As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2006
Registration No. 333-136735.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NETLIST, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) |
3674
(Primary standard industrial classification code number) |
95-4812784
(I.R.S. employer identification number) |
||
475 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92618 Telephone: (949) 435-0025 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices) |
Chun K. Hong
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
475 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92618
Telephone: (949) 435-0025
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to: |
||
James W. Loss, Esq.
Timothy R. Rupp, Esq. Bingham McCutchen LLP 600 Anton Boulevard, 18 th Floor Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 830-0600 |
Patrick A. Pohlen, Esq.
Derek Dundas, Esq. Latham & Watkins LLP 135 Commonwealth Drive Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 328-4600 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the commission, acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 20, 2006
Shares
Common Stock
Netlist, Inc. is selling shares of our common stock. The selling stockholders named in this prospectus, including members of our management, have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional shares to cover over-allotments, if any. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders.
This is an initial public offering of our common stock. We currently expect the initial public offering price to be between $ and $ per share. We have applied for approval for quotation of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "NLST."
INVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7.
|
Per Share
|
Total
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price | $ | $ | |||
Underwriting discount | $ | $ | |||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us | $ | $ |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Thomas Weisel Partners LLC | ||
Needham & Company, LLC | ||
WR Hambrecht + Co |
The date of this prospectus is , 2006
|
Page
|
|
---|---|---|
Prospectus Summary | 1 | |
Risk Factors | 7 | |
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 23 | |
Use of Proceeds | 24 | |
Dividend Policy | 24 | |
Capitalization | 25 | |
Dilution | 26 | |
Selected Consolidated Financial Data | 28 | |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 30 | |
Business | 45 | |
Management | 57 | |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | 69 | |
Principal and Selling Stockholders | 71 | |
Description of Capital Stock | 74 | |
Shares Eligible for Future Sale | 77 | |
Material United States Federal Tax Considerations for Non-United States Holders | 79 | |
Underwriting | 82 | |
Legal Matters | 84 | |
Experts | 85 | |
Where You Can Find Additional Information | 85 | |
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-1 |
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. We are offering to sell shares of common stock and seeking offers to buy shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the common stock.
In this prospectus "our company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Netlist, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
All trademarks, service marks or trade names appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.
Effective January 1, 2003, we changed our fiscal year from a calendar year to a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Each of the first three quarters of our fiscal year end on the last Saturday in each of March, June and September. As a result, each fiscal quarter consists of 13 weeks during a 52-week fiscal year. During a 53-week fiscal year, one quarter will have 14 weeks and three quarters will consist of 13 weeks.
Market data and industry statistics used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. We have not independently verified this information.
i
You should read the following summary together with the more detailed information concerning our company, the common stock being sold in this offering and our consolidated financial statements appearing in this prospectus. Read this entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks described under "Risk Factors," before you invest in our common stock.
We design and manufacture high performance memory subsystems. We sell our subsystems to original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, in the server, high performance computing and communications markets. Within these markets, we target applications in which memory plays a key role in enabling overall system performance. Our memory subsystems are incorporated into multiple platforms at International Business Machines Corporation, or IBM, Dell Inc., Gateway, Inc., Lenovo Group Limited, or Lenovo, and Hewlett-Packard Company.
Electronic systems of all types are continually evolving to keep pace with user demands for higher performance, as measured by speed, functionality or smaller physical size. In order to meet these performance expectations, OEM designers rely on increasing amounts of memory to take advantage of the latest advances in processor technology and operating system functionality. Dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, represents the most common type of memory used across these electronic systems today. In memory-intensive applications, OEMs often seek memory solutions which integrate multiple DRAM integrated circuits, or ICs, into a subsystem that delivers high memory density in a small physical size and shape, or form factor. These memory subsystems are available in both standard and application-specific configurations. Standard memory modules have proven generally inadequate to meet the demanding customer requirements in our target markets. Our memory subsystems are primarily designed and manufactured to specifically address the high performance needs of our customers' systems more completely than is possible using standard memory modules.
We collaborate with our OEM customers in the earliest stages of their new product design cycles. This collaboration provides us with unique insight into the OEM's system architecture and performance requirements and expands our systems expertise. In addition, we have developed a portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques to meet OEM needs, including efficient non-stacked, side-by-side IC placement, or planar, designs, alternative packaging techniques and custom semiconductor logic. As a result of our systems expertise and proprietary technologies, we are able to design application-specific memory subsystems with optimal combinations of high memory density, small form factor, high signal integrity, effective heat dissipation and low cost per bit. We also offer our OEM customers flexible order fulfillment and rapid turnaround times once we begin volume production of a specific product.
Designing memory subsystems that meet the requirements of high performance electronic systems has become increasingly difficult. One approach to meeting these requirements is to add more memory ICs to a memory module, which requires more space, complicates board and system design and exacerbates signal integrity and heat dissipation issues. A second approach is to use next-generation memory ICs that offer greater memory density, but the high cost and low availability of these ICs discourages their immediate adoption in high performance systems. A third approach is to stack prior generation memory ICs, yet this technique can still constitute a significant portion of the cost of materials for a memory module. These industry standard approaches generally do not by themselves meet the requirements of high performance electronic systems. We leverage our proprietary technology and our extensive systems expertise to bridge this gap between industry standard approaches and the requirements of complex OEM systems.
1
Our memory subsystems offer differentiated features and performance characteristics. For example, our innovative printed circuit board, or PCB, designs enhance signal integrity, allowing our customers to design and market products that operate at the highest commercially available speeds. Another technique we utilize is to embed passive devices within the PCB, thereby freeing valuable board space to reduce form factors and improve signal integrity. Our solutions also address system-level thermal issues encountered at high operating speeds through such innovations as planar designs and proprietary heat dissipation technologies.
Our objective is to be the leading provider of high performance memory subsystems. Key elements of our strategy include:
We were incorporated in Delaware in June 2000 and commenced operations in September 2000. Our principal executive offices are located at 475 Goddard, Irvine, California 92618, and our telephone number is (949) 435-0025. Our web site is www.netlistinc.com. The information on our web site is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
2
Common stock offered |
|
shares |
|
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering |
|
shares |
|
Over-allotment option |
|
The selling stockholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The selling stockholders include members of our management. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders. |
|
Use of proceeds |
|
We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ million. We intend to use these net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including to: fund our future working capital requirements; reduce our outstanding debt; establish a manufacturing operation in China; increase our research and development activities and our sales and marketing resources; and acquire complementary businesses, products or technologies. See "Use of Proceeds." |
|
Risk factors |
|
See "Risk Factors" and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. |
|
Proposed Nasdaq Global Market symbol |
|
NLST |
The common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 11,244,197 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006, plus the following number of shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of our outstanding convertible securities effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering:
The common stock to be outstanding after this offering excludes the following number of shares of common stock, each described as of September 30, 2006:
3
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes: an initial public offering price of $ per share; no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option; and the filing of a restated certificate of incorporation and adoption of restated bylaws prior to the completion of this offering.
4
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
The summary consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the information presented in this prospectus under "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and with our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The summary consolidated financial data set forth below are derived from our consolidated financial statements. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations data for the nine month periods ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2006, are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. The "Pro Forma" column of the consolidated balance sheet data reflects the automatic conversion immediately prior to the completion of this offering of $1.75 million of convertible notes and $2.0 million of convertible preferred stock into common stock. The "Pro Forma as Adjusted" column of the consolidated balance sheet data adjusts the pro forma amounts to reflect the sale of shares of common stock offered by us at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31,
2001 |
December 31,
2002 |
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
|||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,660 | $ | 13,994 | $ | 100,375 | $ | 143,659 | $ | 79,856 | $ | 56,552 | $ | 109,439 | ||||||||
Cost of sales(1) | 3,035 | 12,147 | 86,107 | 133,503 | 73,892 | 52,482 | 93,971 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) | (375 | ) | 1,847 | 14,268 | 10,156 | 5,964 | 4,070 | 15,468 | ||||||||||||||
Research and development(1) | 220 | 491 | 11,759 | 3,770 | 2,961 | 2,493 | 2,388 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative(1) | 842 | 1,652 | 15,218 | 6,314 | 5,062 | 3,694 | 6,494 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (1,437 | ) | (296 | ) | (12,709 | ) | 72 | (2,059 | ) | (2,117 | ) | 6,586 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (959 | ) | $ | (632 | ) | $ | (15,905 | ) | $ | (974 | ) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | (2,043 | ) | $ | 3,094 | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.28 | ||
Diluted | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.21 | ||
Weighted-average shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 8,840 | 9,200 | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 11,072 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted | 8,840 | 9,200 | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 15,248 |
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31,
2001 |
December 31,
2002 |
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||||||
Cost of sales | $ | | $ | | $ | 69 | $ | 29 | $ | 56 | $ | 23 | $ | 60 | |||||||
Research and development | | 371 | 9,733 | 80 | (52 | ) | (37 | ) | 71 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 87 | 424 | 10,872 | 141 | (65 | ) | (41 | ) | 316 |
5
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actual
|
Pro Forma
|
Pro Forma,
as Adjusted |
||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,001 | $ | 1,001 | $ | ||||
Total assets | 42,581 | 42,581 | |||||||
Total debt(1) | 16,352 | 14,602 | |||||||
Stockholders' equity | 6,812 | 8,562 |
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its fiscal year from a calendar year to a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The 2003, 2004 and 2005 fiscal years ended on December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and consisted of 52 weeks.
6
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. These risks are not the only ones we face. Additional risks we are not presently aware of or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations, operating results, cash flows and financial condition. Our business could be harmed by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to the occurrence of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We have a limited operating history, and we expect a number of factors to cause our operating results to fluctuate on a quarterly and annual basis, which may make it difficult to predict our future performance.
Our limited operating history makes it difficult to predict our future performance. Our operating results have varied significantly in the past and will continue to fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter or year-to-year in the future due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Factors relating to our business that may contribute to these quarterly and annual fluctuations include the following factors, as well as other factors described elsewhere in this prospectus:
7
Due to the various factors mentioned above, and others, the results of any prior quarterly or annual periods should not be relied upon as an indication of our future operating performance.
Our three largest customers comprised approximately 68% and 79% of our net sales for fiscal 2005 and the first nine months of fiscal 2006, respectively, and the loss of, or a significant reduction in sales to, any one of these customers could materially harm our business.
Sales to Dell, IBM and Lenovo represented 35%, 20% and 13%, respectively, of our net sales in fiscal 2005, and 36%, 41% and 2%, respectively, of our net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. We expect that sales to these customers will continue to represent a significant percentage of our net sales for at least the next 12 months. We do not have long-term agreements with these three customers, or with any other customer. Any one of these three customers could decide at any time to discontinue, decrease or delay their purchase of our products. In addition, the prices that these three customers pay for our products are subject to negotiation and could change at any time. The loss of either Dell or IBM as a customer, or a significant reduction in sales to either of them, would significantly reduce our net sales and adversely affect our operating results.
Our ability to maintain or increase our net sales to our key customers depends on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include the customers' continued sales of servers and other computing systems that incorporate our memory subsystems and the customers' continued use of our products in their systems.
Because of these and other factors, we cannot assure you that net sales to these customers will continue or that the amount of such net sales will reach or exceed historical levels in any future period. Because these customers account for a substantial portion of our net sales, the failure of any one of these customers to pay on a timely basis would negatively impact our cash flow.
A limited number of relatively large potential customers dominate the markets for our products.
Our target markets are characterized by a limited number of large companies. Consolidation in one or more of our target markets may further increase this industry concentration. As a result, we anticipate that sales of our products will continue to be concentrated among a limited number of large customers in the foreseeable future. We believe that our financial results will depend in significant part on our success in establishing and maintaining relationships with, and effecting substantial sales to, these potential customers. Even if we establish these relationships, our financial results will be largely dependent on these customers' sales and business results.
The markets in which we compete are cyclical in nature, and any future downturn could adversely affect our business.
The markets in which we compete and in which our customers operate have been cyclical and are characterized by wide fluctuations in product supply and demand. These markets have experienced significant downturns, often connected with, or in anticipation of, maturing product cycles, reductions in technology spending and declines in general economic conditions. These downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, high inventory levels and the erosion of average selling prices. As a result, our sales will likely decline during these periods. In addition, if we are unable to control our expenses adequately in response to reduced net sales, our results of operations would be negatively impacted.
We are subject to risks relating to product concentration and lack of market diversification.
In fiscal 2005 and the first nine months of fiscal 2006, we generated 51% and 83%, respectively, of our net sales from sales of our high performance memory subsystems for use in the server
8
market. We expect these memory subsystems to continue to account for most of our net sales in the near term. Continued market acceptance of these products for use in servers is critical to our success. If the demand for servers deteriorates or if the demand for our products to be incorporated in servers declines, our operating results would be adversely affected, and we would be forced to diversify our product portfolio and our target markets. We may not be able to achieve this diversification, and our inability to do so may adversely affect our business.
We have historically incurred losses and may continue to incur losses.
We have incurred net losses each year since the inception of our business. Our cumulative net losses were $21.4 million and $18.3 million as of December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively. We may not be able to attain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future.
We use a small number of DRAM IC suppliers and are subject to risks of disruption in the supply of DRAM ICs.
Our ability to fill customer orders is dependent on a sufficient supply of DRAM ICs, which are an essential component of our memory subsystems. There is a relatively small number of suppliers of DRAM ICs, and we purchase from only a subset of these suppliers. We have no long-term DRAM supply contracts. Our dependence on a small number of these suppliers and our lack of any guaranteed sources of DRAM supply expose us to several risks, including the inability to obtain an adequate supply of DRAM ICs, price increases, delivery delays and poor quality.
From time to time, shortages in DRAM ICs have required some suppliers to limit the supply of their DRAM ICs. As a result, we may be unable to obtain the DRAM ICs necessary to fill customers' orders for our products in a timely manner. If we are unable to obtain a sufficient supply of DRAM ICs to meet our customers' requirements, these customers may reduce future orders for our products or not purchase our products at all, which would cause our net sales to decline and harm our operating results. In addition, our reputation could be harmed, we may not be able to replace any lost business with new customers, and we may lose market share to our competitors.
Our customers qualify the DRAM ICs of our suppliers for use in their systems. If one of our suppliers should experience quality control problems, it may be disqualified by one or more of our customers. This would disrupt our supplies of DRAM ICs and reduce the number of suppliers available to us, and may require that we qualify a new supplier.
The price of DRAM ICs is volatile, and excess inventory of DRAM ICs, other components, and finished products could adversely affect our gross margin.
The prices of our products are adjusted periodically based largely on the market price of DRAM ICs, which constituted more than 82% and 74% of the total cost of our memory subsystems sold during fiscal 2005 and the first nine months of fiscal 2006, respectively. Once our prices with a customer are negotiated, we are generally unable to revise pricing with that customer until our next regularly scheduled price adjustment. Consequently, we are exposed to the risks associated with the volatility of the price of DRAM ICs during that period. If the market price for DRAM ICs increases, we generally cannot pass this price increase on to our customers for products purchased under an existing purchase order. As a result, our cost of sales could increase and our gross margins could decline. Alternatively, if there is a decline in the price of DRAM ICs, we will need to reduce our selling prices for subsequent purchase orders, which may result in a decline in our expected net sales.
Customer demand for our products, and thus DRAM ICs, can be difficult to estimate because we do not have long-term commitments from our customers, and our customers may cancel or defer purchase orders for any reason. If we overestimate customer demand, we will have excess
9
inventory of DRAM ICs. If there is a subsequent decline in the price of DRAM ICs, the value of our inventory will fall. As a result, we may need to write-down the value of our DRAM IC inventory, which may result in a significant decrease in our gross margin and financial condition. If we underestimate customer demand, we will not have sufficient inventory of DRAM ICs to manufacture our products. This will lead to delays in the delivery of our products, which could cause order cancellations, the loss of customers and a decrease in our net sales.
If the supply of other component materials used to manufacture our products is interrupted, or if our inventory becomes obsolete, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We use consumables and other components, including PCBs, to manufacture our memory subsystems. We sometimes procure PCBs and other components from single or limited sources to take advantage of volume pricing discounts. Material shortages or transportation problems could interrupt the manufacture of our products from time to time in the future. These delays in manufacturing could adversely affect our results of operations.
