Sierra Wireless Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sierra Wireless, Inc.:

“As the global leader in M2M and connected device solutions, we believe that we are exceptionally well positioned to drive profitable growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

Fourth Quarter 2012

• Total revenue, including revenue from AirCard^® related discontinued operations, of $163.8 million and non-GAAP net earnings of $10.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted share
• Revenue from continuing operations of $109.4 million, 32.8 percent year-over-year growth, and non-GAAP operating earnings from continuing operations of $3.7 million

Full Year 2012

• Total revenue, including revenue from AirCard related discontinued operations, of $644.2 million and non-GAAP net earnings of $33.4 million, or $1.08 per diluted share
• Revenue from continuing operations of $397.3 million, 19.3 percent year-over-year growth, and non-GAAP operating earnings from continuing operations of $0.9 million

Sierra Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2012 results. All results are reported in U.S. dollars and are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), except as otherwise indicated below.

On January 28, 2013, the company announced a definitive agreement for the sale of substantially all of the assets and operations related to its AirCard business to Netgear, Inc. In accordance with GAAP, assets and liabilities associated with the sale have been recorded as “held for sale” and the results of operations of the AirCard business as discontinued operations. The consolidated statements of operations and related selected financial information have been retrospectively modified to distinguish between continuing operations and discontinued operations.

“Our fourth quarter results highlight our continued solid revenue growth and improving earnings,” said Jason Cohenour, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As the global leader in M2M and connected device solutions, we believe that we are exceptionally well positioned to drive profitable growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

Fourth Quarter 2012
Revenue from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2012 was $109.4 million, compared to $82.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, and $100.2 million in the third quarter of 2012. The 32.8 percent year-over-year revenue increase was driven by better than expected growth in Machine-to-Machine (“M2M”) sales, including a $15.5 million contribution from the recently acquired M2M business of Sagemcom, along with solid growth in sales to PC OEMs.

On a GAAP basis, gross margin from continuing operations was $36.2 million, or 33.1 percent of revenue, in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to $25.2 million, or 30.6 percent of revenue, in the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating expenses from continuing operations were $37.7 million and loss from continuing operations was $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to operating expenses of $45.2 million and a loss from operations of $20.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Fourth quarter of 2011 operating expenses included an intangible asset impairment charge of $11.2 million, primarily related to a software development program that was acquired through the purchase of Wavecom, S.A. in 2009 and which we abandoned during the fourth quarter of 2011. Net earnings from continuing operations were $15.5 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to net loss of $20.4 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net earnings from continuing operations in 2012 included an income tax recovery that was the result of the recognition of certain tax assets that will be realizable as a result of the sale of the AirCard business. Net earnings, including discontinued operations, were $19.6 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to net loss, including discontinued operations, of $13.8 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2011.

On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin from continuing operations was 33.2 percent of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to 30.7 percent of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating expenses from continuing operations were $32.6 million and operating earnings from continuing operations were $3.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to operating expenses of $29.7 million and an operating loss of $4.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net earnings from continuing operations were $4.5 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to net loss of $4.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments balance at the end of the fourth quarter of 2012 was $63.6 million, up from $59.5 million at the end of the third quarter of 2012.

Full Year 2012
Revenue from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $397.3 million, compared to $333.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The 19.3 percent year-over-year revenue increase was driven by significant growth in M2M sales, including a $20.1 million contribution from the recently acquired M2M business of Sagemcom, along with strong growth in sales to PC OEMs.

On a GAAP basis, gross margin from continuing operations was $125.3 million, or 31.5 percent of revenue, in 2012, compared to $101.7 million, or 30.5 percent of revenue, in 2011. Operating expenses from continuing operations were $147.5 million and loss from operations was $22.2 million in 2012, compared to operating expenses of $156.0 million and a loss from operations of $54.2 million in 2011. The operating loss in 2011 included an intangible asset impairment charge of $11.2 million, primarily related to a software development program that was acquired through the purchase of Wavecom, S.A. in 2009 and which we abandoned during the fourth quarter of 2011. Net loss from continuing operations was $4.2 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in 2012, compared to $50.7 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, in 2011. Net earnings, including discontinued operations, were $27.2 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, in 2012, compared to net loss, including discontinued operations, of $29.3 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, in 2011.

