances contemplated by the restructuring plan (the “Total Issuances”). The note bears interest at 12.5% per annum amortized on a payment schedule over its 6¾-year term. As required under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 15-Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructuring (“SFAS 15”), the amount of this note as shown on the balance sheet includes interest at the stated rate through the stated maturity date of the note. At September 30, 2008, the current portion of this senior note reflects principal of $1,000,000 and interest of $1,392,000, and the long term portion reflects principal of $10,601,000 and interest of $4,773,000. (See Note 6- Subsequent Event)
 
·
A Working Capital Note in the principal amount of $1,600,000 due to our senior debt holder was extended to December 31, 2008. The interest through the repayment term of the loan of $207,000 has been added to the face value of the note on the balance sheet and is included with the current portion of our senior debt. The interest was calculated at 14% based on a September 30, 2008 LIBOR plus 10%. At September 30, 2008, the current portion of this senior note reflects principal of $1,453,000 and interest of $81,000. (See Note 6- Subsequent Event)
 
·
The holders of all of the Company’s subordinated notes converted the entire principal and interest on the notes, which amounted to approximately $13,583,000, into notes in the principal amount of $1,750,000 and 1,407,667 shares of common stock, representing 14% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances. The $1,750,000 notes will be repaid based upon a 25-year amortization schedule and will mature January 31, 2016. Such debt bears interest at 10% annually payable quarterly in arrears. As required by SFAS 15, the interest on these notes, through the stated term of the loan in the amount of $1,256,000 has been added to the amount of the note on the balance sheet.
 
 
Page 13 of 21

 
 
·
The holders of the Company’s convertible debentures due July 1, 2002 (the “Debentures”), in the principal amount of $385,000 plus accrued interest of $318,000, have been offered the right to convert their debentures into a subordinated note in the principal amount equal to their proportionate share (based on the principal amount of debentures) of $100,000 and their proportionate shares of 100,546 shares of common stock, representing 1% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances. These notes will have a 25-year amortization schedule and a 7½-year maturity date. The $100,000 notes will bear interest at 10% annually payable quarterly in arrears. As of September 30, 2008, no subordinated note holder has converted their debentures; as such, the original debt of $385,000 and accrued interest continues to be classified as a current liability. The Company is restricted from making any payments on these debentures unless and to the extent that the notes are converted. The notes issued with respect to any debentures which are converted will be reflected on the Company’s balance sheet in accordance with SFAS 15.
 
·
Certain other creditors have agreed to accept substantial discounts on their outstanding claims. The gain on restructuring of these payables and accrued expenses (net of zero tax) was $838,000.
 
·
The Company issued 603,277 shares of common stock, representing 6% of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to the reverse split and the Total Issuances, to key employees. The value of these shares is included in selling, general and administrative expenses as a non-cash expense of $7,000, reflecting the value of the shares.
 
·
For services relating to the debt restructure, the Company will pay Advicorp, PLC, a fee of $200,000, payable in 25 equal monthly installments commencing January 2009 and grant to Advicorp warrants to purchase 201,093 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the average closing price of the common stock on the five trading days commencing August 31, 2008 which was $0.10. A member of our board of directors is chief executive officer and a part owner of Advicorp, PLC.
 
 
·
As part of the debt restructuring, the outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 155,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.03 to $2.03, which were held by the Company’s directors, were not adjusted as a result of the reverse split.
 
The restructuring eliminated principal and interest on approximately $25,076,000 of debt and an extraordinary gain of $17,645,000 (net of related costs) was recognized in the third quarter of 2008.
 
As a result of the issuance of more than fifty (50%) percent of our common stock to new stockholders, our ability to use our remaining net operating loss carryforwards will be severely curtailed in accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Results of Continuing Operations

Line equipment sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007, decreased by $2,236,000 (12%) from $18,228,000 to $15,992,000. Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased by $449,000 (8%) from $5,594,000 in 2007 to $5,145,000 in 2008. The decrease in sales for the nine and the three months is the result of a significant decrease in sales of connector products to British Telecommunications of approximately $5,294,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and $1,337,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 partially offset by increased sales of protection modules of approximately $2,947,000 in the nine month period and $740,000 in the three month period. We are dependent upon sales to British Telecommunications. Any continuation of the significant reduction in the level of business from British Telecommunications and any further decrease in the margin on products that we sell to British Telecommunications could continue to have a material adverse effect upon both our revenue and net income.
 