Frequent technology changes and the introduction of next-generation products also may result in the obsolescence of other items of inventory, such as our custom-built PCBs, which could reduce our gross margin and adversely affect our operating performance and financial condition. We may not be able to sell some products developed for one customer to another customer because our products are often designed to address specific customer requirements, and if we are able to sell these products our margin on such products may be reduced.
We may lose our competitive position if we are unable to timely and cost-effectively develop new or enhanced products that meet our customers' requirements and achieve market acceptance.
Our industry is characterized by intense competition, rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and rapid product obsolescence. Evolving industry standards and technological change or new, competitive technologies could render our existing products obsolete. Accordingly, our ability to compete in the future will depend in a large part on our ability to identify and develop new or enhanced products on a timely and cost-effective basis, and to respond to changing customer requirements. In order to develop and introduce new or enhanced products, we need to:
Our product development efforts are costly and inherently risky. It is difficult to foresee changes or developments in technology or anticipate the adoption of new standards. Moreover, once these things are identified, if at all, we will need to hire the appropriate technical personnel, develop the product and identify and eliminate design flaws. As a result, we may not be able to successfully develop new or enhanced products, or we may experience delays in the development and introduction of new or enhanced products. Delays in product development and introduction could
10
result in the loss of, or delays in generating, net sales and the loss of market share, as well as damage to our reputation. Even if we develop new or enhanced products, they may not meet our customers' requirements or gain market acceptance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our future product development efforts will result in the development of new or enhanced products or that such products will achieve market acceptance.
Our customers require that our products undergo a lengthy and expensive qualification process without any assurance of net sales.
Our prospective customers generally make a significant commitment of resources to test and evaluate our memory subsystems prior to purchasing our products and integrating them into their systems. This extensive qualification process involves rigorous reliability testing and evaluation of our products, which may continue for six months or longer and is often subject to delays. Qualification by a prospective customer does not ensure any sales to that prospective customer. Even after successful qualification and sales of our products to a customer, changes in our products, our manufacturing facilities, our production processes or our component suppliers may require a new qualification process, which may result in additional delays.
The qualification process is generally both product-specific and platform-specific, and as a result, our existing customers sometimes require us to requalify our products, or to qualify our new products, for use in new platforms or applications. For example, as our OEM customers transition from prior generation double data rate, or DDR, to current generation DDR2 DRAM architectures, we must design and qualify new products for use by those customers. In the past, this process of design and qualification has taken up to six months to complete, during which time our net sales to those customers declined significantly. After our products are qualified, it can take several months before the customer begins production and we begin to generate net sales. We must devote substantial resources, including design, engineering, sales, marketing and management efforts, to qualify our products with prospective customers in anticipation of sales. If we delay or do not succeed in qualifying a product with a prospective customer, we will not be able to sell that product to that prospect, which would harm our operating results and business.
We may not be able to maintain our competitive position because of the intense competition in our target markets.
We participate in highly competitive markets, and we expect competition to intensify. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater resources and name recognition, a larger base of customers and longer-standing relationships with customers and suppliers than we have. As a result, some of these competitors are able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of products and are better positioned than we are to influence customer acceptance of their products over our products. These competitors also may be able to respond better to new or emerging technologies or standards and may be able to deliver products with comparable or superior performance at a lower price. For these reasons, we may not be able to compete successfully against these competitors.
In addition to the competitors described above, some of our OEM customers have their own internal design groups that may develop solutions that compete with ours. These design groups have some advantages over us, including direct access to their respective companies' technical information and technology roadmaps. Our OEM customers also have substantially greater resources, financial or otherwise, than we do, and may have lower cost structures than ours. As a result, they may be able to design and manufacture competitive products more efficiently or inexpensively. If any of these OEM customers are successful in competing against us, our sales could decline, our margins could be negatively impacted and we could lose market share, any or all of which could harm our business and results of operations.
11
We expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products, reduce their prices and introduce new or enhanced technologies that may offer greater performance and improved pricing. If we are unable to match or exceed the improvements made by our competitors, our market position would deteriorate and our net sales would decline. In addition, our competitors may develop future generations and enhancements of their products that may render our technologies obsolete or uncompetitive.
We also expect to face competition from new and emerging companies that may enter our existing or future markets. These potential competitors may have similar or alternative products which may be less costly or provide additional features.
The establishment and ongoing operation of our planned manufacturing facility in China could expose us to new and significant risks.
We are planning to establish a new manufacturing facility in China. To prepare this facility for operation, we will need to purchase new equipment, replicate our current manufacturing processes and hire additional technical personnel. The difficulties normally associated with this complicated process will be compounded by language and cultural differences, as well as the geographic distance from our current facility. Our management has limited experience in creating or overseeing foreign operations, and this new facility may divert substantial amounts of their time. Further, this new facility may be subject to factory audits by our customers. We may not be able to begin operations at this new facility on a timely basis, or at all. Even if this facility becomes operational and is qualified by our customers, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain control over product quality, delivery schedules, manufacturing yields and costs as we increase our output. We will also have to manage a local workforce that may subject us to uncertainties or regulatory policies. Any difficulties in operating this new facility could cause product delivery delays and harm our operating results.
We currently anticipate that our new manufacturing facility in China will become operational in the first half of fiscal 2007. Although we are currently planning to establish a manufacturing facility in China, we have not completed our analysis and planning, and the establishment of this new manufacturing facility will require approval by our board of directors. Once this facility is established and becomes operational, some of our net sales will be denominated in Chinese Renminbi, or Yuan. The Chinese government controls the procedures by which Yuan is converted into other currencies, and conversion of Yuan generally requires government consent. As a result, Yuan may not be freely convertible into other currencies at all times. If the Chinese government institutes changes in currency conversion procedures, or imposes restrictions on currency conversion, those actions may negatively impact our operations and could reduce our operating results. In addition, fluctuations in the exchange rate between Yuan and U.S. dollars may adversely affect our expenses and results of operations as well as the value of our assets and liabilities. These fluctuations may also adversely affect the comparability of our period-to-period results. If we decide to declare dividends and repatriate funds from our Chinese operations, we will be required to comply with the procedures and regulations of applicable Chinese law. Any changes to these procedures and regulations, or our failure to comply with those procedures and regulations, could prevent us from making dividends and repatriating funds from our Chinese operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition. If we are able to make dividends and repatriate funds from our Chinese operations, these dividends would be subject to U.S. corporate income tax.
We depend on a few key employees, and if we lose the services of any of those employees or are unable to hire additional personnel, our business could be harmed.
Our success to date has been highly dependent on the experience, relationships and technical knowledge of Chun K. Hong, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board,
12
Jayesh Bhakta, our Vice President of Engineering, and Christopher Lopes, our Vice President of Sales. We believe that our future success will be dependent on our ability to retain the services of these key employees, develop their successors, reduce our reliance on them, and properly manage the transition of their roles should departures occur.
The loss of these key employees could delay the development and introduction of, and negatively impact our ability to sell our products and otherwise harm our business. We do not have employment agreements with these key employees. We do not carry key man life insurance on any of our key employees.
Our future success also depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled engineering, manufacturing, other technical and sales personnel. Competition for experienced personnel is intense. We may not be successful in attracting new engineers or other technical personnel, or in retaining or motivating our existing personnel. If we are unable to hire and retain engineers with the skills necessary to keep pace with the evolving technologies in our markets, our ability to continue to provide our current products and to develop new or enhanced products will be negatively impacted, which would harm our business. In addition, the shortage of experienced engineers, and other factors, may lead to increased recruiting, relocation and compensation costs for such engineers, which may exceed our expectations and resources. These increased costs may make hiring new engineers difficult, or may reduce our margins.
As of September 30, 2006, 39% of our workforce consisted of contract personnel. We invest considerable time and expense in training these contract employees. We may experience high turnover rates in our contract employee workforce, which may require us to expend additional resources in the future. If we convert any of these contract employees into permanent employees, we may have to pay finder's fees to the contract agency.
Our lack of a significant backlog of unfilled orders, and the difficulty inherent in forecasting customer demand, makes it difficult to forecast our short-term production requirements to meet that demand.
We do not have long-term purchase agreements with our customers. Instead, our customers generally place purchase orders no more than two weeks in advance of their desired delivery date, and these purchase orders generally have no cancellation or rescheduling penalty provisions. This fact, combined with the quick turn-around times that apply to each order, makes it difficult to forecast our production needs and allocate production capacity efficiently. Our production expense levels are based in part on our forecasts of our customers' future product requirements and to a large extent are fixed in the short term. As a result, we likely will be unable to adjust spending on a timely basis to compensate for any unexpected shortfall in those orders. Any significant shortfall of customer orders in relation to our expectations could hurt our operating results, cash flows and financial condition. Also, any rapid increases in production required by our customers could strain our resources and reduce our margins. If such a rapid increase were to occur at any given time, we may not have sufficient short-term manufacturing capacity to meet our customers' immediate demands.
We attempt to forecast the demand for the DRAM ICs and other components needed to manufacture our products. Lead times for components vary significantly and depend on various factors, such as the specific supplier and the demand and supply for a component at a given time. If we underestimate customer demand or if we have not provided for sufficient manufacturing capacity, we would not be able to manufacture a sufficient quantity of our products and could forego sales opportunities, lose market share and damage our customer relationships.
13
If we are unable to manufacture our products efficiently, our operating results could suffer.
We must continuously review and improve our manufacturing processes in an effort to maintain satisfactory manufacturing yields and product performance, lower our costs and otherwise remain competitive. For example, we began implementing lead-free soldering technologies in our manufacturing processes in the second quarter of fiscal 2005, and "Reduction of Hazardous Substances" manufacturing processes in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, both of which have been fully implemented as of the date of this prospectus. Implementing process improvements in the future could negatively impact our manufacturing yields, which would in turn adversely affect our results of operations.
As we manufacture more complex products, the risk of encountering delays or difficulties increases. The start-up costs associated with implementing new manufacturing technologies, methods and processes, including the purchase of new equipment, and any resulting manufacturing delays and inefficiencies, could negatively impact our results of operations.
If we need to add manufacturing capacity, an expansion of our existing manufacturing facility or establishment of a new facility could be subject to factory audits by our customers. For example, our new manufacturing facility in China will need to be audited and approved by our key customers. Any delays or unexpected costs resulting from this audit process could adversely affect our net sales and results of operations. In addition, we cannot be certain that we will be able to increase our manufacturing capacity on a timely basis or meet the standards of any applicable factory audits.
If we fail to protect our proprietary rights, our customers or our competitors might gain access to our proprietary designs, processes and technologies, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We rely on a combination of patent protection, trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. We have submitted a number of patent applications regarding our proprietary processes and technology. It is not certain when or if any of the claims in the remaining applications will be allowed. To date we have had only four patents issued. We intend to continue filing patent applications with respect to most of the new processes and technologies that we develop. However, patent protection may not be available for some of these processes or technologies.
It is possible that our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not:
Others may attempt to reverse engineer, copy or otherwise obtain and use our proprietary technologies without our consent. Monitoring the unauthorized use of our technologies is difficult. We cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent the unauthorized use of our technologies. This is particularly true in foreign countries, such as China, where we intend to
14
establish a new manufacturing facility and where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as applicable U.S. laws.
If some or all of the claims in our patent applications are not allowed, or if any of our intellectual property protections are limited in scope by a court or circumvented by others, we could face increased competition with regard to our products. Increased competition could significantly harm our business and our operating results.
We may be involved in costly legal proceedings to defend against claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others or to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights.
Lawsuits claiming that we are infringing others' intellectual property rights may be brought against us, and we may have to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Litigation is inherently uncertain, and an adverse outcome could subject us to significant liability for damages or invalidate our proprietary rights. An adverse outcome also could force us to take specific actions, including causing us to:
There is a limited pool of experienced technical personnel that we can draw upon to meet our hiring needs. As a result, a number of our existing employees have worked for our existing or potential competitors at some point during their careers, and we anticipate that a number of our future employees will have similar work histories. In the past, some of these competitors have claimed that our employees misappropriated their trade secrets or violated non-competition or non-solicitation agreements. Some of our competitors may threaten or bring legal action involving similar claims against us or our existing employees or make such claims in the future to prevent us from hiring qualified candidates. Lawsuits of this type may be brought, even if there is no merit to the claim, simply as a strategy to drain our financial resources and divert management's attention away from our business.
We also may find it necessary to litigate against others, including our competitors, customers and former employees, to enforce our intellectual property and contractual and commercial rights including, in particular, our trade secrets, as well as to challenge the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. We could become subject to counterclaims or countersuits against us as a result of this litigation. Moreover, any legal disputes with customers could cause them to cease buying or using our products or delay their purchase of our products and could substantially damage our relationship with them.
Any litigation, regardless of its outcome, would be time consuming and costly to resolve, divert our management's time and attention and negatively impact our results of operations.
If we are required to obtain licenses to use third party intellectual property and we fail to do so, our business could be harmed.
Although some of the components used in our final products contain the intellectual property of third parties, we believe that our suppliers bear the sole responsibility to obtain any rights and licenses to such third party intellectual property. While we have no knowledge that any third party licensor disputes our belief, we cannot assure you that disputes will not arise in the future. The operation of our business and our ability to compete successfully depends significantly on our
15
continued operation without claims of infringement or demands resulting from such claims, including demands for payments of money in the form of, for example, ongoing licensing fees.
If it is determined that we are required to obtain inbound licenses and we fail to obtain licenses, or if such licenses are not available on economically feasible terms, our business, operating results and financial condition could be significantly harmed.
If our products are defective or are used in defective systems, we may be subject to product recalls or product liability claims.
If our products are defectively manufactured, contain defective components or are used in defective or malfunctioning systems, we could be subject to product liability claims and product recalls, safety alerts or advisory notices. While we have product liability insurance coverage, it may not be adequate to satisfy claims made against us. We also may be unable to obtain insurance in the future at satisfactory rates or in adequate amounts. Product liability claims or product recalls, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and reputation, and on our ability to attract and retain customers. In addition, while we may not be contractually obligated to accept returned products, we may determine that it is in our best interest to accept returns in order to maintain good relations with our customers. Accepting product returns may negatively impact our operating results.
If we acquire other businesses or technologies in the future, these acquisitions could disrupt our business and harm our operating results and financial condition.
We will evaluate opportunities to acquire businesses or technologies that might complement our current product offerings or enhance our technical capabilities. We have no experience in acquiring other businesses or technologies. Acquisitions entail a number of risks that could adversely affect our business and operating results, including:
Future acquisitions also could cause us to incur debt or be subject to contingent liabilities. In addition, acquisitions could cause us to issue equity securities that could negatively impact the ownership percentages of our existing stockholders. Furthermore, acquisitions may result in material charges or adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges, in-process research and development charges, the amortization of amounts related to deferred stock-based compensation expense and identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any or all of which could negatively affect our results of operations.
16
If we do not effectively manage our growth, our resources, systems and controls may be strained and our results of operations may suffer.
We have expanded, and plan to continue to expand, our operations, both domestically and internationally. Any future growth may strain our resources, management information and telecommunication systems, and operational and financial controls. To manage our growth effectively, including our planned development of a new manufacturing facility in China, we must continue to improve and expand our systems and controls. We may not be able to do this in a timely or cost-effective manner, and our current systems and controls may not be adequate to support our future operations. In addition, our officers have relatively limited experience in managing a rapidly growing business or a public company. As a result, they may not be able to provide the guidance necessary to continue our growth or maintain our market position. Any failure to manage our growth or improve or expand our existing systems and controls, or unexpected difficulties in doing so, could harm our business.
Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant and adverse effect on our business.
We plan to evaluate our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, those internal controls as will be required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we collectively refer to as Section 404. This will involve system and process evaluations and testing to comply with the management assessment and auditor attestation requirements of Section 404, which will initially apply to us for the year ended December 29, 2007. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important in our effort to prevent financial fraud. In the course of our Section 404 evaluations, we may identify conditions that may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses and we may conclude that enhancements, modifications or changes to our internal controls are necessary or desirable. Implementing any such controls would divert the attention of our management, could involve significant costs, and may negatively impact our results of operations.
We note that there are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls, as they cannot prevent collusion, management override or failure of human judgment. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls or if management or our independent registered public accounting firm were to discover material weaknesses in our internal controls, we may be unable to produce reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, and it could harm our financial condition and results of operations, result in a loss of investor confidence and negatively impact our share price.