On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin from continuing operations was 31.6 percent of revenue in 2012, compared to 30.7 percent of revenue in 2011. Operating expenses from continuing operations were $124.7 million and operating earnings from continuing operations were $0.9 million in 2012, compared to operating expenses of $124.5 million and an operating loss of $22.4 million in 2011. Net loss from continuing operations was $0.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in 2012, compared to net loss of $18.7 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in 2011.

Non-GAAP results exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expense, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, integration costs, disposition costs, acquisition amortization, foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency contracts and translation of balance sheet accounts, and certain tax adjustments. We disclose non-GAAP amounts as we believe that these measures provide our shareholders with useful information about operating results and assist in comparisons from one period to another. The reconciliation between our GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided in the accompanying schedules.

Financial guidance
The Company provides the following guidance for the first quarter of 2013 for its continuing operations.

In the first quarter of 2013, we expect revenue from our continuing operations to be down sequentially following the exceptionally strong fourth quarter of 2012. We expect gross margin to be similar or slightly lower than fourth quarter 2012 levels, and operating expenses to increase as a result of higher new product certification costs combined with the negative impact of a strengthening euro.

Looking forward to the second quarter of 2013, we expect a return to solid sequential and year-over-year revenue growth and modest profitability.

Q1 2013 Guidance	Non-GAAP - Continuing Operations
Revenue	$98.0 to $102.0 million
Earnings (loss) from operations	($2.5) to ($1.5) million
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations	($2.5) to ($1.5) million
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	($0.08) to ($0.05) per share

This Non-GAAP guidance for the first quarter of 2013 reflects current business indicators and expectations. Inherent in this guidance are risk factors that are described in greater detail in our regulatory filings. Our actual results could differ materially from those presented above. All figures are approximations based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions.

Conference call, webcast and instant replay details
Sierra Wireless President and CEO, Jason Cohenour, and CFO, David McLennan, will host a conference call and webcast with analysts and investors to review the results on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 5:30 PM Eastern Time (2:30 PM PT). A live slide presentation will be available for viewing during the call from the link provided below.

To participate in this conference call, please dial the following number approximately ten minutes prior to the commencement of the call:

• Toll-free (Canada and US): 1-877-201-0168
• Alternate number: 1-647-788-4901
• Conference ID: 87240990

For those unable to participate in the live call, a replay will be available until February 27, 2013. Dial 1-855-859-2056 or 1-800-585-8367 and enter the Conference ID number above to access the replay.

To access the webcast, please follow the link below:
Sierra Wireless Q4 and FY2012 Financial Results Webcast

If the above link does not work, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser:
http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom_events/sierrawireless-20130206/site/

The webcast will remain available at the above link for one year following the call.

We look forward to having you participate in our call.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements and information in this press release are not based on historical facts and constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) including statements and information relating to our financial guidance for the first quarter of 2013 and our fiscal year 2013, our business outlook for the short and longer term and our strategy, plans and future operating performance. Forward-looking statements are provided to help you understand our views of our short and longer term prospects. We caution you that forward-looking statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. We will not update or revise our forward-looking statements unless we are required to do so by securities laws.

Forward-looking statements:

• Typically include words and phrases about the future such as “outlook”, “may”, “estimates”, “intends”, “believes”, “plans”, “anticipates” and “expects”.
• Are not promises or guarantees of future performance. They represent our current views and may change significantly.
• Are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:

• Our ability to develop, manufacture and sell new products and services that meet the needs of our customers and gain commercial acceptance;
• Our ability to continue to sell our products and services in the expected quantities at the expected prices and expected times;
• Expected cost of goods sold;
• Expected component supply situation;
• Our ability to “win” new business;
• Expected deployment of next generation networks by wireless network operators;
• Our operations are not adversely disrupted by component shortages or other development, operating or regulatory risks; and
• Expected tax rates relative mix of earnings amongst the tax jurisdictions in which we operate, along with foreign exchange rates.

• Are subject to substantial known and unknown material risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results, achievements and developments in our business to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the following factors. These risk factors and others are discussed in our Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and in our other regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States and the Provincial Securities Commissions in Canada.

