FRANKLIN WIRELESS CORP 10-K

ITEM 1. BUSINESS. BUSINESS OVERVIEW We are a leading provider of integrated wireless solutions utilizing the latest in 5G (fifth generation) and 4G LTE (fourth generation long-term evolution) technologies including mobile hotspots, routers, fixed wireless routers, and various trackers. Our integrated software subscription services provide users remote capabilities including mobile device management (MDM) and software defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). We have majority ownership of Franklin Technology Inc. (FTI), a research and development company based in Seoul, South Korea. FTI primarily provides design and development services for our wireless products. Our products are generally marketed and sold directly to wireless operators and indirectly through strategic partners and distributors. Our global customer base primarily extends from North America and the Caribbean and South America to Asia. OUR STRUCTURE We incorporated in 1982 in California and reincorporated in Nevada on January 2, 2008. The reincorporation had no effect on the nature of our business or our management. Our headquarters office is located in San Diego, California. The office is principally composed of marketing, sales, operations, finance and administrative support. It is responsible for all customer-related activities, such as marketing communications, product planning, product management and customer support, along with sales and business development activities on a worldwide basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary, Franklin Technology Inc. (“FTI”), with a majority voting interest of 66.3% (33.7% is owned by non-controlling interests) as of June 30, 2023, and 2022. In the preparation of consolidated financial statements of the Company, intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated and net earnings (loss) are reduced by the portion of the net earnings (loss) of the subsidiary applicable to non-controlling interests. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires public companies to report financial and descriptive information about their reportable operating segments. We identify our operating segments based on how our chief operating decision maker internally evaluates separate financial information, business activities and management responsibility. We have one reportable segment, consisting of the sale of wireless access products. We generate revenues from three geographic areas, consisting of North America, the Caribbean and South America, and Asia. The following enterprise-wide disclosure is prepared on a basis consistent with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The following table contains certain financial information by geographic area: Fiscal Year Ended June 30, Net sales: 2023 2022 North America $ 45,782,084 $ 23,305,366 Caribbean and South America – 2,375 Asia 166,432 690,021 Totals $ 45,948,516 $ 23,997,762 Long-lived assets, net (property and equipment and intangible assets): June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 North America $ 2,083,902 $ 1,374,747 Asia 198,070 81,261 Totals $ 2,281,972 $ 1,456,008 1 OUR PRODUCTS We are a global leader and innovator in providing the latest mobile technologies to the mass market, which include 5G/4G Mobile Hotspots, 5G/4G, fixed wireless routers, and MDM solutions. We are a leading enabler of the Digital Divide initiative, and our expertise extends to innovation in Internet of Things (IOT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. The following is a sample of the products we offer: 5G/4G Wireless Broadband Products 5G/4G LTE Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot · Portable Wi-Fi hotspot routers that provide wireless Internet access with 5G/4G support for multiple simultaneously connected devices including laptops, tablets, and smart phones. Our Mobile Hotspot products help remote workers be productive while on the go and help students and educational institutions support remote learning activities. 5G/4G Fixed Wireless Routers · Enhanced routing gateway that can provide support for both wired and wireless connectivity, offering solutions for consumers looking to replace Cable or DSL service 5G/4G Enterprise Gateway CPE · Enhanced routing gateway equipped with enterprise features offering solutions for enterprise customers looking to replace wired service, or wireless back-up for wired connections in a mission-critical environment or instant wireless connection in temporal locations. IoT Tracking Devices and Connected Devices: Smart IoT tracking device · Location service devices based on CAT1 and CAT M technology, allowing consumers and businesses to track virtually any tangible item, anytime and anywhere. Connected Car · An all-in-one connected car solution that provides easy access to built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot and extensive added vehicle diagnostics, safety, and security features, as well as location service via OBDII protocol with other applications. Home Phone Connect · Franklin’s Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) device provides a landline alternative, connecting instantly and allowing users local and domestic long distance calling through the carrier’s network. 2 IOT Server Platform and Application · “Pintrac,” Franklin’s Cloud based telecom grade server platform, enables enhanced remote management of device functionality. · Pintrac Mobile Device Management (MDM) for LTE hotspots allows schools, government agencies and others to remotely manage and configure hotspots. · Pintrac Pet is a complete pet tracking application, allowing monitoring and tracking household pets and their activity using Franklin’s Trackers. · Pintrac Auto tracks, locates, and manages vehicles for consumers and businesses using Franklin’s LTE OBD devices. · “JEXtream” Franklin’s Cloud based telecom grade server platform for 5G devices and routers, enables enhanced remote management of device functionality. CUSTOMERS Our global customer base is comprised of wireless operators, strategic partners and distributors located primarily in North America, the Caribbean and South America, and Asia. SALES AND MARKETING We market and sell our products primarily to wireless operators located in North America, the Caribbean and South America, and Asia regions mainly through our internal, direct sales organization and, to a lesser degree, indirectly through strategic partners and distributors. The sales process is supported with a range of marketing activities, including trade shows, product marketing and public relations. All of our wireless devices must pass Federal Communications Commission (FCC) testing in order to be sold in United States markets. Global Certification Forum (“GCF”) test certifications are required in order to launch any wireless data products with wireless operators in North America. PCS Type Certification Review Board (“PTCRB”) test certifications also are required for all LTE and HSPA/GSM wireless data products. Other LTE and 5G test certifications, as defined by the 3GPP governing body, are required for LTE and 5G wireless data products. Certifications are issued as being a qualifier of GCF, PTCRB, IEEE, CE, UL, Wi-Fi alliance certification and 3GPP standards. PRODUCTION AND MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the manufacturing of the majority of our products was performed by two independent companies located in Asia. EMPLOYEES As of June 30, 2023, we had 69 total employees at Franklin and FTI combined. We also use the services of consultants and contract workers from time to time. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining organization, and we have never experienced a work stoppage. 3