If a standardized memory solution which addresses the demands of our customers is developed, our net sales and market share may decline.
Many of our memory subsystems are specifically designed for our OEM customers' high performance systems. Our business would be harmed if these high performance systems were to become standardized so that DRAM IC manufacturers or other companies could develop and manufacture a commodity memory module addressing the requirements of some or all of these high performance applications. If DRAM IC manufacturers or other companies are able to develop a standardized solution, our future business may be limited to identifying the next generation of high performance memory demands of OEM customers and developing a solution that addresses such demands. Until fully implemented, this next generation of products may constitute a much smaller market, which may reduce our net sales and market share.
17
Our failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could subject us to significant fines and liabilities or cause us to incur significant costs.
We are subject to various and frequently changing U.S. federal, state and local and foreign governmental laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites and the maintenance of a safe workplace. In particular, some of our manufacturing processes may require us to handle and dispose of hazardous materials from time to time. For example, in the past our manufacturing operations have used lead-based solder in the assembly of our products. Today, we use lead-free soldering technologies in our manufacturing processes, as this is required for products entering the European Union. We could incur substantial costs, including clean-up costs, civil or criminal fines or sanctions and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, as a result of violations of, or noncompliance with, environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations also could require us to incur significant costs to remain in compliance.
Economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our net sales.
Part of our growth strategy involves making sales to foreign corporations and delivering our products to facilities located in foreign countries. To facilitate this process and to meet the long-term projected demand for our products, we are planning to set up a new manufacturing facility in China. Selling and manufacturing in foreign countries subjects us to additional risks not present with our domestic operations. We will begin operating in business and regulatory environments in which we have little or no previous experience. We will need to overcome language and cultural barriers to effectively conduct our operations in these new environments. In addition, the economies of China and other countries have been highly volatile in the past, resulting in significant fluctuations in local currencies and other instabilities. These instabilities affect a number of our customers and suppliers in addition to our foreign operations and continue to exist or may occur again in the future. International turmoil and the threat of future terrorist attacks both domestically and internationally, have contributed to an uncertain political and economic climate, both in the U.S. and globally, and have negatively impacted the worldwide economy. The occurrence of one or more of these instabilities could adversely affect our foreign operations and some of our customers or suppliers, each of which could adversely affect our net sales. In addition, our failure to meet applicable regulatory requirements or overcome cultural barriers could result in production delays and increased turn-around times, which would adversely affect our business.
Our operations could be disrupted by power outages, natural disasters or other factors.
Our current manufacturing facility is located in Irvine, California. Due to this geographic concentration, a disruption of our manufacturing operations, resulting from equipment failure, power failures, quality control issues, human error, government intervention or natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires or floods, could interrupt or interfere with our manufacturing operations and consequently harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such disruptions would cause significant delays in shipments of our products and adversely affect our operating results.
18
Risks Related to This Offering
There has been no prior public market for our common stock, and an active trading market may not develop.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price for the shares of our common stock sold in this offering will be determined by negotiation between the representatives of the underwriters and us. This price may not reflect the market price of our common stock following this offering. An active trading market may not develop following completion of this offering or, if it is developed, may not be sustained. The lack of an active market may impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. We cannot assure you that the market price will equal or exceed the public offering price of your shares. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares in the future and may impair our ability to acquire complementary companies or technologies by using our shares as consideration.
Our common stock price may fluctuate substantially, and your investment could suffer a decline in value.
The market price of our common stock may be volatile and could fluctuate substantially due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and some of which are only indirectly related to our business, including:
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of listed companies. These broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.
If our net sales or operating results for future quarters are below our estimates or the estimates or expectations of securities analysts and investors, our stock price could decline. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies following a decline in the market price of their securities. Technology companies have experienced stock price volatility that is greater, on average, than companies in many other industries in recent years and, as a result, have, on average, been subject to a greater number of securities class action claims. If our stock price is volatile, we may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Any litigation could result in
19
substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources that are needed to successfully run our business.
Our principal stockholders have significant voting power and may take actions that may not be in the best interest of our other stockholders.
Upon completion of this offering, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders will beneficially own, in total, approximately % of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will have the ability to exert substantial influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors and any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. This concentration of control could be disadvantageous to other stockholders with interests different from those of our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders. For example, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders could delay or prevent an acquisition or merger even if the transaction would benefit other stockholders. In addition, this significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with stockholders that have the ability to exercise significant control.
Substantial future sales of our common stock may depress our stock price.
After this offering, based on shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006, we will have shares of common stock outstanding. The shares sold in this offering, or shares if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under federal securities laws unless purchased by our affiliates. Based on shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006, outstanding shares of our common stock will be available for sale in the public market after this offering, subject to the current information, manner of sale and volume restrictions of Rule 144 and Rule 701, as follows:
Date
|
Number of Shares
|
Comment
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
On the date of this prospectus |
|
shares |
|
Shares not locked up and eligible for sale under Rule 144 |
90 days after the date of this prospectus |
|
shares |
|
Shares not locked up and eligible for resale under Rule 144 and Rule 701 |
180 days after the date of this prospectus |
|
shares |
|
Lock-up released; shares eligible for sale under Rule 144 and Rule 701 |
The above table assumes the effectiveness of the lock-up agreements under which holders of our common stock have agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of their shares of common stock. The underwriters may, in their sole discretion and at any time without notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to such lock-up agreements. In addition, as soon as practicable after the completion of this offering, we intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering 5,750,000 shares of our common stock issuable under our Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and 5,500,000 shares of our common stock issuable under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. See "ManagementEmployee Benefit Plans" for a description of these plans. Shares registered under that registration statement will be available for sale in the open market, subject to the contractual lock-up agreements described in "Shares Eligible for Future SaleLock-up Agreements."
20
We may need to raise additional funds in the future which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.
Our future capital requirements are uncertain and will depend on many factors, including:
If the proceeds from this offering together with our existing sources of cash and cash flows are not sufficient to fund our activities, we may need to raise additional capital, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. Furthermore, if we issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing stockholders may experience dilution, and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our existing stockholders. If we incur additional debt, it may increase our leverage relative to our earnings or to our equity capitalization. If we cannot raise additional capital on acceptable terms, we may not be able to develop or enhance our products and technologies, execute our business plan, take advantage of future opportunities, or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated customer requirements.
You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the shares you purchase in this offering.
The initial public offering price of our common stock is expected to exceed substantially the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. Therefore, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, if you purchase our common stock in this offering, you will suffer an immediate dilution of $ per share. If outstanding options and warrants to purchase our common stock are exercised, you will experience additional dilution.
Our management team may invest or spend the net proceeds of this offering in ways with which you may not agree or in ways that may not yield an acceptable return.
We currently intend to use the net proceeds in the general manner set forth in "Use of Proceeds." At this time, however, we cannot state with certainty how we will use the net proceeds of this offering or our existing cash balance with respect to specific expenditures. Accordingly, our management will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. The net proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not increase our operating results or market value.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.
As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq, have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these new rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we intend to create board committees and adopt additional policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. In addition,
21
we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may become more expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.
Anti-takeover provisions under our charter documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change of control and could also limit the market price of our stock.
Following this offering, our certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws, as amended, will contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our board of directors that our stockholders might consider favorable. In addition, these provisions could limit the price that investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. The following are examples of provisions which we intend to include in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended:
In addition, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law, which may prohibit certain business combinations with stockholders owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These and other provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended, and of Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirors to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by the then-current board of directors, including delaying or impeding a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest or other change of control transaction involving our company. Any delay or prevention of a change of control transaction or changes in our board of directors could prevent the consummation of a transaction in which our stockholders could receive a substantial premium over the then-current market price for their shares.
22
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. All statements in this prospectus other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "anticipates," "believes," "can," "continue," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "might," "must," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "should," "will" or "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements used in this prospectus address topics such as, among other things:
These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks described in this prospectus under "Risk Factors." We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
23
We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from this offering will be approximately $ million at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering costs. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the selling stockholders will receive $ million in net proceeds at an initial public offering price of $ per share. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
The principal purposes of this offering are to obtain additional capital, to establish a public market for our common stock and to facilitate our future access to public capital markets. We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering as follows:
Our term loan and revolving line of credit each have an interest rate of prime plus one-half percent. Our term loan has a maturity date of the earlier of July 2008 or the completion of this offering. Our revolving line of credit has a maturity date of July 2008. We have used the proceeds to date under our term loan to repay $950,000 in outstanding principal amount, plus accrued interest, on our convertible promissory notes issued in December 2005.
We are in the preliminary stages of establishing a manufacturing facility in China and cannot estimate with certainty the expenditures that will be required to develop this facility. We currently believe that we may spend up to $6 million to develop this facility over the next 12 months. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to us to fund possible investments in, or acquisitions of, complementary businesses, products or technologies or to establish joint ventures. We have no current agreements or commitments with respect to any investment, acquisition or joint venture, and we currently are not engaged in negotiations with respect to any investment, acquisition or joint venture.
Other than amounts to be used to pay offering fees and expenses, the amount and timing of what we spend for the intended uses of proceeds above may vary significantly and will depend on a number of factors, including our future net sales and cash generated by operations and the other factors described in this prospectus under "Risk Factors." We will have broad discretion in the way that we use the net proceeds of this offering. Pending their ultimate use, we intend to invest the net proceeds to us from this offering in short-term, interest-bearing, investment grade securities.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. Our current credit facility prohibits the payment of cash dividends. Accordingly, we do not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. Any payments of cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors, and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, legal and contractual restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
24
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of September 30, 2006, on:
You should read the following table in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
September 30, 2006
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actual
|
Pro Forma
|
Pro Forma
as Adjusted |
|||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
|||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
1,001 |
|
$ |
1,001 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable to others | $ | 529 | $ | 529 | $ | |||||
Obligations under capital lease | 1,069 | 1,069 | ||||||||
Convertible notes payable | 1,750 | | ||||||||
Term loan | 1,833 | 1,833 | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Total debt |
|
|
5,181 |
|
|
3,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||
Series A convertible preferred stock, $2.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; no shares issued and outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted | 2,000 | | ||||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized; 11,244,197 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 13,294,197 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma; shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted | 11 | 13 | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 23,130 | 26,878 | ||||||||
Note receivable from stockholder | (23 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (18,306 | ) | (18,306 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Total stockholders' equity |
|
|
6,812 |
|
|
8,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Total capitalization |
|
$ |
11,993 |
|
$ |
11,993 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
The table above excludes the following shares, each as of September 30, 2006:
25
Our historical net tangible book value as of September 30, 2006, was approximately $6.8 million, or $0.61 per share of common stock. Historical net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by 11,244,197 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006.
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2006 was approximately $8.6 million, or $0.64 per share of common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by 13,294,197 shares of common stock outstanding on a pro forma basis as of September 30, 2006. These pro forma numbers reflect the conversion of $1.75 million of our convertible notes and all of our convertible preferred stock into shares of our common stock.
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after the completion of this offering. After giving effect to our sale of shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our adjusted pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2006 would have been $ million, or $ per share of common stock. This amount represents an immediate increase of $ per share in our pro forma net tangible book value. It also represents an immediate dilution to new investors of $ per share. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
Assumed initial public offering price per share | $ | ||||||
Historical net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2006 | $ | 0.61 | |||||
Increase in historical net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2006 attributable to the automatic conversion of our outstanding convertible notes into 1,050,000 shares of common stock | 0.09 | ||||||
Decrease in historical net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2006 attributable to the automatic conversion of our convertible preferred stock into 1,000,000 shares of common stock | (0.06 | ) | |||||
|
|||||||
Net increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to conversion of our outstanding convertible notes and our convertible preferred stock | 0.03 | ||||||
|
|||||||
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Dilution per share to new investors |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of September 30, 2006, the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the aggregate cash consideration paid to us, and the average price per share paid by our existing stockholders and by new investors purchasing shares of common stock from us in this offering. These pro forma numbers reflect the automatic conversion of $1.75 million of our outstanding convertible notes and all of our convertible preferred stock into common stock. The calculation below is based on an
26
assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, before deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us:
|
Shares Purchased
|
Total Consideration
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Average
Price Per Share |
||||||||||||
|
Number
|
Percent
|
Amount
|
Percent
|
|||||||||
Existing stockholders | % | $ | % | $ | |||||||||
New investors | |||||||||||||
Total |
|
|
|
|
% |
$ |
|
|
|
% |
$ |
|
This discussion and table assume no exercise of any stock options or warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2006. As of September 30, 2006, there were outstanding options issued under our stock option plan to purchase a total of 3,244,500 shares of common stock with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.11 per share and warrants to purchase a total of 397,500 shares of common stock with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.35 per share. To the extent that any of these options or warrants are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. If all of these options and warrants are exercised, the percentage of shares sold by us in this offering compared to the total number of shares outstanding would decrease from % to %, the percentage of consideration paid by investors to us in this offering compared to the total consideration paid by all investors would decrease from % to % and the dilution per share to new investors would decrease from $ per share to $ per share.
27
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below are derived from our consolidated financial statements. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations data for the nine month periods ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2006, are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31,
2001 |
December 31,
2002 |
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,660 | $ | 13,994 | $ | 100,375 | $ | 143,659 | $ | 79,856 | $ | 56,552 | $ | 109,439 | ||||||||||
Cost of sales(1) | 3,035 | 12,147 | 86,107 | 133,503 | 73,892 | 52,482 | 93,971 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) |
|
|
(375 |
) |
|
1,847 |
|
|
14,268 |
|
|
10,156 |
|
|
5,964 |
|
|
4,070 |
|
|
15,468 |
|
||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Research and development(1) | 220 | 491 | 11,759 | 3,770 | 2,961 | 2,493 | 2,388 | |||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative(1) | 842 | 1,652 | 15,218 | 6,314 | 5,062 | 3,694 | 6,494 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
|
|
1,062 |
|
|
2,143 |
|
|
26,977 |
|
|
10,084 |
|
|
8,023 |
|
|
6,187 |
|
|
8,882 |
|
||
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(1,437 |
) |
|
(296 |
) |
|
(12,709 |
) |
|
72 |
|
|
(2,059 |
) |
|
(2,117 |
) |
|
6,586 |
|
||
Other expense, net | (154 | ) | (290 | ) | (879 | ) | (1,386 | ) | (1,200 | ) | (737 | ) | (1,596 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
(1,591 |
) |
|
(586 |
) |
|
(13,588 |
) |
|
(1,314 |
) |
|
(3,259 |
) |
|
(2,854 |
) |
|
4,990 |
|
||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | (632 | ) | 46 | 2,317 | (340 | ) | (912 | ) | (811 | ) | 1,896 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(959 |
) |
$ |
(632 |
) |
$ |
(15,905 |
) |
$ |
(974 |
) |
$ |
(2,347 |
) |
$ |
(2,043 |
) |
$ |
3,094 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Basic | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.28 | ||||
Diluted | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.21 | ||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Basic | 8,840 | 9,200 | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 11,072 | |||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 8,840 | 9,200 | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 15,248 |
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31,
2001 |
December 31,
2002 |
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||||||
Cost of sales | $ | | $ | | $ | 69 | $ | 29 | $ | 56 | $ | 23 | $ | 60 | |||||||
Research and development | | 371 | 9,733 | 80 | (52 | ) | (37 | ) | 71 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 87 | 424 | 10,872 | 141 | (65 | ) | (41 | ) | 316 |
28
|
December 31,
2001 |
December 31,
2002 |
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 59 | $ | 91 | $ | 1,907 | $ | 759 | $ | 953 | $ | 1,001 | ||||||
Total assets | 4,283 | 9,129 | 22,404 | 22,110 | 25,842 | 42,581 | ||||||||||||
Total debt(1) | 3,037 | 3,778 | 3,464 | 9,379 | 13,921 | 16,352 | ||||||||||||
Stockholders' equity | 621 | 754 | 5,981 | 5,261 | 2,855 | 6,812 |
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its fiscal year from a calendar year to a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The 2003, 2004 and 2005 fiscal years ended on December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and consisted of 52 weeks.
