Disclosures

ClearOne Communications Inc.

We, Chris Armbruster and Ian Corydon , certify that this report reflects our personal beliefs about this company and that no portion of our compensation was, is or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views discussed in this report.

Disclosure

  • B. Riley & Co., LLC does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports.
  • A portion of this analyst’s compensation is based on the sales, trading and investment banking activities of B. Riley & Co., LLC.
Disclosure Chart

Ratings Distribution as of May 17, 2012 % with Investment Banking Relationships
Rating Number of Companies Percent of Total Rating Number of Companies Percent of Total
Buy 112 73.7% Buy 13 100.0%
Neutral 37 24.3% Neutral 0 0.0%
Sell 3 2.0% Sell 0 0.0%
Total 152 100% Total 13 100%

Explanation of B. Riley & Co. LLC's Rating System

  • Buy: We generally expect "Buy" rated stocks to materially outperform both the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 as well as other stocks in their sector. Further, we believe that the potential reward relative to the potential risk is particularly attractive.
  • Neutral: We generally believe "Neutral" rated stocks will perform roughly in line with the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 over the intermediate and long term.
  • Sell: We generally expect "Sell" rated stocks to materially underperform both the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 as well as other stocks in their sector. Further, we believe that the potential reward relative to the potential risk is particularly unattractive.

Risks and Considerations

  • Acquisition/Integration - The Company actively evaluates potential acquisitions as part of its growth strategy. Acquisitions pursued by the Company could be dilutive to financial results and result in a difficult, dilutive or expensive integration.
  • Acquisition/Integration - The Company recently completed acquisition(s). If the Company fails to successfully integrate the acquisition, the deal may lead to disappointing returns.
  • Cyclical Nature of the Company's Business - Revenue from the Company's businesses have historically correlated positively with both US and world GDP. A cyclical downturn in GDP growth domestically and/or abroad may lead to a material deterioration in the Company's results.
  • Industry Change - The industry is subject to rapid technological change.
  • Insider Ownership - Directors and executive officers collectively own a significant percentage of the Company. While this may align interest with other shareholders, investors might view a future sale by any director or officer negatively.
  • Inventory risk - Depending on market conditions, the Company's gross margins could come under pressure if market prices quickly fall within a three to five week time frame.
  • General Industry - The Company could miss our estimates and/or their financial guidance.
  • Further Potential Risks - See the Company's SEC filings, particularly its 10-K filing, for a discussion of further potential risks.

Additional Risks and Considerations

    Inside Ownership - Nearly 30% of the shares are owned by the Bagley family. Decisions made by them could materially affect the share price.

    Financial Restatements - The company has restated multiple years of financial results within the last ten years.

    Accounting Fraud - In 2003, the company's former CEO and CFO were accused of accounting fraud.