Page 14 of 21


Signal sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $3,535,000, compared to $3,694,000 in the same period of 2007, a decrease of $159,000 (4%). Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 2007, increased by $103,000 (10%) from $1,057,000 to $1,160,000.

Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 24% compared to 31% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Gross margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was 17% compared to 31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The decrease for both periods is primarily related to excess capacity in our Mexico facility due to lower production levels as compared to the same quarter in 2007, principally resulting from the decrease in sales to British Telecommunications and our inability to obtain and produce orders from other customers to make up for this decrease due to working capital constrictions. Gross margins were adversely affected by the effects of the stronger dollar against the British pound and the Mexican peso.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $679,000 (15%) from $4,526,000 to $3,847,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 2007. For the quarter ended September 30, 2008 selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $311,000 (20%) from $1,533,000 in 2007 to $1,222,000 in 2008. General and administrative costs decreased, for the nine months of 2008 compared to 2007, primarily due to a reduction of costs relating to our debt restructuring, reduced commissions and overall cost cutting initiatives. Costs associated with the debt restructuring for 2008 were offset against the gain on restructuring. Costs associated with the debt restructuring were approximately $360,000 and $542,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 2007, research and development expenses decreased by $65,000 (5%) to $1,136,000 from $1,201,000. For the quarter ended September 30, 2008 compared to 2007, research and development expenses decreased by $82,000 (19%) to $341,000 from $423,000. The decrease for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are a direct result of targeted cost reductions significantly in the use of outside consultants and development of prototypes.
 
Interest expense, net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $1,393,000, a decrease of $143,000 (9%) from $1,536,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the interest expense was $213,000 compared to $547,000 a decrease of $334,000 (61%) for the comparable period last year. Interest on our debt prior to the restructuring on July 31, 2008 was not accrued on the entire amount of the senior debt of $24,973,000 under the terms of our agreement with the holder of our senior debt. Subsequent to the restructuring, interest on the senior and subordinated debt through the term of the instrument has been added to the value of the debt on the balance sheet and thereby will no longer flow through our income statement. The decreases of $143,000 and $334,000 for the nine months and three months, respectively, are primarily related to the restructuring of our senior and subordinated debt.
 
Income tax expense for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 relates to state and foreign taxes. Taxes on income resulting from the restructuring will be offset against our net operating loss carryforward. As a result of the issuance of more than 50% of our common stock to new stockholders, our ability to use its remaining net operating loss carryforward will be severely curtailed in accordance with IRS code 382. No federal income tax expense has been provided on income subsequent to the restructuring based on the loss for the period ending September 30, 2008.
 
As a result of the foregoing, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had a loss from continuing operations of $1,655,000 compared with $531,000 in the same period of 2007. We had an operating loss from continuing operations of $709,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared with $425,000 in the same period of 2007.
 
Page 15 of 21


The troubled debt restructuring eliminated principal and interest on approximately $25,076,000 of debt and resulted in an extraordinary gain of $17,645,000 (net of related costs) which was recognized in the third quarter of 2008.
 
As a result of the foregoing, we incurred as net loss before extraordinary income of $1,655,000 or ($0.57) and ($.054) per share, basic and diluted, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with a net loss of $1,052,000, or ($1.16) per share (basic and diluted) in the same period of 2007. The effect of the extraordinary gain on the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $6.05 and $5.79 per share, basic and diluted, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 there was a loss from discontinued operation of $521,000 or $0.57 per share (basic and diluted); there was no loss from discontinued operations in the same period of 2008. The Company incurred a net loss before extraordinary income of $709,000 or $0.10 per share (basic and diluted), for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared with a net loss of $425,000, or $0.47 per share (basic and diluted) in the same period of 2007. The Company recognized an extraordinary gain of $17,645,000 or $2.54 per share (basic) and $2.53 per share (diluted), during the third quarter of 2008.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of $372,000 compared with $494,000 at December 31, 2007. The reduction in our cash position primarily reflects increases of $290,000 in inventory, an increase in prepaid and other current assets of $198,000, and increased capital expenditures of $103,000, offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $360,000 and the additional working capital loan (net of repayment including accreted interest) of $326,000 from our senior debt holder. The substantial positive effect to our working capital deficit from $34,513,000 at December 31, 2007 to $479,000 at September 30, 2008 was due to the restructuring of the debt during the third quarter of 2008.