29
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed in this prospectus under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
We design, manufacture and sell high performance memory subsystems for the server, high performance computing and communications markets. Our memory subsystems consist of DRAM ICs and other components assembled on a PCB. We engage with our OEM customers from the earliest stages of new product definition, which provides us unique insight into their full range of system architecture and performance requirements. This close collaboration has also allowed us to develop a significant level of systems expertise. We leverage a portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques, including efficient planar design, alternative packaging techniques and custom semiconductor logic, to deliver memory subsystems with high memory density, small form factor, high signal integrity, attractive thermal characteristics and low cost per bit.
Due to their importance to overall system architecture and performance, our products must undergo lengthy qualification periods by our OEM customers, which may last up to six months. In addition, in order to penetrate large OEMs, we have typically been required to demonstrate our ability to meet strict standards for quality, customer service and turnaround time by first supplying lower complexity products into a limited range of high volume applications. For example, the initial products we sold to IBM were used in mobile computing applications. The majority of our sales of subsequent products to IBM have been for high-end server applications, our primary market focus. Consistent with the concentrated nature of the OEM customer base in our target markets, a small number of large customers have historically accounted for a significant portion of our net sales. Dell, IBM and Lenovo represented 35%, 20% and 13%, respectively, of our net sales in fiscal 2005, and 36%, 41% and 2%, respectively, of our net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. We expect that these customers will continue to represent a significant percentage of our net sales for at least the next 12 months.
We commenced operations in September 2000 and initially focused on memory subsystems for the telecommunications markets. Beginning in the second quarter of 2001, we shifted our focus to the server and high performance computing markets, due in large part to the telecommunications market downturn. In 2002, we became a qualified supplier for RLX Technologies, Inc., a blade server manufacturer. One of the products we initially developed for RLX, our proprietary 2-inch form factor, 1-gigabyte memory subsystem, led to the development of a range of additional memory subsystems.
We began qualifying our 2-inch form factor, 1-gigabyte memory subsystem with Dell in the second quarter of 2002 and started shipping it to Dell in the fourth quarter of 2002. Our sales to Dell continued to increase throughout fiscal 2003 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2004, as we began to ship more of our memory subsystems to a larger number of Dell facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia. During this time, we also qualified new products with other leading server and high performance computing OEMs. Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, issues associated with the transition from DDR to DDR2 DRAM architectures, including the requirement for new IC packaging, assembly and handling techniques, resulted in a significant decrease in our sales to Dell.
30
In response to this revenue decline, we carried out two workforce reductions in fiscal 2005 to reduce expenses and preserve cash. Our sales to Dell began to recover in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Also during fiscal 2005, our sales to IBM and Lenovo began to increase significantly.
Our sales to IBM continued to grow significantly in the first nine months of fiscal 2006, driven by high demand for IBM's line of blade servers that incorporates our proprietary very low profile memory subsystem. Sales to Dell also grew significantly as our DDR2 products began to ship in volume. In addition, we began shipments to other leading OEMs, including Gateway and Hewlett- Packard. We have several new products in various stages of qualification that we anticipate will be incorporated into additional platforms currently in development at our customers.
Key Business Metrics
The following describes certain line items in our statements of operations that are important to management's assessment of our financial performance:
Net Sales. Net sales consist primarily of sales of our high performance memory subsystems, net of a provision for estimated returns under our right of return policies, which range up to 30 days. We generally do not have long-term sales agreements with our customers. Although OEM customers typically provide us with non-binding forecasts of future product demand over specific periods of time, they generally place purchase orders with us approximately two weeks in advance of scheduled delivery. Selling prices are typically negotiated monthly, based on competitive market conditions and the current price of DRAM ICs. Purchase orders generally have no cancellation or rescheduling penalty provisions. We often ship our products to our customers' international manufacturing sites. All of our sales to date, however, are denominated in U.S. dollars. We also sell excess component inventory of DRAM ICs to distributors and other users of memory ICs. These sales accounted for 24% and 9% of our net sales in fiscal 2005 and the first nine months of fiscal 2006, respectively. We expect that component inventory sales will decrease as a percentage of net sales in future periods as we diversify our customer base and therefore are able to use components in a wider range of memory subsystems.
Cost of Sales. Our cost of sales includes the cost of materials, manufacturing costs, depreciation and amortization of equipment, inventory valuation provisions, and occupancy costs and other allocated fixed costs. The DRAM ICs incorporated into our products constitute a significant portion of our cost of sales, and thus our cost of sales will fluctuate based on the current price of DRAM ICs. We attempt to pass through such DRAM IC cost fluctuations to our customers by frequently renegotiating pricing prior to the placement of their purchase orders. To the extent we are successful, a large majority of our product cost is variable, and thus our cost of sales and gross margin percentages may not be significantly impacted by changes in sales volume. However, the sales prices of our memory subsystems can also fluctuate due to competitive situations unrelated to the pricing of DRAM ICs, which will affect gross margins. The gross margin on our sales of excess component DRAM IC inventory is much lower than the gross margin on our sales of our memory subsystems. As a result, a decrease in DRAM IC inventory sales as a percentage of our overall sales would result in an improved overall gross margin. We assess the valuation of our inventories on a monthly basis and record a provision to cost of sales as necessary to reduce inventories to the lower of cost or market value.
Research and Development. Research and development expense consists primarily of employee and independent contractor compensation and related costs, stock-based compensation, computer-aided design software licenses, reference design development costs, patent-related fees, depreciation or rental of evaluation equipment, and occupancy and other allocated overhead costs. Also included in research and development expense are the costs of material and overhead related to the production of engineering samples of new products under development or products used solely in the research and development process. Our customers typically do not separately
31
compensate us for design and engineering work involved in developing application-specific products for them. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. As we continue to develop additional proprietary technologies, we anticipate that research and development expenditures will increase.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and related costs, stock-based compensation, independent sales representative commissions, professional services, promotional and other selling and marketing expenses, and occupancy and other allocated overhead costs. A significant portion of our selling efforts is directed at building relationships with OEMs and working through the product approval and qualification process with them. Therefore, the cost of material and overhead related to products manufactured for qualification is included in selling expenses. As we continue to service existing and penetrate new OEM customers, we anticipate that our sales and marketing expenses will increase. We also anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase as a percentage of net sales as we incur accounting and legal expenses associated with our ongoing public reporting obligations and compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. Our income tax provision (benefit) is based on the statutory federal tax rate of 35% and is typically impacted by state taxes and other permanent differences, the largest of which relates to the amortization of deferred stock-based compensation expense.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We base our estimates on our historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and our beliefs of what could occur in the future considering available information. We review our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates, which may result in material adverse effects on our operating results and financial position. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve our more significant assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenues in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 104, Revenue Recognition . Under the provisions of SAB No. 104, we recognize revenues when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, product delivery and acceptance have occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
For all sales, we use a binding purchase order as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped for customers with FOB Shipping Point terms and upon receipt for customers with FOB Destination terms, at which time title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. Shipping documents are used to verify delivery and customer acceptance. We assess whether the sales price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund. Customers are generally allowed limited rights of return for up to 30 days, except for sales of excess inventories, which contain no right-of-return privileges. Estimated returns are provided for at the time of sale based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. Returns from customers have not been material in any period as our principal customers have adopted build-to-order manufacturing models or just-in-time management processes. We offer a standard product warranty to our customers and have no
32
other post-shipment obligations. We assess collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and evaluations, as well as the customer's payment history.
Most of our international shipments are made to third-party inventory warehouses, or hubs, and we recognize revenue when the inventory is pulled from the hub for use in production by the customer. We receive a report from the customer on a daily basis indicating the inventories pulled from a hub for use by the customer, and perform a daily reconciliation of inventories shipped to and pulled by the customer to those inventories reflected on the customer's reports to ensure that sales are recognized in the appropriate periods.
All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as net sales, while all costs incurred by us for shipping and handling are classified as cost of sales.
Warranty Reserve. We offer warranties on our memory subsystems generally ranging from one to three years, depending on the product and negotiated terms of purchase agreements with our customers. Such warranties require us to repair or replace defective product returned to us during such warranty period at no cost to the customer. Our estimates for warranty related costs are recorded at the time of sale based on historical and estimated future product return rates and expected repair or replacement costs. While such costs have historically been insignificant, unexpected changes in failure rates could have a material adverse impact on us.
Accounts Receivable. We perform credit evaluations of our customers' financial condition and limit the amount of credit extended to our customers as deemed necessary, but generally require no collateral. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Generally, these credit losses have been within our expectations and the provisions established. However, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience credit loss rates similar to those we have experienced in the past.
Our accounts receivable are highly concentrated among a small number of customers, and a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the collectibility of our accounts receivable, our liquidity and our future operating results.
Inventories. We value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture the inventory or the net realizable value of the inventory. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis and includes raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventories based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements for the next three to six months. Once established, write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess or obsolete inventories. A significant decrease in demand for our products could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory quantities on hand. In addition, our estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if our inventories are determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize additional expense in our cost of sales at the time of such determination. Likewise, if our inventories are determined to be undervalued, we may have over-reported our costs of sales in previous periods and would be required to recognize additional gross profit at the time such inventories are sold. Although we make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a material effect on the value of our inventories and our reported operating results.
Long-Lived Assets. We review the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
33
an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined based upon the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows from the operations to which the assets relate, utilizing our best estimates, appropriate assumptions and projections at the time. These projected future cash flows may vary significantly over time as a result of increased competition, changes in technology, fluctuations in demand, consolidation of our customers and reductions in average selling prices. If the carrying value is determined not to be recoverable from future operating cash flows, the asset is deemed impaired and an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair market value of the asset.
Stock-Based Compensation. We account for equity issuances to non-employees in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation , and Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods and Services . All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date used to determine the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the earlier of the date on which the third-party performance is complete or the date on which it is probable that performance will occur.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation issued to employees using the intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related pronouncements. Under this method, compensation expense was recognized over the respective vesting period based on the excess, on the date of grant, of the fair value of our common stock over the grant price, net of forfeitures. Deferred stock-based compensation was amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of each grant. During the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, was $20.7 million, $250,000 and $(61,000), respectively.
On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment , which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors related to our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan based on estimated fair values. We adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of our fiscal year 2006. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our consolidated statement of operations. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The estimated average forfeiture rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 of 8% was based on historical forfeiture experience and estimated future employee forfeitures. In our pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123 for the periods prior to fiscal 2006, we accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.
Employee stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123(R) for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $436,000, determined by the Black-Scholes valuation model. As of September 30, 2006, total unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock options was $3,483,000, which is expected to be recognized as an expense
34
over a weighted-average period of approximately 4 years. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Income Taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying values and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If we operate at a loss for an extended period of time or are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to record a valuation allowance against all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets which could substantially increase our effective tax rate for such period. Any significant changes in statutory tax rates or the amount of our valuation allowance could have a material effect on the value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and our reported financial results.
Our current effective tax rate is approximately 38%. We expect this rate to decrease if we generate profits from our planned manufacturing facility in China in fiscal 2007. This decrease is expected to be attributable to the favorable tax treatment available in the region in which we intend to establish our operation. The magnitude of the decrease is not known, as we have not finalized our tax strategy as it relates to the planned China operation.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net sales |
|
$ |
100,375 |
|
$ |
143,659 |
|
$ |
79,856 |
|
$ |
56,552 |
|
$ |
109,439 |
|
|||
Cost of sales(1) | 86,107 | 133,503 | 73,892 | 52,482 | 93,971 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 14,268 | 10,156 | 5,964 | 4,070 | 15,468 | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Research and development(1) | 11,759 | 3,770 | 2,961 | 2,493 | 2,388 | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative(1) | 15,218 | 6,314 | 5,062 | 3,694 | 6,494 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 26,977 | 10,084 | 8,023 | 6,187 | 8,882 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(12,709 |
) |
|
72 |
|
|
(2,059 |
) |
|
(2,117 |
) |
|
6,586 |
|
|||
Other expense, net | (879 | ) | (1,386 | ) | (1,200 | ) | (737 | ) | (1,596 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
(13,588 |
) |
|
(1,314 |
) |
|
(3,259 |
) |
|
(2,854 |
) |
|
4,990 |
|
|||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 2,317 | (340 | ) | (912 | ) | (811 | ) | 1,896 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (15,905 | ) | $ | (974 | ) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | (2,043 | ) | $ | 3,094 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||
Cost of sales |
|
$ |
69 |
|
$ |
29 |
|
$ |
56 |
|
$ |
23 |
|
$ |
60 |
Research and development | 9,733 | 80 | (52 | ) | (37 | ) | 71 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 10,872 | 141 | (65 | ) | (41 | ) | 316 |
35
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||
Net sales |
|
100.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
||
Cost of sales | 85.7 | 92.9 | 92.5 | 92.8 | 85.9 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Gross profit | 14.3 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.2 | 14.1 | ||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Research and development | 11.7 | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 2.2 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 15.2 | 4.4 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 5.9 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total operating expenses | 26.9 | 7.0 | 10.1 | 10.9 | 8.1 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
|
(12.6 |
) |
0.1 |
|
(2.6 |
) |
(3.7 |
) |
6.0 |
|
||
Other expense, net | (0.9 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (1.5 | ) | (1.3 | ) | (1.5 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
(13.5 |
) |
(0.9 |
) |
(4.1 |
) |
(5.0 |
) |
4.5 |
|
||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 2.3 | (0.2 | ) | (1.1 | ) | (1.4 | ) | 1.7 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss) | (15.8 | )% | (0.7 | )% | (3.0 | )% | (3.6 | )% | 2.8 | % | |||
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to the Nine Months Ended
October 1, 2005
Net Sales. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $109.4 million, an increase of $52.9 million, or 94%, over the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Approximately $35.8 million of the increase was attributable to higher unit sales of our very low profile memory subsystems. In addition, DDR2 server memory subsystem sales increased by $21.1 million and DDR subsystem sales decreased by $7.4 million due to customers transitioning to DDR2 architectures. Sales of memory subsystems used to control redundant arrays of independent disks (RAIDs) commenced late in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and contributed $10.2 million to the increase in revenues. Finally, sales of laptop and desktop personal computer, or PC, memory subsystems decreased $9.8 million as we focused on sales of higher margin server memory subsystems.
Sales of our component inventory to distributors and other users of memory ICs represented 9% and 27% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively. We expect that component inventory sales will decrease as a percentage of net sales in future periods as we diversify our customer base and therefore are able to use components in a wider range of memory subsystems.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $15.5 million, an increase of $11.4 million, or 280%, over the comparable period in fiscal 2005. Gross margin increased to 14.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from 7.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The increase in both gross profit and gross margin is primarily attributable to increased sales of our very low profile memory subsystems and memory subsystems to control RAIDs, which generate higher margins due to their innovative design, as well as lower margin products becoming a smaller portion of our overall product sales mix.
Research and Development. Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $2.4 million, a decrease of $0.1 million compared to the same period in fiscal 2005. The decrease is related in part to a reduction of personnel that occurred in the third
36
quarter of fiscal 2005, as well as a recovery of costs through the liquidation of engineering samples. These decreases were offset by an increase in stock-based compensation.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $6.5 million, an increase of $2.8 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2005. The increase is attributable to higher sales commissions related to increased net sales, increased salaries and related costs due to an increase in personnel, higher costs related to qualification of new products at customers, increased stock-based compensation, and a provision for bad debt of approximately $0.4 million related to a single distribution customer.
Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net, for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $1.6 million, an increase of $0.9 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2005 due to higher interest expense related to increased borrowings under our revolving line of credit and convertible notes payable.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $1.9 million compared to an income tax benefit of $0.4 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2005. The change was due to our attaining profitability in fiscal 2006.
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended January 1, 2005
Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $79.9 million, a decrease of $63.8 million, or 44%, from the year ended January 1, 2005. This decrease was due to a $72.6 million decrease in net sales to one key customer, partially offset by the commencement of shipments of our very low profile subsystem during fiscal 2005. The decrease in net sales to the key customer was attributable to its shift in memory technology from DDR to DDR2. Our net sales decreased significantly as the key customer delayed qualifying new suppliers during this transition.
Sales of our component inventory to distributors and other users of memory ICs represented 24% and 20% of net sales in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, respectively. The increase in the proportion of component sales was due to the overall decrease in net sales, as sales of component inventory decreased $8.9 million from fiscal 2004.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $6.0 million a decrease of $4.2 million, or 41%, from fiscal 2004. Gross margin increased to 7.5% in fiscal 2005 from 7.1% in fiscal 2004. The decrease in gross profit was attributable to the overall decrease in net sales. The increase in gross margin was attributable to the higher margins realized on sales of our very low profile memory subsystems compared to our other products.
