Outerbridge Issues Presentation Detailing the Need for Board Refreshment at Comtech

Rhea-AI Summary

Outerbridge Capital Management, a significant stakeholder in Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (CMTL), is advocating for substantial changes in the company's Board of Directors due to persistent underperformance and poor governance. The firm nominated Wendi Carpenter and Sidney Fuchs as candidates for election at the upcoming Annual Meeting on December 17, 2021. Outerbridge's presentation criticizes the Board's lack of independence, ineffective capital allocation, and a history of failed strategies, urging shareholders to support the nominated candidates to enhance corporate governance and accountability.

Positive

• Outerbridge nominated experienced candidates Wendi Carpenter and Sidney Fuchs for the Board, promising a fresh outlook.
• The nominees have significant industry knowledge in satellite communications, which could benefit Comtech's strategic direction.

Negative

• Comtech experienced a loss of over $700 million in shareholder value due to mismanagement since 2016.
• The company has faced consistent underperformance with negative price reactions for earnings announcements over the past eight quarters.
• The recent PIPE transaction diluted share value and voting rights for common shareholders.
• The current Board lacks operational expertise and has a poor track record of capital management.

Believes Board Lacks the Expertise and Independence to Hold Management Accountable for Consistently Poor Performance, Failed Strategies, and Dilutive Transactions

Highlights Board’s Entrenchment Maneuvers, Severe Lack of Necessary Relevant Experience, and Poor Corporate Governance Practices

Urges Shareholders to Vote on the White Proxy Card for the Election of Highly Qualified and Fully Independent Nominees Wendi Carpenter and Sidney Fuchs

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Outerbridge Capital Management, LLC (“Outerbridge”), a beneficial owner of approximately 4.9% of Comtech Telecommunications Corp.’s (NASDAQ: CMTL) (“Comtech” or the “Company”) outstanding shares of common stock, today issued an investor presentation outlining the case for change at Comtech. Outerbridge has nominated two highly qualified director candidates – Wendi Carpenter and Sidney “Sid” Fuchs – for election to the Comtech Board of Directors (the “Board”) at the upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) scheduled for December 17, 2021.

The presentation is available here and additional materials are available at: https://www.restorecomtech.com/stockholder-materials.

The presentation highlights the following:

• Comtech’s Persistent Underperformance, Strategic Failures, and Lost Credibility – The Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) has underperformed relative to peers and relevant indices on a 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year basis, while revenue and adjusted EBITDA have been stagnant. The fact that earnings announcements have resulted in negative 1-day price reactions for the past eight consecutive quarters seriously calls into question management’s and the Board’s credibility.

• A Long History of Poor Capital Allocation and Failed M&A – Since 2016, management has spent $600 million on acquisitions and $350 million on R&D, resulting in over $700 million of shareholder value destruction – with the most recent failed acquisition attempt costing shareholders a $70 million termination fee. Further, return on invested capital has failed to exceed the Company’s weighted average cost of capital of 7.5% in each of the past five years.

• A Track Record of Poor Corporate Governance and Lack of True Independence on the Board – The flawed Board refreshment process has resulted in the addition of directors with no real independence or relevant experience needed to push back on management’s failed strategies and instill accountability in the boardroom. What’s more, Comtech is appointing new directors after the Annual Meeting, thus depriving shareholders of a voice on these candidates.

• A Disappointing Pattern of Dismissive Engagement and Entrenchment Maneuvers – The Board’s decision to appoint as its next CEO 20-year Comtech executive Michael Porcelain, who contributed significantly to the Company’s poor performance as both CFO and COO, is highly questionable and will likely perpetuate the status quo at Comtech. Additionally, the Board approved a highly dilutive PIPE transaction following Outerbridge's engagement and nomination, allowing preferred shares to be voted on an as-converted basis and effectively securing ~13.5% of the voting shares in favor of the Board at the Annual Meeting.

• A Board Underqualified to Guide Comtech or Evaluate Strategic Offers – The Board has been almost exclusively comprised of financial professionals who lack the technical and operational expertise relevant to the core business. The terms of the recent PIPE transaction – which included no premium, was highly dilutive, and diminished the voting rights of common shareholders – raises doubts as to whether the current Board will act in the best interest of all shareholders.

• Outerbridge Nominees Represent the Best Choice for Shareholders – The Outerbridge nominees were recruited and selected with the help of an independent recruitment firm based solely on their relevant industry and board experience, and after a thorough conflict check. Unlike Comtech's nominees and recent appointee who have no relevant industry experience, the Outerbridge nominees have extensive knowledge of and experience in Comtech’s end-markets, as well as a proven track record of success in leading large organizations involved with satellite communications, aerospace & defense, public safety, and government contracting.

Vote on the WHITE proxy card to elect Outerbridge’s highly qualified and fully independent nominees to the Comtech Board.

About Outerbridge Capital Management, LLC

Outerbridge Capital Management, LLC is a New York-based investment adviser that typically invests across the technology and technology-impacted sectors. As part of its investment process, Outerbridge regularly conducts significant due diligence on its portfolio companies and engages constructively with both management teams and boards where appropriate.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211123005766/en/

Investor:

Rory Wallace

Chief Investment Officer

Outerbridge Capital Management, LLC

(347) 493-0350

rory@outerbridgecapital.com

info@outerbridgecapital.com

OR

Harkins Kovler, LLC

Jordan Kovler / Rahsaan Wareham

(212) 468-5384 / (212) 468-5380

jkovler@harkinskovler.com / rwareham@harkinskovler.com

Media:

Sloane & Company

Dan Zacchei / Joe Germani

dzacchei@sloanepr.com / jgermani@sloanepr.com

Source: Outerbridge Capital Management, LLC

FAQ

What issues did Outerbridge Capital Management raise regarding Comtech (CMTL)?

Outerbridge highlighted Comtech's persistent underperformance, poor capital allocation, and governance issues.

Who has Outerbridge nominated for Comtech's Board of Directors?

Outerbridge nominated Wendi Carpenter and Sidney Fuchs for election to the Board.

When is Comtech's Annual Meeting scheduled?

The Annual Meeting for Comtech shareholders is scheduled for December 17, 2021.

What is the significance of the PIPE transaction mentioned in the press release?

The PIPE transaction was criticized for diluting shareholder value and reducing common shareholders' voting rights.

How has Comtech's total shareholder return performed compared to its peers?

Comtech's total shareholder return has underperformed relative to peers and indices over multiple time frames.