As a result of the debt restructuring, we eliminated principal and interest on approximately $25,076,000 of debt and will provide for amortization of the remaining debt on terms that we believe we will be able to meet. The gain on the debt restructure was approximately $17,645,000 net of related costs. However, our ability to make these debt payments is dependent upon our ability to operate profitable and to generate positive cash flow from operations, and we cannot be assured that we will be able to do so. If we continue to incur losses from our operations, we may be unable to make the payments to the holders of our senior and subordinated debt and may necessitate our seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 our only investing activities were capital expenditures of $103,000 compared with $304,000 for the same period in 2007. In June 2008, we borrowed an additional $600,000 from our senior debt holder, increasing our current borrowings from the senior debt holder to $1,600,000, to meet our current working capital needs. The principal and interest payments on the $1,600,000 note are payable commencing with the calendar month of August 2008, at twenty five percent (25%) of receipts on sales generated in the United Kingdom. This note was deemed to be part of the debt restructuring and as such, interest was accreted based on the anticipated payment stream. An interest rate anticipated over the payout of the debt was computed at an amount equal to the six-month rate of LIBOR anticipated over the payment period. The interest computed is shown as part of Senior debt on the balance sheet. This loan is due on December 31, 2008. We made payments of $274,000 on this debt during the third quarter 2008. (See Note 6- Subsequent Event)

Although the debt restructuring reduced our working capital deficiency, it did not provide us with any additional cash for our operations. Our only source of funds other than normal operations is Cheyne, which, prior to the debt restructuring, had advanced us $1,000,000 in October 2007 and $600,000 in June 2008. Because of our urgent cash requirements, in November 2008, Cheyne advanced us $425,000, which is due in June 2009 (See Note 6- Subsequent Event). However, our continuing losses and the uncertainty of any significant increase in business from British Telecommunications will increase the difficulties in obtaining financings from other sources and may continue to affect our ability to generate business from new customers as well as our ability to make the payments that are due to Cheyne. We cannot give any assurance that Cheyne will provide us with any additional funding if the need arises. If we are not able to generate sufficient revenue to enable us to meet our obligations or obtain financing from Cheyne, we would not be able to continue in business, and it would be likely that we would seek protection under the Bankruptcy Code.
 
Page 16 of 21

 
 
We have in the past, and may in the future, consider the sale of one or more of our divisions. However, all of our past discussions terminated without any agreement and we cannot give any assurance that we would be able to effect any sale of our business or that such a sale would not be part of bankruptcy reorganization.
 
Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Form 10-Q include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements in this Form 10-Q that state our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, those identified under “Risk Factors,” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and in the Form 10-Q and those described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” in our Form 10-K and this Form 10-Q, and those described in any other filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as general economic conditions and economic conditions affecting the telecommunications industry, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Such statements could be affected by risks and uncertainties related to our financial conditions, our relationship with the holder of our senior and subordinated debt, our ability to sell any or all of our divisions or effect a restructure of our business and our debt and equity structure on terms acceptable to the holder of the senior debt, our relationship with British Telecommunications including its continued requirements for our products, our ability to sell our products in a period of a contracting economy with a worldwide reduction in credit availability, factors which affect the telecommunications industry, market and customer acceptance, our access to current technology, competition, domestic and foreign government regulations and requirements and pricing, as well as general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general economic conditions. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

We conduct certain operations outside the United States. A substantial portion of our revenue and expenses from our United Kingdom and Mexican operations are denominated in British pounds or Mexican Peso. The dollar has recently strengthened against a number of foreign currencies, including the British pound and the Mexican peso. Sales to customers in Great Britain and Mexico are made in the local currency. As a result, while our costs are incurred in dollars and pesos, as a result of the stronger dollar, the dollar value of our collections from these customers, primarily British Telecommunications, has decreased. Our operations were affected by the stronger dollar during the third quarter of 2008 and the effect may be greater during the fourth quarter. We do not engage in any hedging or other currency transactions.
 