Research and Development. Research and development expenses in fiscal 2005 were $3.0 million, a decrease of $0.8 million from fiscal 2004. This decrease was attributable to reductions in personnel, a decrease in stock-based compensation expense due to forfeitures of equity awards related to personnel reductions, as well as a recovery of costs through the liquidation of engineering samples.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative costs in fiscal 2005 were $5.1 million, a decrease of $1.2 million compared to fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily related to the absence in fiscal 2005 of costs incurred in fiscal 2004 related to our proposed equity financing through an initial public offering. These offering-related costs totaled $1.0 million in fiscal 2004.
Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net, in fiscal 2005 was $1.2 million, a decrease of $0.2 million compared to fiscal 2004. The decrease was related to a reduction in interest expense due to decreased usage of accounts receivable financing related to a key customer.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. The benefit for income taxes in fiscal 2005 increased $0.6 million compared to fiscal 2004 due to the increased pre-tax losses in fiscal 2005.
37
Year Ended January 1, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 27, 2003
Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended January 1, 2005 were $143.7 million, an increase of $43.3 million, or 43%, from the year ended December 27, 2003. This increase was entirely due to increased net sales to one key customer of our 2-inch form factor planar memory subsystem.
Sales of our component inventory to distributors and other users of memory ICs represented 20% and 20% of net sales in fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. Although sales of component inventory increased $10.4 million from 2003, the proportion of component sales remained constant due to the overall increase in net sales.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit for the year ended January 1, 2005 was $10.2 million, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 29%, from fiscal 2003. Gross margin decreased to 7.1% in fiscal 2004 from 14.3% in fiscal 2003. The decrease in both gross profit and gross margin was attributable to price decreases related to the deteriorating cost advantage of our 2-inch form factor planar memory subsystem relative to competing alternatives.
Research and Development. Research and development expenses in fiscal 2004 were $3.8 million, a decrease of $8.0 million from fiscal 2003. This decrease was attributable to the absence in fiscal 2004 of $9.7 million of stock-based compensation expense incurred in fiscal 2003 related to the forgiveness of debt used to purchase restricted stock by one of our company's founders, offset by an increase in personnel and higher material and overhead costs related to production of engineering samples.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative costs in fiscal 2004 were $6.3 million, a decrease of $8.9 million compared to fiscal 2003. This decrease was primarily related to the absence in fiscal 2004 of $10.0 million in stock-based compensation expense incurred in fiscal 2003 related to the forgiveness of debt used to purchase restricted stock by one of our company's founders, offset by costs incurred in fiscal 2004 related to our proposed equity financing via an initial public offering. These offering-related costs totaled $1.0 million. In addition, we incurred higher material and overhead costs related to qualification of our products at customers.
Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net, in fiscal 2004 was $1.4 million, an increase of $0.5 million compared to fiscal 2003. The increase was related to interest costs due to higher borrowings under our revolving line of credit.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. The benefit for income taxes was $0.3 million in fiscal 2004 compared to an income tax provision of $2.3 million in fiscal 2003. The change was due to our incurring pre-tax losses in fiscal 2004 compared to pre-tax income before stock-based compensation expenses in fiscal 2003.
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
The following table presents our unaudited quarterly statements of operations for each of the four fiscal quarters in the year ended December 31, 2005, for the quarter ended April 1, 2006, for the quarter ended July 1, 2006, and for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. You should read the following table in conjunction with our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this prospectus. We have prepared the underlying unaudited financial statements on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, which include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the quarters presented. Operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future periods.
38
|
Three Months Ended,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
April 2,
2005 |
July 2,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
April 1,
2006 |
July 1,
2006 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales |
|
$ |
20,956 |
|
$ |
15,539 |
|
$ |
20,057 |
|
$ |
23,304 |
|
$ |
26,020 |
|
$ |
39,914 |
|
$ |
43,505 |
||
Cost of sales | 20,087 | 14,232 | 18,163 | 21,410 | 23,466 | 33,981 | 36,524 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 869 | 1,307 | 1,894 | 1,894 | 2,554 | 5,933 | 6,981 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | 916 | 960 | 617 | 468 | 666 | 848 | 874 | ||||||||||||||||
Selling, general & administrative | 1,194 | 1,106 | 1,394 | 1,368 | 1,803 | 2,108 | 2,583 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 2,110 | 2,066 | 2,011 | 1,836 | 2,469 | 2,956 | 3,457 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(1,241 |
) |
|
(759 |
) |
|
(117 |
) |
|
58 |
|
|
85 |
|
|
2,977 |
|
|
3,524 |
||
Other expense, net | 248 | 235 | 254 | 463 | 410 | 534 | 652 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
(1,489 |
) |
|
(994 |
) |
|
(371 |
) |
|
(405 |
) |
|
(325 |
) |
|
2,443 |
|
|
2,872 |
||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | (399 | ) | (296 | ) | (116 | ) | (101 | ) | (83 | ) | 895 | 1,084 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,090 | ) | $ | (698 | ) | $ | (255 | ) | $ | (304 | ) | $ | (242 | ) | $ | 1,548 | $ | 1,788 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Basic | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.16 | ||||
Diluted | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.12 | ||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 10,672 | 10,672 | 10,673 | 10,673 | 10,753 | 11,223 | 11,235 | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 10,672 | 10,672 | 10,673 | 10,673 | 10,753 | 15,681 | 15,401 |
Historically, our quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly. These fluctuations are primarily attributable to the cyclical nature of the industry in which we operate, including changes in revenue related to additions of new customers, the ramp up of new products, products reaching the end of their life cycles, customers' technology transitions, and other similar reasons. As a result, we believe that the period-to-period comparisons of our net sales and operating results are not necessarily meaningful measures of future operating performance and should not be relied upon as indications of that future performance. We expect that our future operating results will fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, which may make it difficult to predict our future performance and could cause our stock price to fluctuate and decline.
39
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unuadited)
|
|||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 3,659 | $ | (6,567 | ) | $ | (4,608 | ) | $ | (1,770 | ) | $ | (1,433 | ) | |||
Investing activities | (1,515 | ) | (496 | ) | 1,332 | (464 | ) | (914 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities | (328 | ) | 5,915 | 3,470 | 950 | 2,395 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,816 | $ | (1,148 | ) | $ | 194 | $ | (1,284 | ) | $ | 48 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
Since our inception in 2000, we have financed our operations primarily through issuances of equity and debt securities and cash generated from operations. We received gross proceeds of $2.0 million from the sale of shares of our capital stock in 2000. During 2001 and fiscal 2003, we received total proceeds of approximately $1.8 million from the sale of convertible notes. During fiscal 2005, we received total proceeds of $1.0 million from the sale of convertible notes. In August and September 2006, we received total proceeds of $2.0 million under a new term loan facility. We have also funded our operations with a revolving line of credit under our bank credit facility, from capitalized lease obligations, financing of receivables and from the sale and leaseback of our manufacturing facility. Availability under our revolving line of credit decreased to $800,000 at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2005 due to a reduction in our borrowing base caused by the decrease in revenue from Dell. Availability has increased to $6.7 million as of September 30, 2006 due to an increase in our borrowing base primarily as a result of revenue growth during fiscal 2006.
Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $1.4 million compared to $1.8 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. This change was due to an increase in cash flow related to net income of $5.1 million offset by a decrease in cash flow related to accounts receivable of $6.0 million due to a higher proportion of net sales being generated by customers with longer payment terms; a decrease in cash flow related to net inventory of $9.2 million as we increased inventory levels to support higher sales volumes; and an increase in cash flow related to accounts payable of $7.1 million as we trade financed our inventory increase and other operating expenses. In addition, cash flow related to income taxes receivable and payable increased $1.7 million as we attained profitability in the first half of fiscal 2006 and started to accumulate income tax liability that will be paid later in fiscal 2006.
Cash used in operating activities for fiscal 2005 was $4.6 million compared to $6.6 million in fiscal 2004. This change was attributable to a decrease in cash flow related to net loss of $1.4 million, a decrease in cash flow related to accounts receivable of $0.8 million due to a higher proportion of sales being generated by customers with longer payment terms, and a decrease in cash flow related to inventories of $2.2 million. These declines were offset by an increase in cash flow related to accounts payable of $4.0 million and an increase in cash flow related to income taxes of $2.9 million as we continued to incur losses, did not have to pay income taxes and received a tax refund in fiscal 2005 as a result of carrying back net operating losses to prior years.
Cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2004 was $6.6 million compared to cash generated by operating activities of $3.7 million in fiscal 2003. This change was primarily due to a decrease in
40
cash flow related to net loss of $5.5 million, before stock compensation charges, a decrease in cash flow related to accounts receivable of $1.4 million due to higher sales volumes, a decrease in cash flow related to accounts payable of $7.5 million, and a decrease in cash flow related to income taxes of $5.8 million as we paid prior tax liabilities and increased refunds receivable due to tax losses in the year. These decreases were offset by an increase in cash flow related to inventories of $10.7 million as we transitioned from building inventory in fiscal 2003 to lower inventory levels as volumes with one of our key customers decreased.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $0.9 million compared to $0.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. This change was attributable to manufacturing equipment purchases required to support increased sales volumes.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.3 million in fiscal 2005 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $0.5 million in fiscal 2004. This change is attributable to the proceeds of $1.8 million from the sale of the building containing our manufacturing operation in fiscal 2005 to raise capital to fund our operations. We currently lease back the building, and there was no disruption of manufacturing due to this transaction.
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.5 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $1.5 million in fiscal 2003. This change is attributable to reductions in capital expenditures as our manufacturing facility became fully equipped and the liquidation of a certificate of deposit of $0.5 million that had previously been required to collateralize a letter of credit.
Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.4 million compared to $1.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. This change was primarily due to funding of the new term loan facility during fiscal 2006.
Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2005 was $3.5 million compared to $5.9 million in fiscal 2004. This change is attributable to approximately $1.4 million less in net borrowings against our revolving line of credit and an increase in net payments on capital leases and other debt of $1.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2004 was $5.9 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $0.3 million in fiscal 2003. This change was primarily attributable to increased usage of our revolving line of credit to finance working capital needs as a result of our accelerating growth.
Capital Resources
In July 2006, we amended our credit agreement with our bank. The credit agreement, as amended, provides for a revolving line of credit with borrowings of up to $25 million, a term loan with borrowings of up to $2 million, and an equipment financing line of credit with borrowings of up to $2 million. Prior to July 2006, the credit agreement provided for a revolving line of credit of $15 million and no term loan or equipment line of credit. In August 2006, we used approximately $1 million of the proceeds from the term loan to repay convertible debt of $950,000 plus accrued interest that had become due and payable. The interest rate under the term loan is currently, and is expected to continue to be, less than that of the convertible debt repaid.
Under the revolving line of credit, we may borrow up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus the least of (i) a percentage of eligible inventory determined from time to time by our bank, (ii) 80% of the appraised orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and (iii) $7 million. Interest is payable monthly at prime plus 0.5% (prime plus 3.5% prior to July 2006). Outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit were $11.2 million as of September 30, 2006 and
41
$9.5 million as of December 31, 2005. Borrowing availability as of September 30, 2006 was $6.7 million.
Under the new equipment financing line of credit, we may borrow up to 80% of the cost of equipment purchases up to the maximum of $2 million. Interest on equipment line of credit advances is prime plus 0.5%. Principal is due monthly through the maturity date of the credit agreement in July 2008, when all unpaid principal and interest is due.
The term loan is amortized and paid monthly from September 2006 through July 2008. Interest is at prime plus 0.5%. Should we successfully complete an initial public offering of our stock, such as this offering, during the term of the credit agreement, we will be required to fully repay the term loan upon the closing of the initial public offering.
Under the terms of the credit agreement, as amended, we are required to comply with certain financial and other covenants. The financial covenants require us to achieve minimum book net worth on a monthly basis, minimum net income on a quarterly basis, and limit annual capital expenditures under a defined annual cap. Also, we are required to achieve a minimum debt service coverage ratio in relation to the term loan and equipment line of credit. While we are currently in compliance with all financial covenants and expect to maintain compliance for the foreseeable future, we have in the past been in violation of one or more covenants. As of December 31, 2005, January 28, 2006 and February 25, 2006, we were not in compliance with covenants related to minimum book net worth, maximum year to date and monthly net loss as a result of the unanticipated decline in our revenues in fiscal 2005 and early fiscal 2006 as compared to the forecasts that were utilized to establish the covenants. A delay in the delivery of audited financial statements for fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2005 due to turnover in staffing within our finance department caused us to violate another covenant. Our finance staffing has been stabilized since the beginning of fiscal 2006. In April 2006, we received a waiver from our lender for all of these covenant violations. We cannot assure you that we will not violate one or more covenants in the future. If we were to be in violation of covenants under our credit agreement, our lender could choose to accelerate payment on all outstanding loan balances. There can be no assurance that we would be able to quickly obtain equivalent or suitable replacement financing in this event. If we were not able to secure alternative sources of funding, such acceleration would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.
We have in the past utilized equipment leasing arrangements to finance capital expenditures. Equipment leases will continue to be a financing alternative that we may pursue in the future.
We believe our existing cash balances, borrowing availability under our bank credit facility, and the cash expected to be generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our levels of net sales, the timing and extent of expenditures to support research and development activities, the expansion of manufacturing capacity both domestically and internationally and the continued market acceptance of our products. We could be required, or may choose, to seek additional funding through public or private equity or debt financings. In addition, in connection with any future acquisitions, we may require additional funding which may be provided in the form of additional debt or equity financing or a combination thereof. These additional funds may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
42
Contractual Obligations
The following table outlines our principal obligations and commitments, excluding periodic interest payments, as of December 31, 2005:
|
Within
One Year |
1-3 Years
|
4-5 Years
|
After 5 Years
|
Total
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||
Scheduled payments under contractual obligations: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 290 | $ | 127 | $ | 6 | $ | | $ | 423 | ||||||
Convertible notes | 1,000 | 1,750 | | | 2,750 | |||||||||||
Capital lease obligations | 431 | 739 | 115 | | 1,285 | |||||||||||
Operating leases | 216 | 301 | 256 | | 773 | |||||||||||
Purchase commitments | 655 | | | | 655 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total | 2,592 | 2,917 | 377 | | 5,886 | |||||||||||
Potential cash requirements under existing commitments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit | 500 | | | | 500 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,092 | $ | 2,917 | $ | 377 | $ | | $ | 6,386 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
We believe that funds expected to be generated from future operations will be sufficient to satisfy these contractual obligations and commercial commitments and that the ultimate payments associated with these commitments will not have a material adverse impact on our liquidity position.
In addition, as of September 2006, we had certain commitments with one of our executive officers pursuant to an employment agreement with that officer. For further information, see "ManagementEmployment Agreements."
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
In December 2005, we dismissed Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm and engaged Corbin and Company, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Our board of directors approved this change.
Prior to the dismissal, we did not consult with Corbin and Company, LLP regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or contemplated transaction or any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event. We also did not consult with Corbin and Company, LLP regarding the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements.
Deloitte & Touche LLP's report on our consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2005, and for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2005, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. There were no disagreements with Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our bank credit facility because borrowings under all lines under the facility are variable rate borrowings, generally at prime plus 0.5%. Assuming that all lines under the facility are fully drawn and holding other variables constant, each 1.0% increase in interest rates on our variable rate borrowings will result in
43
an increase in annual interest expense and a decrease in our cash flows and income before taxes of approximately $0.3 million per year. We do not use derivative instruments to hedge the interest rate risk related to our credit facility.
Upon completion of this offering, some of the proceeds may be invested in securities which may be subject to market risk for changes in interest rates. To mitigate this risk, we plan to maintain a portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of securities, which may include commercial paper, money market funds, government and non-government debt securities. Currently, we are exposed to minimal market risks.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not have any undisclosed borrowings or debt, and we have not entered into any synthetic leases. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 . SFAS No. 151 amends ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) should be recognized as current period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS No. 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issue date of the statement. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment , which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors using a fair value method and to record such expense in our consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method. The impact of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) is described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Interpretation requires that we recognize in the financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosures. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
44
Overview
We design and manufacture high performance memory subsystems. We sell our subsystems to OEMs in the server, high performance computing and communications markets. Within these markets, we target applications in which memory plays a key role in enabling overall system performance. Our memory subsystems are incorporated into multiple platforms at IBM, Dell, Gateway, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard. Our subsystems are designed and manufactured to specifically address the high performance needs of these customers' systems.