• We may experience higher than anticipated costs; disruption of, and demands on, our ongoing business; diversion of management’s time and attention; adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers and employee issues in connection with the divestiture of the AirCard assets and operations;
• Actual sales volumes or prices for our products and services may be lower than we expect for any reason including, without limitation, the continuing uncertain economic conditions, competition, different product mix, the loss of any of our significant customers;
• The cost of products sold may be higher than planned or necessary component supplies may not be available, are delayed or are not available on commercially reasonable terms;
• We may be unable to enforce our intellectual property rights or may be subject to claims and litigation that have an adverse outcome;
• The development and timing of the introduction of our new products may be later than we expect or may be indefinitely delayed;
• Transition periods associated with the migration to new technologies may be longer than we expect.

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

“AirCard” and “AirLink” are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. “AirPrime” and “AirVantage” are also trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

	Three months ended December 31,				Year ended December 31,
		2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenue	$	109,405	$	82,391	$	397,321	$	333,175
Cost of goods sold		73,172		57,206		272,047		231,435
Gross margin		36,233		25,185		125,274		101,740
Expenses
Sales and marketing		10,176		8,886		37,067		37,188
Research and development		16,294		14,801		61,785		60,903
Administration		7,743		7,694		32,777		33,716
Acquisition costs		387		–		3,182		–
Restructuring		42		(19)		2,251		837
Integration		–		–		–		1,426
Impairment of intangible asset		–		11,214		–		11,214
Amortization		3,107		2,620		10,418		10,709
		37,749		45,196		147,480		155,993
Loss from operations		(1,516)		(20,011)		(22,206)		(54,253)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)		1,608		(507)		3,326		(460)
Other income (expense)		35		20		(196)		35
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		127		(20,498)		(19,076)		(54,678)
Income tax recovery		(15,396)		(68)		(14,874)		(3,968)
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations		15,523		(20,430)		(4,202)		(50,710)
Net earnings from discontinued operations		4,083		6,668		31,401		21,338
Net earnings (loss)		19,606		(13,762)		27,199		(29,372)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		–		–		–		(57)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company	$	19,606	$	(13,762)	$	27,199	$	(29,315)
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to the Company’s common shareholders (in dollars) Continuing operations	$	0.50	$	(0.65)	$	(0.14)	$	(1.62)
Discontinued operations	$	0.14	$	0.21	$	1.02	$	0.68
	$	0.64	$	(0.44)	$	0.88	$	(0.94)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)
Basic		30,591		31,298		30,788		31,275
Diluted		30,774		31,298		30,788		31,275

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THREE MONTHS AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

							2012
	Three months ended December 31							Year ended December 31
	Discontinued Operations		Continuing Operations		Total			Discontinued Operations		Continuing Operations		Total
Revenue - GAAP and Non-GAAP	$	54,416	$	109,405	$	163,821		$	246,845	$	397,321	$	644,166
Gross margin - GAAP	$	14,781	$	36,233	$	51,014		$	69,698	$	125,274	$	194,972
Stock-based compensation		-		61		61			-		304		304
Gross margin - Non-GAAP	$	14,781	$	36,294	$	51,075		$	69,698	$	125,578	$	195,276
Gross margin % - GAAP		27.2%		33.1%		31.1%			28.2%		31.5%		30.3%
Gross margin % - Non-GAAP		27.2%		33.2%		31.2%			28.2%		31.6%		30.3%
Earnings (loss) from operations - GAAP	$	4,741	$	(1,516)	$	3,225		$	33,045	$	(22,206)	$	10,839
Stock-based compensation		233		1,470		1,703			932		5,781		6,713
Acquisition		-		387		387			-		3,182		3,182
Disposition		1,463		-		1,463			1,463		-		1,463
Restructuring		-		42		42			-		2,251		2,251
Integration		-		-		-			-		-		-
Acquisition related amortization		-		3,338		3,338			-		11,890		11,890
Earnings from operations - Non-GAAP	$	6,437	$	3,721	$	10,158		$	35,440	$	898	$	36,338
Net earnings (loss) - GAAP	$	4,083	$	15,523	$	19,606		$	31,401	$	(4,202)	$	27,199
Stock-based compensation, acquisition, disposition, restructuring, integration, and acquisition related amortization, net of tax		1,696		5,162		6,858			2,395		22,241		24,636
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)		-		(1,655)		(1,655)			-		(3,139)		(3,139)
Income tax adjustments		-		(14,540)		(14,540)			-		(15,344)		(15,344)
Net earnings (loss) - Non-GAAP	$	5,779	$	4,490	$	10,269		$	33,796	$	(444)	$	33,352
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars) - GAAP	$	0.14	$	0.50	$	0.64		$	1.02	$	(0.14)	$	0.88
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars) - Non-GAAP	$	0.18	$	0.15	$	0.33		$	1.09	$	(0.01)	$	1.08