 
Page 17 of 21

 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as provided in SEC rules and forms. We periodically review the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, including compliance with various laws and regulations that apply to our operations. We make modifications to improve the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, and may take other corrective action, if our reviews identify a need for such modifications or actions. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer, who is also our chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, with participation of our chief executive and financial officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, we determined that, as of the end of the fiscal year 2007, there was a material weakness affecting our internal control over financial reporting in respect to information technology (as described below) and, as a result of the material weaknesses, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. We are continuing to evaluate a change in the information system platform for our financial and operational systems which will remediate the material weaknesses. The selection and implementation of a new system is expected to be completed over the next few years as a result of current cash constrains. Consequently, based on the evaluation described above, our management, including our chief executive and financial officer, has concluded that, as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As previously reported in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, management identified significant deficiencies that when aggregated may give rise to a material weakness specifically relating to a) program change management in the Company’s PROCOMM system, b) lack of integrated modules with the general ledger and c) excessive manual adjustments to the inventory module are required.

Management’s Plan of Remediation

Management is continuing to investigate new integrated ERP systems that will include complete general ledger and reporting which will eliminate the need for manual updates and significantly reduce the need for journal entries in the financial reporting process. Specific remediation actions used in 2008 to address our material weakness in internal control over financial reporting in respect to information technology include the following:

In-depth review of all perpetual inventory reports
Analyzing of production reporting in respect to ending inventory
Re-computation of reports on a test basis
 
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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting  

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  

The certification of our chief executive and chief financial officer, which is included as Exhibit 31.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, includes, in paragraph 4 of such certification, information concerning our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Such certification should be read in conjunction with the information contained in this Item 4 - Controls and Procedures for a more complete understanding of the matters covered by such certification. 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.
Risk Factors 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our annual report on Form 10-K and in this Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing our Company.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we sustained declines in revenue from our largest customer, British Telecommunications, from the comparable three and nine month periods of 2007, and based on a change in the product mix, our gross margin declined on our sales to British Telecommunications. Due to our reliance on significant business from British Telecommunications, our revenue and net income could be impaired by any material reduction of sales to British Telecommunications or any material reduction in the gross margin on sales to British Telecommunications.

The recent strengthening of the dollar against certain foreign currencies, particularly the British pound and, to a lesser extent, the Mexican peso, has affected our revenue, gross margins and the results of our operations. Our revenue is received in the local currency. As the dollar strengthens, the revenue we receive which is denominated in a currency other the US dollar, translates into fewer dollars.
 
Our business may be affected by the general economic slowdown and decreased availability of credit, which may result in our inability to develop new business and decisions on the part of our customers to cancel or defer purchasers of our equipment.
 
Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

See Note 3 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources” for information concerning defaults on our subordinated debt.
 
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Item 5.
Other information

In November 2008, the Company borrowed additional senior debt of $425,000 from Cheyne, our senior debt holder.  As of November 11, 2008, the Company had a principal outstanding balance of $1,311,000 (excluding accreted interest) on the Working Capital Note. The old Working Capital Note was replaced for a new Working Capital Note in the amount of $1,747,012 (including accrued interest). Interest on the additional $425,000 advance will be expensed as incurred at a rate equal to the six month Libor rate plus 10%. Principal and interest is payable January 2009 though June 2009 with each monthly payment being equal to 25% of the gross receipts received from sales generated in the United Kingdom.  The remaining principal balance of the note and accrued interest is due on June 30, 2009.  The New Working Capital Note is collateralized by all of the assets of the Company which also secure the existing senior debt.
 
Item 6.
Exhibits

4.1
Promissory note dated as of November 11, 2008, issued to Cheyne Special Situations Fund L.P.
 
31.1
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.1
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
PORTA SYSTEMS CORP.
Dated:  November 14, 2008
 
By:  /s/Edward B. Kornfeld

Edward B. Kornfeld
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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