We collaborate with our OEM customers in the earliest stages of their new product design cycles. This collaboration provides us with unique insight into the OEM's system architecture and performance requirements and expands our systems expertise. In addition, we have developed a portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques to meet OEM needs, including efficient planar design, alternative packaging techniques and custom semiconductor logic. As a result, we are able to design application-specific memory subsystems with optimal combinations of high memory density, small form factor, high signal integrity, effective heat dissipation and low cost per bit. We also offer our OEM customers flexible order fulfillment and rapid turnaround times.
Industry Background
Memory is a Critical Element of Virtually All Electronic Systems
Semiconductor memory is a fundamental element of electronic systems. It is used in virtually every computing, communications, consumer electronics, defense, aerospace and industrial application. Some of the most memory-intensive applications include high-end PCs, servers, workstations, storage systems, routers, and switches. Other memory-intensive applications include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and digital audio players. Memory is particularly important in systems requiring greater processing power and higher functionality, and comprises a significant portion of the total cost of materials. For example, we believe that memory comprises up to two-thirds of the total cost of materials for a typical blade server.
The market for memory is large and rapidly growing. In 2005, the most common type of memory, DRAM, generated $25.2 billion of revenue, or 51% of global memory revenue, according to the market research firm Gartner Dataquest. Gartner Dataquest further estimates that worldwide DRAM shipments will grow at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 54.6%, from 238 billion megabytes in 2005, to 1.36 trillion megabytes in 2009.
The market for servers is growing, and the amount of memory in these servers is increasing. For example, market research firm International Data Corporation, or IDC, noted in an April 2006 report that it expects server shipments to grow from 7.0 million in 2005 to 10.7 million in 2009, representing a CAGR of 10.9%, and it noted in a December 2005 report that the amount of DRAM memory in those servers is expected to increase at a higher CAGR of 26.6%. These market projections underscore the continuing importance of memory in electronic systems.
Designing Sufficient Memory into Advanced Systems Has Become Increasingly Difficult
Memory-intensive applications continually evolve to keep pace with end user demands for higher performance, as measured by speed, functionality, or smaller physical size. OEMs develop new technologies and innovative system architectures to meet these requirements. For example, enterprise computing has migrated toward network and Internet computing models that rely upon high performance servers and storage systems. In telecommunications, the emergence of the Internet Protocol has led OEMs to develop switches and routers that offer enhanced functionality and services. Consumer electronics are also converging to offer both communications and
45
computing functionality in ever smaller form factors and at lower prices. Each successive generation of these new systems is increasingly sophisticated.
As OEMs continue to develop new generations of higher performance electronic systems, designing the requisite amount of memory into increasingly complex system architectures has become a significant challenge. Shrinking form factors and higher performance demands require low profile, high-density memory subsystems that operate at high speeds. This poses significant challenges for system designers. For example, shrinking form factors necessitate tight spacing between memory ICs and require new methods of heat dissipation. The migration to more powerful, multi-processor architectures increases this design challenge. System designs must ensure optimal electronic signal integrity and efficient board layout to capture the performance benefits of these technological advances. OEM designs for high performance systems with powerful processors and high density memory typically employ unique system architectures. As a result, these systems require application-specific memory subsystems with distinct memory capacities and configurations.
Servers illustrate the increasing complexity and importance of innovative memory design in high performance systems. Servers play an important role in the enterprise information technology infrastructure, as they execute a broad range of functions, including email communication, video streaming, data mining, data warehousing and web-based services. These servers require high performance microprocessors and large memory capacities to support multiple functions, concurrent users and increasingly complex applications. Strong market demand, coupled with OEM efforts to increase system performance while reducing total cost of ownership, has fueled the development of innovative server architectures such as low-profile blade servers. According to a September 2006 IDC report, blade server shipments are expected to grow from 502,900 in 2005 to approximately 3.2 million in 2010, representing a 45.1% CAGR. Furthermore, IDC projects end-user spending on blade servers will represent 18% of the worldwide server market by 2010.
Blade servers are characterized by small physical size and shape, which allows for dense configuration in a high performance computing cluster. These clusters occupy less space than traditional rack-mounted servers, and can achieve supercomputing performance at a fraction of the cost. In addition, blade servers are rapidly migrating to 2-way and 4-way processor systems to achieve greater computing performance, but the use of multi-processor architectures requires an accompanying increase in system memory capacity. For example, a server with a 4-way processor could require four times the memory of a typical single processor server. Blade servers' small form factors, typically with a vertical height of less than 1.75 inches, or 1-U, create significant memory subsystem design challenges. Blade servers may have up to 64 gigabytes of memory, and designing such large densities of memory into a low profile system faces numerous physical constraints. For example, high density memories concentrate heat in a tight space, yet temperature variations of as little as a few degrees can lead to systemic failure.
The Traditional Memory Supply Chain Cannot Deliver High Performance Memory Solutions
Memory ICs are typically assembled together on a card, or module, before being incorporated into electronic systems. Memory modules save valuable motherboard space in an electronic system, allow for the use of different types and densities of memory in the same system, and facilitate subsequent upgrading of the memory to a different type or density. According to iSuppli, a market research firm, the global DRAM module market was $21.4 billion in 2005, representing 86% of the total DRAM market.
Most DRAM memory modules sold to OEMs have traditionally been produced by the same companies that manufacture DRAM ICs. In an effort to continually reduce costs and achieve higher memory densities, DRAM manufacturers typically operate their own fabrication facilities and use
46
leading edge manufacturing processes, which require multi-billion dollar capital investments. To maximize capacity utilization and reduce unit costs, DRAM manufacturers have historically focused on the highest volume applications, such as PCs, to recoup their investments. Memory modules used in PCs employ industry standard configurations, are largely commoditized, and require limited systems expertise to develop. Therefore, DRAM manufacturers generally have not focused on developing the systems expertise necessary to produce application-specific memory subsystems that incorporate small form factors, high speed, optimal thermal characteristics and signal integrity.
DRAM manufacturers have historically attempted to address increased demands for memory in electronic systems by developing new generations of memory ICs with increased density. For example, the density of a 1 gigabyte memory module comprised of eighteen 512 megabit ICs can be doubled to 2 gigabytes by using eighteen 1 gigabit ICs. This approach of using next-generation ICs, however, can be problematic for OEMs. When first introduced, next-generation DRAM ICs are only available in limited supply and typically command a premium price on a per-byte basis compared to current-generation DRAM ICs. Next-generation DRAM ICs can sell at prices up to ten times higher than current-generation ICs at introduction, and it may take as long as five years to achieve price parity between the generations. Thus, the increasing demand for higher density memory solutions exceeds the pace at which memory IC manufacturers are able to cost-effectively produce next-generation memory ICs and reduce the cost of current-generation memory ICs. One approach to addressing the need for high density memories in a more cost-effective manner is the stacking of memory ICs, or chip-stacking. Chip-stacking is a process in which DRAM ICs are stacked prior to assembly of the memory subsystem. For example, a 4 gigabyte memory module can be made with 36 stacks of two 512 megabit ICs. While it can be less expensive than non-stacked solutions, stacking costs can still constitute a significant portion of the cost of materials for a memory module.
Other industry dynamics are reducing the DRAM manufacturers' focus on the high density DRAM subsystems market. In an effort to achieve greater diversification and profitability, the largest DRAM manufacturers have dedicated increasing design resources and manufacturing capacity to non-DRAM products such as flash memory and complementary metal oxide semiconductor, or CMOS, image sensors, further decreasing their desire and ability to supply high performance, application-specific memory subsystems that may sell in relatively low volumes. In addition, an increasing portion of global DRAM supply is being manufactured by integrated device manufacturers and third party foundries that lack back-end capability beyond wafer fabrication. In contrast to traditional DRAM manufacturers with fully integrated operations, these companies generally lack the internal packaging and assembly capabilities to produce modules. The most recently established DRAM manufacturers have focused on commodity-driven, mass-production business models rather than the memory module market.
A Need for High Performance Memory Subsystem Suppliers Exists Today
Historically, many OEMs designed and manufactured their memory ICs and subsystems in-house. However, the increasing complexity of systems, proliferation of different platforms, continuing evolution of industry standards, increasing need for customization and OEM desire to reduce capital investments are driving OEMs to purchase ICs and subsystems from specialized suppliers focused on developing innovative subsystem solutions. These suppliers require extensive systems expertise to engage with the OEM customer throughout the product development cycle to produce a highly differentiated memory solution that addresses the issues and constraints specific to a particular high-end system. Since industry-standard products are inadequate, these solution providers must employ innovative technologies, such as efficient planar design, alternative packaging techniques and custom semiconductor logic design capabilities, to develop memory subsystems customized for OEMs' specific systems. OEMs also require these suppliers to meet a number of
47
additional criteria beyond innovation, such as low cost, rapid time-to-market and high product quality.
Our Solution
We provide high performance memory subsystems to the server, high performance computing and communications markets. We utilize our innovative and proprietary technology, as well as our extensive systems expertise, to bridge the gap between industry standard approaches and the requirements of complex OEM systems. Our application-specific solutions provide customers with the following key benefits:
Highly Differentiated Memory Solutions Through Deep Customer Engagement. We work closely with our OEM customers, from the earliest stages of new product definition through the ramp up to mass production, to develop and deliver application-specific memory subsystems which address the full range of system architecture and performance requirements. Our close, collaborative relationships with our OEM customers give us early insight both into their current needs and into future technology trends. In addition, our in-depth systems expertise, coupled with our ability to customize solutions, enables our OEM customers to offer differentiated products that feature high levels of performance while improving reliability and, in some cases, reducing cost.
High Performance Through Proprietary Technologies and Design Techniques. We have developed a portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques to achieve optimal electronic signal strength and integrity, high memory density and improved heat dissipation. For example, our innovative printed circuit board, or PCB, designs enhance electronic signal integrity, allowing our customers to design and market products that operate at the highest commercially available speeds, such as the DDR2 specification, which is designed to operate at speeds up to 800 MHz. Another technique we utilize is to embed passive devices within the PCB, thereby freeing valuable board space to reduce form factors and improve signal integrity. Our solutions also address the system-level thermal issues encountered at high operating speeds via such innovations as planar designs and proprietary heat dissipation technologies that allow us to minimize heat concentrations within the system.
High Quality and Reliability. We perform a full range of product reliability testing and share the results with our customers on an on-going basis. We use advanced design tools to simulate accurately the system performance targets of our customers and to ensure that our products comply with our customers' specifications. All of our memory subsystems undergo both functional and system burn-in testing prior to delivery to our customers. We complement our test capabilities with advanced imaging technology to inspect the quality of our micro ball grid array, or microBGA, assemblies. We believe that our testing procedures significantly enhance the quality and reliability of our products.
Rapid Order Fulfillment Capability. We operate our manufacturing facility in a manner that maximizes our ability to meet changing customer demand. Our turn-around times are typically one week or less, and in some cases as few as two days, which allows us to match unforeseen customer demand and to provide our OEM customers with timely access to products.
Cost-Effective Memory Solutions. We provide high performance memory subsystems at what we believe to be the lowest cost per bit for many applications. Our portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques allow us to use cost-effective, current generation DRAM ICs and in some cases avoid additional costs from chip-stacking to significantly lower the cost of our memory subsystems. Additionally, the superior thermal characteristics and electronic signal integrity of our subsystems helps OEMs reduce costs through simplified system design.
48
Our Strategy
Our objective is to be the leading provider of high performance memory subsystems. Key elements of our strategy include:
Further Sales Penetration of Existing Customers. Our current OEM customer base has a large and diversified portfolio of system platforms that require high performance memory solutions. Today, we sell our products into a relatively small number of those platforms. As our relationships continue to develop with each of our existing customers, we will seek to provide them with memory solutions for a greater number of their existing and future platforms. A memory subsystem supplier's track record of quality and reliability is an important factor in a customer's purchase decision for each individual platform. We believe that our demonstrated ability to deliver high quality products meeting stringent customer demands will facilitate the adoption of our products into additional platforms with these OEMs. We believe that in some cases we will be able to migrate into these additional platforms with products that are already qualified for use by the customer, thereby significantly decreasing the time and expense required to bring that particular product to market with that customer.
Establish Relationships with New Customers. We will continue to dedicate significant sales and marketing resources to establish new relationships with industry-leading OEMs. We are particularly focused on customers for whom memory subsystem performance is a key determinant of overall system performance. Our sales team, which includes field application engineers, engages with OEMs to understand their memory subsystem requirements, identify and deliver the optimal solution to meet those requirements, and assist with the implementation of that solution within the OEMs' overall system architecture. We believe that engaging with these prospective customers at an early stage of their system development will facilitate the adoption of our products, grow sales volumes and help us to gain additional insight into market and technology trends.
Target New Applications and Product Opportunities. We have applied our technology successfully to a broad range of server products, from rack-mounted and tower servers to low-profile blade servers and other space constrained server applications, although we currently rely on the server market for most of our revenues. We intend to develop additional memory solutions, using both DRAM and flash memory, based on our core technology capabilities. In particular, we intend to develop flash memory solutions to penetrate the communications, industrial and embedded systems markets, targeting OEM applications that require high densities of non-volatile memory.
Continue to Invest in the Development of Proprietary Technology. We intend to actively expand our intellectual property portfolio and engineering capabilities by investing in research and development. We have filed, and intend to continue to file, patent applications covering our current and future intellectual property. One targeted area of technology development is the design of custom logic ICs that can be used in memory subsystems to provide value-added features. As new technologies are developed, we intend to expand our product offerings to incorporate the performance enhancements they enable.
Establish International Operations and Manufacturing Capabilities. We plan to establish a manufacturing facility in China during the first half of fiscal 2007. We believe that this international expansion will allow us to improve our support of major OEMs with manufacturing sites in China, lower our production costs and provide access to engineering talent residing in China. We have identified a site near Shanghai for our China operations and have commenced recruiting local personnel. We believe that our presence in China will help us develop products and participate more effectively in the high growth regional markets.
49
Our Products
We design and manufacture high performance memory subsystems for the server, high performance computing and communications markets. We currently sell memory subsystems with speeds up to 667 MHz, densities up to 8 gigabytes, and form factors as small as 0.72 inches, or 18.3 millimeters, in height. Our products for the server market address a broad variety of memory capacity and configuration requirements, as well as a broad range of server types, including tower, rack-mounted, and blade servers. Our current products primarily support DDR and DDR2 DRAM technologies.
The following table lists representative products from our major families of high performance memory subsystems:
DDR2 Registered Dual In-line Memory Modules
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
256MB | 30 mm | 400/533 | RAID Memory | |||
1GB | 18.3 mm | 400/533/667 | Blade Servers | |||
1GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Networking | |||
2GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Networking | |||
2GB | 18.3 mm | 400/533/667 | Blade Servers, Networking | |||
4GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Workstations | |||
4GB | 18.3 mm | 400/533/667 | Blade Servers |
DDR2 Fully Buffered Dual In-line Memory Modules |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
1GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Workstations | |||
2GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Workstations | |||
2GB | 18.3 mm | 400/533/667 | Blade Servers | |||
4GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | 1U, 2U+ Servers |
DDR2 Unbuffered Dual In-line Memory Modules |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
1GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | Workstations | |||
2GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | Workstations |
DDR2 Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
1GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | Notebooks, Networking | |||
2GB | 30 mm | 400/533/667 | Notebooks, Networking |
DDR Registered Dual In-line Memory Modules |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
1GB | 1.2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers | |||
1GB | 0.72" | 400 | Blade Servers, Networking | |||
2GB | 1.2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers | |||
2GB | 0.72" | 400 | Blade Servers, Networking | |||
4GB | 2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers | |||
4GB | 1.2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers | |||
8GB | 1.2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers |
50
DDR Unbuffered Dual In-line Memory Modules |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
1GB | 1.2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Workstations | |||
2GB | 1.2" | 400 | 1U, 2U+ Servers, Workstations |
DDR Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density
|
Height
|
Speed (MHz)
|
Applications
|
|||
1GB | 1.2" | 400 | Notebooks, Networking |
Technology
We have a portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques and have assembled an engineering team with expertise in semiconductor, PCB, memory subsystem and system design. Our technology competencies include:
Very Low Profile Designs. We were the first company to create a 1 gigabyte memory subsystem in a form factor of less than one inch in height. We believe our proprietary board design technology is particularly useful in the rapidly growing blade server market, where efficient use of motherboard space is critical. Our technology has allowed us to decrease the system board space required for memory, and improve thermal performance and operating speeds, by enabling our customers to use alternative methods of component layout.
