NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including balance sheets and related interim statements of operations and cash flows, include all adjustments, consisting primarily of normal recurring items, which are necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Preparing condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses.  Examples include estimates of loss contingencies, product life cycles and inventory obsolescence, bad debts, sales returns, share-based compensation, forfeiture rates, the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns, and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary.  Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiary in Singapore. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with information included in the Qualstar Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-KT for the transition year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 30, 2016.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, “Revenue Recognition,” when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured.  Title and risk of loss generally pass to our customers upon shipment.  In limited circumstances where either title or risk of loss pass upon destination or acceptance or when collection is not reasonably assured, we defer revenue recognition until such events occur.

Service contracts are sold by Qualstar to customers for a period of time to provide product support after the warranty expires. The service contracts allow customers to call Qualstar for technical support, replace defective parts and to have onsite service provided by Qualstar’s third party contract service provider. The Company records revenues for contract services at the amount of the service contract, but such amount is deferred at the beginning of the service term and amortized ratably over the life of the contract.

Deferred service revenue is shown separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as current and long term.  At March 31, 2016, we had deferred service revenue of approximately $1,016,000.  At December 31, 2015, we had deferred service revenue of approximately $1,098,000.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We measure fair value on all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis (at least quarterly). See “Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements.”

 QUALSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)-(Continued)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on an assessment of the collectability of specific accounts and the overall condition of accounts receivable. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, specific trade receivables, historical bad debts, customer credits, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customers’ payment terms and patterns are analyzed. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make additional payments, then additional allowances may be needed. Likewise, if it is determined that more of our receivables may be realized in the future than previously estimated, we would adjust the allowance to increase income in the period of this determination.

Inventory Valuation

We record inventories at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market value. We assess the value of our inventories periodically based upon numerous factors including expected product or material demand, current market conditions, technological obsolescence, current cost and net realizable value. If necessary, we write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence, potential shrinkage, or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If technology changes more rapidly than expected, or market conditions become less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Warranty Obligations

We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time the related revenue is recognized. We engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including active monitoring and evaluation of product failure rates, material usage and estimation of service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. However, should actual product failure rates, material usage, or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, then revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. Historically, our warranty costs have not been significant.

Legal and Other Contingencies

The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against us are subject to significant uncertainty. An estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim is accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When legal costs that the entity expects to incur in defending itself in connection with a loss contingency accrual are expected to be material, the loss should factor in all costs and, if the legal costs are reasonably estimable, they should be accrued in accordance with ASC 450, regardless of whether a liability can be estimated for the contingency itself. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. Changes in these factors could materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, with no changes to previously reported stockholders equity or net loss.

 QUALSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)-(Continued)

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to determine fair value of the award at the date of grant and recognize compensation expense over the vesting period. The inputs for the model require the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions regarding the expected volatility of the stock, the expected term the average employee will hold the option prior to the date of exercise, expected future dividends, and the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. Changes in these inputs and assumptions could occur and actual results could differ from these estimates, and our results of operations could be impacted.

Accounting for Income Taxes

We estimate our tax liabilities based on current tax laws in the statutory jurisdictions in which we operate in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” These estimates include judgments about deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes, as well as about the realization of deferred tax assets.  We may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures.

We maintain a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of realizing the benefits of net deferred tax assets in future years. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for such a valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, the valuation allowance would be decreased accordingly.

We may periodically undergo examinations by the federal and state regulatory authorities and the Internal Revenue Service. We may be assessed additional taxes and/or penalties contingent on the outcome of these examinations. Our previous examinations have not resulted in any unfavorable or significant assessments.

NOTE 2 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS that will remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets, provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements, and simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The new guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 as an update of ASU 2014-09. The purpose is to allow more time to implement the guidance in Update 2014-09. This Update defers the effective date of Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is still evaluating the impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 QUALSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)-(Continued)

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12 to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of share-based payment awards that require specific performance targets to be achieved in order for employees to become eligible to vest in the awards. The new guidance will be effective for us beginning after December 15, 2017, and is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15.  This standard sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate, each reporting period, whether there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if so, to provide related footnote disclosures. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating this new standard and after adoption, we will incorporate this guidance in our assessment of going concern. This new standard is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01 to eliminate the concept of extraordinary and unusual items, simplifying the income statement presentation. The standard is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 to change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The standard is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating this new standard and after adoption, we will incorporate this guidance in our analysis for consolidations. This new standard is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 to reduce complexity in the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums. The standard is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-10 to cover a wide range of topics in the codification and are generally categorized as follows: amendments related to differences between original guidance and the codification; guidance clarification and reference corrections; and minor improvements. The standard is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 to simplify the measurement of inventory. The objective is to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of GAAP for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and is not expected to impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. For related party leases, the basis will be the legally enforceable terms and conditions of the arrangement. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact it may have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 – SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK, AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

We are exposed to interest rate risks.  Our investment income is sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. We have no outstanding debt nor do we utilize auction rate securities or derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. Cash and other investments may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits.

Our financial results could be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. As all sales are currently made in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar could make our products less competitive in foreign markets.

Two customers accounted for 15.0% and 9.4% of the Company’s net revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2016.  The customer’s accounts receivable balance totaled 17.0% and 14.4%, respectively, of net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2016. Two customers accounted for 13.7% and 13.5% of the Company’s net revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. The customer’s accounts receivable balances totaled 21.4% and 15.6% of net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2015.