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THREE MONTHS AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where otherwise stated)

							2011
	Three months ended December 31							Year ended December 31
	Discontinued Operations		Continuing Operations		Total			Discontinued Operations		Continuing Operations		Total
Revenue - GAAP and Non-GAAP	$	64,804	$	82,391	$	147,195		$	245,010	$	333,175	$	578,185
Gross margin - GAAP	$	16,367	$	25,185	$	41,552		$	61,710	$	101,740	$	163,450
Stock-based compensation		-		86		86			-		385		385
Gross margin - Non-GAAP	$	16,367	$	25,271	$	41,638		$	61,710	$	102,125	$	163,835
Gross margin % - GAAP		25.3%		30.6%		28.2%			25.2%		30.5%		28.3%
Gross margin % - Non-GAAP		25.3%		30.7%		28.3%			25.2%		30.7%		28.3%
Earnings (loss) from operations - GAAP	$	7,546	$	(20,011)	$	(12,465)		$	24,341	$	(54,253)	$	(29,912)
Stock-based compensation		225		1,308		1,533			951		5,498		6,449
Restructuring		-		(19)		(19)			-		837		837
Integration		-		-		-			-		1,426		1,426
Impairment of intangible assets		-		11,214		11,214			-		11,214		11,214
Acquisition related amortization		-		3,090		3,090			-		12,888		12,888
Earnings from operations - Non-GAAP	$	7,771	$	(4,418)	$	3,353		$	25,292	$	(22,390)	$	2,902
Net earnings (loss) - GAAP	$	6,668	$	(20,430)	$	(13,762)		$	21,338	$	(50,653)	$	(29,315)
Stock-based compensation, acquisition, disposition, restructuring, integration, and acquisition related amortization, net of tax		225		15,690		15,915			951		31,762		32,713
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)		-		330		330			-		267		267
Non-controlling interest		-		-		-			-		(32)		(32)
Net earnings (loss) - Non-GAAP	$	6,893	$	(4,410)	$	2,483		$	22,289	$	(18,656)	$	3,633
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars) - GAAP	$	0.21	$	(0.65)	$	(0.44)		$	0.68	$	(1.62)	$	(0.94)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars) - Non-GAAP	$	0.22	$	(0.14)	$	0.08		$	0.71	$	(0.59)	$	0.12

SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
PRODUCT LINE REVENUE
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

						2012										2011
	Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		YTD		Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		YTD
Continuing operations
AirPrime Embedded Wireless Modules
M2M	$	62,944	$	63,768	$	73,249	$	79,363	$	279,324	$	59,695	$	62,759	$	63,635	$	56,702	$	242,791
PC OEM		15,273		17,828		14,018		14,014		61,133		6,747		11,857		9,771		11,047		39,422
		78,217		81,596		87,267		93,377		340,457		66,442		74,616		73,406		67,749		282,213
AirLink Intelligent Gateways and Routers		10,622		11,407		11,262		13,408		46,699		10,096		8,886		9,928		10,103		39,013
AirVantage M2M Cloud Platform and Other		3,496		2,395		1,654		2,620		10,165		3,020		2,361		2,029		4,539		11,949
		92,335		95,398		100,183		109,405		397,321		79,558		85,863		85,363		82,391		333,175
Discontinued operations
AirCard Mobile Broadband Devices		57,931		72,043		62,455		54,416		246,845		64,717		54,025		61,464		64,804		245,010
Total		150,266		167,441		162,638		163,821		644,166		144,275		139,888		146,827		147,195		578,185