Proprietary PCB Designs. We utilize advanced, proprietary techniques to optimize electronic signal strength and integrity within a PCB. These techniques include the use of 8- or 10-layer boards, matching conductive trace lengths, a minimized number of conductive connectors, or vias, and precise load balancing to, among other things, help reduce noise and crosstalk between adjacent traces. In addition, our proprietary designs for the precise placement of intra-substrate components allow us to assemble memory subsystems with significantly smaller physical size, enabling OEMs to develop products with smaller footprints for their customers.
Planar Design. Our planar solutions are designed to provide high density solutions in a more cost-effective manner than traditional chip-stacking. We believe traditional chip-stacking can represent up to 30% or more of the total cost of a memory subsystem. Our planar solutions achieve the same densities as chip-stacked modules but do so by leveraging our PCB design expertise to place ICs in two rows in the same plane rather than on top of each other. Our planar memory subsystem designs feature high memory capacity with improved thermal characteristics by dissipating heat uniformly throughout the PCB.
Advanced Planar Designs. We plan to extend our planar design capabilities to develop very high density memory subsystems. These advanced planar designs may allow us to build modular solutions at lower costs compared to other packaging technologies. Additionally, these advanced planar solutions may remove heat generated by memory components in a more effective manner and can be used to build memory subsystems in a number of densities and form factors.
IC Design Expertise. We have designed blocks of custom logic that can be implemented in a stand-alone IC or integrated with other functional blocks in other ICs. We use these custom logic blocks to effectively increase density and reduce costs by allowing the use of two current-generation, lower density DRAM ICs in lieu of a single next-generation higher density IC.
Innovative Design Verification Tools. We use our innovative and proprietary DRAM load simulators during the product development stage to carefully assess DRAM IC load balancing requirements in our memory subsystems. Our DRAM load simulators are mounted in a memory subsystem in place of DRAM ICs to test the electronic signal strength and integrity of the memory
51
design without disrupting signal quality. This provides us with more accurate feedback than that provided by conventional means because we are able to measure the signals at the precise point of origination.
Thermal Management Designs. We design our memory subsystems to ensure effective heat dissipation. We use thermal cameras to obtain thermal profiles of the memory subsystem during the design phase, allowing us to rearrange components to enhance thermal characteristics and, if necessary, replace components that do not meet specifications. We use thermal simulation and modeling software to create comprehensive heat transfer models of our memory subsystems, which enables our engineers to quickly develop accurate solutions to potential thermal issues. We also develop and use proprietary heat spreaders to enhance the thermal management characteristics of our memory subsystems.
Customers
We primarily market and sell our products to leading OEMs in the server, high performance computing and communications markets. Our memory subsystems are incorporated into multiple platforms at IBM, Dell, Gateway, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard. Sales to IBM, Dell and Lenovo generated approximately 20%, 35% and 13%, respectively, of our net sales in fiscal 2005, and 41%, 36% and 2%, respectively, of our net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.
The following chart summarizes some of our representative customers in our principal end markets for the first nine months of 2006(1):
Servers
|
Workstations
|
Mobile Computing
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Dell, Gateway,
Google, IBM |
Dell,
Hewlett-Packard |
Hewlett-Packard,
Lenovo |
High Performance Computing |
|
Communications |
---|---|---|
PSSC Labs, Verari,
Western Scientific |
Force10, Spirent,
Stoke, Tekelec |
Our sales are made primarily pursuant to standard purchase orders that may be rescheduled or canceled on relatively short notice. Thus, we do not have a significant backlog.
Sales and Marketing
We market and sell our products through a direct sales force and a network of independent sales representatives. Our sales activities focus primarily on developing strong relationships at the technical, marketing and executive management levels within market-leading OEMs. These OEMs design systems for a variety of applications that require a significant number of high performance memory subsystems, representing substantial opportunities for us. We have been successful in developing OEM relationships through our ability to provide high performance memory subsystems. Our direct sales group and field application engineers work closely with our OEM customers at an early stage of their design cycles to solve their design challenges and to design our products into their systems.
We believe in the timely communication and exchange of information with our customers. We utilize well-trained, highly technical program management teams to successfully drive new product development and quickly respond to our customers' needs and expectations. Our program
52
management teams provide quick response times and act as a single point-of-contact for routine issues during the sales process. Additionally, they address the long-term business and technology goals of our customers. We employ a team approach to business development whereby our sales team and independent representatives identify, qualify and prioritize customer prospects through offices in a number of locations worldwide.
Our marketing efforts are twofold: creating awareness of the benefits of our proprietary technologies and design techniques in the development of application-specific memory subsystems, and building our brand awareness with our current and potential customers.
Manufacturing
We currently manufacture all of our products at our facility in Irvine, California. Our advanced engineering and design capabilities, combined with our in-house manufacturing processes, allow us to assemble our memory subsystems reliably and in high volume. Our advanced, customized manufacturing facility is capable of surface mount assembly, subsystem testing, system-level burn-in testing, programming, marking, labeling and packaging. At each stage of the production cycle, including product prototyping, qualification sample production and high-volume manufacturing and delivery, we focus on providing our customers with rapid response and short manufacturing turn-around times. Manufacturing cycle times for our products are typically one week or less, and in some cases as few as two days, from receipt of order.
We plan to expand our manufacturing capabilities by opening a new facility near Shanghai, China, which we expect will begin production in the first half of fiscal 2007. This facility will be configured in the same manner as our Irvine facility and, once operating, will significantly increase our manufacturing capacity. We believe that this facility will enable us to achieve better operating leverage through lower material and labor costs. This facility will also put our products in closer proximity to a number of our end customers allowing us to fulfill customer orders more quickly.
We acquire components and materials such as DRAM ICs from third party suppliers and assemble them into finished subsystems. We believe that one of our key strengths is the procurement and efficient management of components for our subsystems, which benefits our customers in the form of lower costs and increased product availability. We have developed strong supplier relationships with key DRAM IC manufacturers, which we believe gives us direct and ready access to the critical components that we need for our production activities. We typically qualify our products with our customers using several manufacturers of DRAM ICs. The flexibility to choose from several DRAM IC providers allows us to minimize product cost and maximize product availability.
We schedule production based on purchase order commitments and anticipated orders. In addition, we use advanced inventory management and material resource planning techniques to manage our supply chain. Using electronic data interchange with our suppliers, we are able to react quickly to changes in raw material availability. We release raw materials to the manufacturing floor by means of an on-line computerized system, which allows for internal quality analysis, direct access to inventory information and production floor material tracking. We have a flexible manufacturing system, and we have the capability to sell excess quantities of DRAM ICs to mitigate inventory risks. Our sales of excess inventory to distributors and other users of memory ICs generated $19.1 million, or 24%, and $10.1 million, or 9%, respectively, of our net sales for fiscal 2005 and the first nine months of fiscal 2006.
Our quality assurance engineers work with our suppliers to ensure that the raw materials we receive meet our high quality standards. These engineers also perform onsite quality control audits and use our internal test and inspection systems to verify that purchased components and materials
53
meet our specifications. Our supplier quality program and incoming material quality control program are important aspects of our overall manufacturing process.
Some of our manufacturing processes may require us to handle and dispose of hazardous materials from time to time. We believe we are now and have in the past been in compliance with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to our manufacturing processes, but if these laws and regulations change, we could incur significant costs to remain in compliance, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. The manufacture and delivery of our products to our customers also could be delayed if the implementation of such changes requires extensive modifications.
We strive to reduce product failures to the lowest possible rate. To achieve this goal, we perform ongoing reliability testing on our memory subsystems and share the results of that testing with our customers. We believe that this improves the system design process and allows for the elimination of potential problems at the earliest possible stage. In addition, we have implemented procedures that require all of our memory subsystems to undergo functional and system burn-in testing prior to delivery to the customer. We complement our test capabilities with advanced imaging technology to inspect the quality of our microBGA assemblies.
We are certified in ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:1996 Environmental Management Standards, and OSHAS 18001:1999 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Competition
Our products are primarily targeted for the server, high performance computing and communications markets. These markets are intensely competitive, as numerous companies vie for business opportunities at a limited number of large OEMs. Our primary competitors are memory module providers such as SimpleTech, Inc., SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., and Viking Interworks, a division of Sanmina-SCI Corporation. We also face competition from DRAM manufacturers in a limited range of applications. As we enter new markets and pursue additional applications for our products, we may face competition from a larger number of competitors.
Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources, broader product lines, lower cost structures, greater brand recognition and longer standing relationships with customers and suppliers. Some of our competitors may also have a greater ability to influence industry standards than we do, as well as more extensive patent portfolios.
Some of our customers and suppliers may have proprietary products or technologies which are competitive with our products, or could develop internal solutions or enter into strategic relationships with, or acquire, existing high-density memory module providers. Any of these actions could reduce our customers' demand for our products. Some of our significant suppliers of memory ICs may be able to manufacture competitive products at lower costs by leveraging internal efficiencies, or could choose to reduce our supply of memory ICs, adversely affecting our ability to manufacture our memory subsystems on a timely basis, if at all.
Our ability to compete in our current target markets and in future markets will depend in large part on our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new and enhanced products on a timely and cost-effective basis, and to respond to changing market requirements. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the selection of high performance memory subsystems by potential customers are:
54
We believe that we compete favorably with respect to these factors. We expect, however, that our current and future competitors could develop competing products that could cause a decline in sales or loss of market acceptance of our products.
Research and Development
The market for high performance memory subsystems is characterized by rapid and continuous technology development and product innovation. We believe that the continued and timely development of new products and the enhancement of existing products are critical to maintaining our competitive position. Our research and development engineers focus on new product design and development, the development of thermal and electronic signal integrity solutions, new product testing techniques and methodologies and improvements to our manufacturing processes.
Our engineering staff continually explores practical applications of new technologies, works with our OEM customers and provides support services throughout the product life cycle, including architecture definition, component selection, schematic design, layout, manufacturing and test engineering. An important aspect of our research and development effort is to understand the challenges presented by our OEM customers' requirements and satisfy them by utilizing our industry knowledge, proprietary technologies and technical expertise.
We believe that to remain competitive we must continue to focus on developing advanced memory subsystem technologies to address our customers' increasingly complex memory subsystem requirements. Our total expenditures for research and development were $11.8 million, $3.8 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and $2.5 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively. Included in total research and development expense was stock-based compensation expense of $9.7 million, $0.1 million and $(0.1) million for fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was not significant and was $0.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2006.
We use advanced design tools to develop products that operate at high frequencies. These design tools enable real-time simulation and behavioral modeling of our designs using the input/output buffer information specification of our suppliers' components. These simulation tools help us reduce or eliminate electronic signal reflections, clock skews, signal jitter and noise, all of which can reduce system performance and reliability.
Intellectual Property
Our high performance memory subsystems are developed in part using our proprietary intellectual property, and we believe that the strength of our intellectual property rights will be important to the success of our business. We utilize patent and trade secret protection, confidentiality agreements with customers and partners, disclosure and invention assignment
55
agreements with employees and consultants and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary information.
As of September 30, 2006, we had four patents issued and eleven patent applications pending. Assuming that they are properly maintained, one of our issued patents will expire in 2022 and the other three will expire in 2024. Our issued patents and patent applications relate to PCB design and layout techniques, packaging techniques, and the use of custom logic in high performance memory subsystems. We intend to actively pursue the filing of additional patent applications related to our technology advancements. While we believe that our patent and other intellectual property rights are important to our success, our technical expertise and ability to introduce new products in a timely manner also will continue to be important factors in maintaining our competitive position. Accordingly, we believe that our business is not materially dependent upon any one claim in any of our pending patent applications.
Despite our precautions, a third party may reverse engineer, copy or otherwise obtain and use our products, services or technology without authorization, develop similar technology independently or design around any patents issued to us. There can be no assurance that our efforts taken to prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property by third parties have been or will be successful.
Employees
As of September 30, 2006, we had 115 full-time employees, including 71 employees in operations, 16 employees in research and development, 18 employees in sales and marketing, and 10 employees engaged in other administrative functions. Our operations department performs manufacturing, procurement and planning activities. We use contract employees in our operations department from time to time to effectively manage our manufacturing workflow. As of September 30, 2006, our operations department had 70 contract employees engaged full-time in manufacturing. We are not party to any collective bargaining agreements with any of our employees. We have never experienced a work stoppage, and we believe our employee relations are good.
Facilities
Our corporate headquarters are located in approximately 7,000 square feet of space in Irvine, California, under a lease that expires in June 2007. We also lease approximately 8,000 square feet of space for our manufacturing facility located in Irvine, California. This lease expires in November 2010. In addition, we lease offices on a monthly basis in corporate office centers located in Austin, Texas, Raleigh, North Carolina and Dublin, Ireland. We believe that our current facilities are adequate for our current and expected operations for the next 12 months and that additional space can be obtained if needed.
We plan to open a manufacturing facility near Shanghai, China in the first half of fiscal 2007. We currently plan to lease a facility and are seeking a building with combined manufacturing and office space consisting of approximately 30,000 square feet.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. To date, no legal proceeding has had a material effect on us and, as of the date of this prospectus, we are not party to any material legal proceeding. However, we believe that protecting our intellectual property is integral to our future success and competitive advantage, and as such, we may be involved in material legal proceedings relating to our intellectual property on a regular basis in the future.
56
Executive Officers and Directors
Our executive officers and directors, and their ages and positions, are as follows:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Chun K. Hong | 45 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | ||
Jayesh Bhakta | 49 | Vice President of Engineering | ||
Lee Kim | 47 | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | ||
Christopher Lopes | 46 | Vice President of Sales | ||
Nam Ki Hong | 43 | Director | ||
Thomas F. Lagatta | 48 | Director | ||
Alan H. Portnoy | 61 | Director | ||
David M. Rickey | 50 | Director | ||
Preston Romm | 52 | Director |
Chun K. Hong has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since our inception, and assumed the title of Chairman of the Board in January 2004. From September 2000 to September 2001, Mr. Hong served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Infinilink Corporation, a DSL equipment company. Mr. Hong assisted us on a part-time basis until his departure from Infinilink, at which time he assumed full-time responsibilities with us. In the third quarter of 2001, Infinilink filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. From July 1998 until September 2000, Mr. Hong served as Executive Vice President of Viking Components, Inc., a memory subsystems manufacturing company. From November 1997 to June 1998, he was General Manager of Sales at LG Semicon Co., Ltd., a public semiconductor manufacturing company in South Korea. From April 1992 to October 1997, Mr. Hong served as Director of Sales at LG Semicon America, Incorporated, a subsidiary of LG. From December 1983 to March 1992, Mr. Hong held various management positions at LG subsidiaries in South Korea. Mr. Hong received his B.S. in economics from Virginia Commonwealth University and his M.S. in technology management from Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Management.
Jayesh Bhakta has been our Vice President of Engineering since he joined us full-time in January 2001. From November 2000 to January 2001, Mr. Bhakta was a staff engineer with aerospace manufacturer Hydro-Aire, Inc., a Crane Co. subsidiary. From November 1993 to October 2000, Mr. Bhakta was Chief Engineer at Viking Components. Prior to Viking Components, Mr. Bhakta was a senior design engineer and Engineering Manager with SMT Products Corp. Mr. Bhakta has represented us at the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council, or JEDEC, since he joined us, and has represented us on the board of directors of JEDEC for the last year. Mr. Bhakta holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles.
Lee Kim has been our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since January 2006. Since October 2003, Mr. Kim has been a partner in Tatum, LLC, a national professional services firm providing senior financial executive-level services. While Mr. Kim maintains an affiliation with Tatum, he is our full-time employee and devotes all of his working time to us. From February 1999 to May 2003, Mr. Kim was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Epicor Software Corporation, a publicly-traded developer of enterprise resource planning software for mid-market companies. From October 1997 to February 1999, he served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of FileNet Corporation, a publicly-traded developer of enterprise content management software. From April 1993 to October 1997, Mr. Kim served as Director of Finance of Wonderware Corporation, a publicly-traded developer of supervisory control and data acquisition software. Mr. Kim began his career with Deloitte Haskins & Sells (now known as Deloitte & Touche LLP), serving in the audit practice from July 1981 to December 1987. Mr. Kim received his
57
B.S. in Economics, majoring in accounting, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in May 1981.