NOTE 4 – NET LOSS PER SHARE

Basic net loss per share has been computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.   Diluted net loss per share has been computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus dilutive securities or other contracts to issue common stock as if these securities were exercised or converted to common stock.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the periods indicated, in thousands, except per share amounts:

NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Our financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Our money market funds are included in cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and are valued using quoted market prices at the respective balance sheet dates (in thousands):

NOTE 6 - BALANCE SHEET DETAILS

The following tables provide details of selected balance sheet accounts (in thousands):

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Inventories are comprised as follows (in thousands):

Other Accrued Liabilities

The components of other liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

NOTE 7 –CONTINGENCIES

Accrued Warranty

We provide for the estimated costs of hardware warranties at the time the related revenue is recognized. We estimate the costs based on historical and projected product failure rates, historical and projected repair costs, and knowledge of specific product failures (if any). The specific hardware warranty terms and conditions for tape libraries generally include parts and labor over a three-year period. The warranty for power supplies is generally three years. We regularly re-evaluate our estimates to assess the adequacy of the recorded warranty liabilities and adjust the amounts as necessary.

Activity in the liability for product warranty, which is included in other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented, is as follows (in thousands):

NOTE 8 –COMMITMENTS

Lease Agreements

The Company provides for rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.

Future minimum lease payments under these leases are as follows, in thousands, (unaudited):

Rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $64,000 and $108,000, respectively.

NOTE 9 –STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recorded share-based compensation associated with outstanding stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2016 of approximately $1,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 the Company recorded share-based compensation associated with outstanding stock options and restricted stock options of $38,000. No income tax benefit was recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for share-based arrangements in any period presented. At March 31, 2016, the unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation is $1,000.

Stock Options

The Company did not grant any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Restricted Stock

The fair value of our restricted stock is the intrinsic value as of the grant date. There were no restricted stock awards granted in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The unvested restricted stock of 100,000 shares granted to the former president of the Company, on April 1, 2014, were forfeited upon the termination of his employment on December 31, 2015.

NOTE 10 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is also subject to a variety of claims and legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. Although management currently believes that resolving claims against us, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. We accrue loss contingencies in connection with our commitments and contingencies, including litigation, when it is probable that a loss has occurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. As of March 31, 2016 we had accrued aggregate current liabilities of $23,000 in probable fees and costs related to these legal matters.

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

We did not record a provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.   The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets based on the Company’s assessment regarding the realizability of these net deferred tax assets in future periods. 

 QUALSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)-(Continued)

Data Storage — The data storage segment designs, develops and markets computer storage solutions that enable businesses to deal with the tremendous growth of digital data in a cost-effective manner. For more than 30 years, Qualstar engineering innovations and customer-oriented focus has led to products that solved our customers’ needs for simplicity, ease-of-use, and affordable solutions. Our growing number of partners and resellers world-wide cover not only the traditional market sectors, such as medical, government, and education, but also Cloud infrastructure and internet storage providers. Our main product lines address long-term archive, backup, and recovery of electronic data. These products consist of networked tape libraries that store and move high-density tape cartridges and high-speed tape drives that stream data to and from the tape cartridges. In addition, other product lines include bundled storage solutions that combine various hardware elements, such as processors, hard disks, and tape, integrated with choice software applications. These optimized solutions target specific data workflows, such as in the media and entertainment or the oil and gas sectors to provide mobility, ease-of-use, and the potential for an “all-in-one” storage deployment.

Segment revenue, loss before taxes and total assets were as follows (in thousands):

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)-(Continued) 

NOTE 13 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Steven N. Bronson is the Company’s CEO and is also the President and CEO and a majority shareholder of Interlink Electronics, Inc. (“Interlink”). Interlink purchases certain administrative and marketing services from Qualstar. The total amount charged to Interlink for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2,000 and $17,000, respectively. Interlink owed Qualstar $3,800 and $5,700 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company reimburses Interlink for expenses paid on the Company’s behalf. Interlink, occasionally, pays travel, insurance and other expenses incurred by Qualstar. The Company reimbursed Interlink $11,000 and $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Qualstar owed Interlink $135 and $127 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

On July 1, 2015, Qualstar Corporation entered into a one year sublease agreement with Interlink Electronics, Inc. The sublease agreement is for 608 square feet of space in the Qualstar building located at 130 West Cochran Street, Unit C; Simi Valley, California 91361. Qualstar will receive rent of $1,000 per month which is equal to the base rent per square foot in the master lease, plus additional rent for common area services, utilities and other shared expenses. The space will be used for engineering and light manufacturing.

The Company entered into a license agreement, dated May 1, 2014 (the “License Agreement”) with BKF Capital Group, Inc. (“BKF”). Pursuant to the License Agreement, commencing on May 1, 2014, BKF shall have a license to occupy and use one furnished office, telephone and other services, located at Qualstar’s executive offices. Pursuant to the License Agreement, BKF shall pay to Qualstar a license fee $1,200 per month. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, BFK paid $2,400 to Qualstar as license fees. The License Agreement was no longer effective after the Company’s move to the new facilities in February 2015. Steven N. Bronson, the Company’s President and CEO, is also the Chairman, CEO and majority shareholder of BKF.

NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 21, 2016, Qualstar entered into a sublease for the 5,400 square feet of space at the Westlake Village, California facility, effective May 1, 2016. The sublease will begin at $2.10 per square foot per month and the term will remain the same as the master lease, ending January 31, 2020.