Christopher Lopes has been our Vice President of Sales since our inception. From November 1997 to August 2000, Mr. Lopes was an account executive, and then the Director of OEM Sales, North America, at Viking Components. From June 1996 to November 1997, Mr. Lopes was an account executive with Platinum Associates, a manufacturer's representative sales company. From August 1990 to June 1996, Mr. Lopes was an account executive with Philips Semiconductors. Mr. Lopes began his career as a design engineer with Lockheed Martin Corporation. Mr. Lopes received his B.S. in electrical engineering from California State University, Sacramento and his M.B.A. from Santa Clara University.
Nam Ki Hong , who is the brother of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Chun K. Hong, has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2004. Mr. Hong has served as Chairman of the board of directors of Northpoint Investment Partners, Pte. Ltd., a private investment firm based in Singapore, since September 2003. From September 2000 to November 2002, he served as Executive Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. International Ltd., Seoul Branch. From June 1998 to August 2000, he served as a First Vice President of Merrill Lynch International Inc., Seoul Branch. From September 1994 to May 1998, he served as a Vice President and portfolio manager of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., based in Singapore. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Hong was as an equity research analyst of J. Henry Schroder Wagg & Co. Ltd., in Seoul. Mr. Hong holds a B.S.E. in chemical engineering from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from Columbia University. Mr. Hong is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Thomas F. Lagatta has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2006. Mr. Lagatta has served as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales for Broadcom Corp. since June 2006. Prior to that, he had served as the Enterprise Computing Group's Senior Vice President and General Manager since 2003. He joined Broadcom in 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Lagatta served as Vice President and General Manager of Anadigics, Inc., a semiconductor manufacturer. Before Anadigics, Mr. Lagatta served as Vice President of Business Development at Avnet, Inc. Prior to Avnet, Mr. Lagatta served in various senior management and technical positions for over 11 years at Symbios Logic, a storage systems company. Mr. Lagatta received a B.S.E.E. from Ohio State University and an M.S.E.E. from the University of Southern California.
Alan H. Portnoy has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2004. Mr. Portnoy has served as President of Macronix America, Inc., since May 1996. From June 1995 to April 1996, he served as Managing Director for PNY Electronics, Inc., a memory module manufacturer. Mr. Portnoy was the Chief Operating Officer of LG Semicon America from 1988 to 1994, a Vice President for General Instruments Corporation from 1987 to 1988, a Senior Vice President for Silicon Systems from 1981 to 1987, and a Vice President for Macrodata Corporation from 1975 to 1980. Mr. Portnoy began his career with Fairchild Semiconductor. Mr. Portnoy presently serves on the board of Macro-Port, Inc. Mr. Portnoy received his B.S. in electrical engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his M.S in Industrial Administration from Carnegie-Mellon University.
David M. Rickey has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2004. Mr. Rickey served as Chairman of Applied Micro Circuits Corporation, or AMCC, from August 2000 to March 2005 and as the President and Chief Executive Officer from February 1996 to March 2005. From 1993 to 1995, he served as the Vice President of Operations of AMCC. During his time away from AMCC, Mr. Rickey served as the Vice President of Operations of NexGen, Inc. For eight years beginning in 1985, Mr. Rickey was employed by Northern Telecom, Inc. Mr. Rickey began his career at International Business Machines Corporation. Mr. Rickey presently serves on the board at Cytori
58
Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Rickey graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marietta College with a B.S. in Mathematics. He also has a B.S. in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Columbia University, and an M.S. in Material Science and Engineering from Stanford University.
Preston Romm has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2004. Mr. Romm has served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Iomega Corporation since March 2006. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Dot Hill Systems beginning in November 1999. From January 1997 to November 1999, Mr. Romm served as Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Verteq, Inc., a semiconductor equipment manufacturer. From November 1994 to January 1997, Mr. Romm served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of STM Wireless, Inc. From July 1990 to November 1994, Mr. Romm served as Vice President and Controller of MTI Technology Corporation. Mr. Romm holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.B.A. from American University.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors currently consists of six directors. All of our directors will stand for election at each annual meeting of stockholders.
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee. The responsibilities of these committees are, and following the completion of this offering the composition of these committees will be, as follows:
Audit Committee. Our audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. Our audit committee reviews the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditor, and approves the terms of engagement of our independent auditor. Following the completion of this offering, the members of our audit committee will be Messrs. Nam Ki Hong, Rickey and Romm. Mr. Romm will serve as chairperson of the audit committee. Each member of our audit committee other than Mr. Hong meets the requirements for independence under the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our board of directors reviews the qualifications of our audit committee members from time to time to determine whether they continue to meet these independence requirements. Mr. Hong will be replaced by a director that meets these independence requirements prior to the first anniversary of the completion of this offering, which is the date on which the applicable rules and regulations require that all members of this committee meet these independence requirements. Mr. Romm qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined in Rule 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee discharges the responsibilities of our board of directors relating to compensation and benefits of our executive officers and directors and reviews our general policy relating to compensation and benefits. Following the completion of this offering, the members of our compensation committee will be Messrs. Lagatta, Portnoy and Rickey. Mr. Rickey will serve as chairperson of the compensation committee.
Nominating and Governance Committee. Our nominating and governance committee considers and makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding candidates to serve as members of our board of directors, reviews our general policy relating to selection of director candidates and members of committees of our board of directors, and reviews and makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding corporate governance principles. Following the completion of this offering, the members of our nominating and governance committee will be Messrs. Chun K. Hong, Portnoy and Romm. Mr. Portnoy will serve as chairperson of the nominating and governance committee.
59
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of our compensation committee is or has been one of our officers or employees. No member of our board of directors or compensation committee currently serves, or served during fiscal 2005, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.
Director Compensation
Our non-employee directors receive annual base compensation of $30,000, paid in four quarterly installments, and compensation of $1,000 for each regularly scheduled board meeting, or committee meeting not held on the same day as a board meeting, that is attended. The chairperson of our audit committee receives an additional $5,000 per year. All of our directors, including our non-employee directors, are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending board and board committee meetings. Our non-employee directors are also granted an option to purchase 25,000 shares of our common stock upon appointment or initial election to the board of directors, and will receive a grant of an option to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock on August 1st of each year in which they continue to be a board member. These existing option grants are, and future option grants will be, subject to vesting over four years, contingent upon continued service as a director on the vesting date, and have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying the option on the date of grant. Generally, the per-share exercise price of these options granted after the completion of this offering will be the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant as determined in accordance with the terms of our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Our employee directors do not receive cash compensation or option grants for their services as directors.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers and Limitation of Liability
We intend to amend and restate our certificate of incorporation and bylaws prior to the completion of this offering. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will eliminate the personal liability of each of our directors for monetary damages resulting from any breach of his fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
Our amended and restated bylaws will provide that:
We have entered into indemnification agreements with most of our current directors and executive officers. We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with all of our directors and
60
executive officers prior to the completion of this offering. Subject to limited exceptions, these agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and executive officers.
We intend to obtain directors' and officers' insurance to cover our directors, officers and some of our employees for liabilities, including liabilities under securities laws prior to the completion of this offering. We believe that these indemnification provisions and agreements and this insurance are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
The exculpation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and indemnification agreements may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for any breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder's investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.
Code of Ethics
We intend to adopt and post on our website, prior to the completion of this offering, a Code of Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer.
Executive Compensation
The following table presents information regarding the compensation received for the year ended December 31, 2005, by our chief executive officer and each of our other named executive officers. The compensation table excludes other compensation in the form of perquisites and other personal benefits to a named executive officer where that compensation constituted less than the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of his total annual salary and bonus for such period.
61
|
Annual Compensation
|
Long Term Compensation
|
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name and Principal Position
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Other
Annual Compensation |
Restricted
Stock Awards |
Securities
Underlying Options |
All Other
Compensation |
|||||||||||
Chun K. Hong
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board |
$ | 323,733 | $ | | $ | | $ | | | $ | | ||||||
Jayesh Bhakta
Vice President of Engineering |
153,002 | | | | | | |||||||||||
Lee Kim(1)
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
| | | | | | |||||||||||
Christopher Lopes
Vice President of Sales |
202,204 | | | | | | |||||||||||
Daniel Skaggs(2)
Vice President of Finance |
162,000 | | | | 30,000 | |
Option Grants in Fiscal 2005
The following table presents information regarding grants of stock options that we made during fiscal 2005 to the named executive officers. We granted these options to the named executive officers under our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. All of the options listed on the following table expire ten years from the date of grant and were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock as determined in good faith by our board of directors on the date of grant. The percentage of total options granted to employees in fiscal 2005 is based on options to purchase a total of 691,000 shares of our common stock that were granted to employees for the year ending December 31, 2005.
|
Individual Grants
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Number of
Securities Underlying Options Granted |
% of Total
Options Granted to Employees in Fiscal Year |
Exercise
Price Per Share |
Expiration
Date(1) |
|||||
Chun K. Hong | | | | | |||||
Jayesh Bhakta | | | | | |||||
Lee Kim | | | | | |||||
Christopher Lopes | | | | | |||||
Daniel Skaggs(1) | 30,000 | 4.3 | % | $ | 2.55 | |
62
Aggregate Option Exercises in Fiscal 2005
None of the named executive officers exercised any stock options or stock appreciation rights in fiscal 2005. The following table presents the number of shares of our common stock subject to unexercised options held by the named executive officers at December 31, 2005, and the value of the unexercised options that were in-the-money at that date. This value is calculated based on the difference between $1.48, the estimated fair market value of our common stock at December 31, 2005, and the exercise price for the shares underlying the option, multiplied by the number of shares.
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options at December 31,2005
|
Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at December 31, 2005
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
|||||||||
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
||||||
Chun K. Hong | | | | | |||||
Jayesh Bhakta | | | | | |||||
Lee Kim | | | | | |||||
Christopher Lopes | | | | | |||||
Daniel Skaggs(1) | 68,799 | 65,000 | $ | 43,262 | |
Recent Option Grants to Management
In August 2006, our board of directors granted options to purchase the following numbers of shares of our common stock to the following members of our management: Chun K. Hong, 500,000; Lee Kim, 100,000 (85,000 of which were granted directly to him and 15,000 of which were granted in the form of a warrant to Tatum, LLC, a company with which he is affiliated pursuant to an agreement between that company and us); Jayesh Bhakta, 100,000; Christopher Lopes, 100,000; and Paik Ki Hong, our Vice President of Procurement, 100,000. Each of these options has an exercise price of $7.00 per share. The options granted to Chun K. Hong and Lee Kim vest quarterly over four years. The options granted to the other three employees vest upon the termination of the lock-up period included in agreements that they entered into with us in August 2006 provided that they have not terminated their employment with us prior to that time. These agreements provide that they will not sell any of their shares of common stock during the two-year period following the termination of their lock-up agreements with the underwriters other than the sale of up to 25,000 shares each quarter pursuant to a written trading plan that complies with SEC Rule 10b5-1 and is approved by us. In October 2006, we intend to grant options under our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock to two recently hired officers at an exercise price of $9.00 per share. These options will become 25% vested on the first anniversary of the date of grant, with the remainder to vest in equal quarterly installments over the following three years.
Employment Agreements
We entered into an employment agreement with Chun K. Hong, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, in September 2006. This agreement provides for an initial base salary of $323,000 plus other customary benefits, including the reimbursement of professional fees and expenses incurred in connection with income and estate tax planning and preparation, income tax audits and the defense of income tax claims, the reimbursement of membership fees and
63
expenses for professional organizations and one country club, the reimbursement of employment-related legal fees, the use of a company automobile, and the reimbursement of health club dues and other similar health-related expenses. Mr. Hong will also receive a $200,000 cash success bonus upon the completion of this offering and may earn annual performance bonuses, at the discretion of our board of directors, of up to 75% of his base salary based upon the achievement of performance objectives, beginning in fiscal 2007. The initial term of this agreement of five years will automatically be extended for additional one-year periods unless we or Mr. Hong provide notice of termination six months prior to the renewal date, but at all times Mr. Hong may terminate his employment upon six months' advance written notice to us. If we terminate Mr. Hong's employment without cause or if he terminates his employment for good reason, which includes a change of control of our company, Mr. Hong will be entitled to receive continued payments of his base salary for one year, reimbursement of medical insurance premiums during that period unless he becomes employed, a pro-rated portion of his annual performance bonus, and, if any severance payment is deemed to be an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, an amount equal to any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, his option to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, granted in August 2006, shall immediately vest in full. If Mr. Hong's employment is terminated due to death or disability, he or his estate will receive a lump sum payment equal to half his annual base salary and the above option shall partially vest. If Mr. Hong resigns without good reason or is terminated for cause, we will have no further obligation to him other than to pay his base salary through the date of termination.
We entered into an employment agreement with Lee Kim, our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, at the time of his hiring in January 2006. Mr. Kim's employment agreement provides for an initial base salary of $200,000. We agreed to reimburse Mr. Kim for the costs of his health and welfare plan premiums in an amount up to $750 per month. Our employment relationship with Mr. Kim is at-will, and either we or Mr. Kim may terminate the employment relationship on 30 days' written notice. If Mr. Kim is terminated by us for any reason other than cause within his first year of employment, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to one months' salary; if he is terminated by us for any reason other than cause after his first year of employment, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to four months' salary; if he is terminated by us for any reason other than cause after his second year of employment, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to six months' salary; and for each six months of employment after his second year of employment, if he is terminated by us for any reason other than cause he will be entitled to an additional one month's salary, capped at twelve months total. If Mr. Kim is terminated by us without cause, or without 30 days' prior notice, or if Mr. Kim resigns for cause, Mr. Kim will be entitled to the applicable severance compensation described above, plus one additional month's salary, and all of Mr. Kim's cash bonuses and stock options will immediately vest and become payable and exercisable, as applicable. If Mr. Kim is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. Kim resigns for cause, as a result of, or within six months following, a change in control of our company, he will be entitled to a payment in the amount of 12 months' salary. Pursuant to this agreement, we granted Mr. Kim an option to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share. That option will vest with respect to 25% of those shares on the first anniversary of Mr. Kim's date of hire and will vest evenly on a monthly basis with respect to the rest of those shares so that it will be entirely vested on the fourth anniversary of his date of hire.
In connection with the hiring of Mr. Kim, we entered into an agreement with Tatum, LLC in January 2006 to compensate Tatum for placing Mr. Kim with us. That agreement also provides Mr. Kim with access to Tatum's services for use in his employment with us. We are required to pay to Tatum, as partial compensation for the services provided, a monthly fee equal to 1.67% of Mr. Kim's monthly compensation during the first and second year of his employment; 1.00% of Mr. Kim's monthly compensation during the third year; and $1,000 per month thereafter. In addition, we are
64
required to pay directly to Tatum 15% of any cash or equity bonus that otherwise would be granted to Mr. Kim. If Mr. Kim is terminated and we are required to pay him severance as described in his employment agreement, we are required to pay directly to Tatum 1.67% of the amount of that severance payment if it is made to Mr. Kim in the first two years; 1.00% of the amount of that severance payment if it is made to Mr. Kim in the third year; and $1,000 per month of that severance payment if it is made to Mr. Kim thereafter. The agreement with Tatum will terminate immediately upon the termination of Mr. Kim's employment with us or his affiliation with Tatum.
Employee Benefit Plans
Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan
We intend to amend and restate our existing 2000 Equity Incentive Plan prior to the completion of this offering. In this prospectus we make reference to our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, as it will be amended and restated, as the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. The Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan will be administered and interpreted by our board of directors or a committee thereof. The plan administrator also will, subject to the terms of the plan, determine the rights and obligations of participants under the plan and authorize the amendment of the terms of any outstanding awards. Our board of directors alone will have the authority to grant options and stock awards under the plan and to determine, subject to the terms of the plan, the terms and conditions of those awards, provided that no awards may be granted under the plan after the completion of this offering.
Shares Reserved for Issuance. Subject to certain adjustments, we will be able to issue a maximum of 5,750,000 shares of common stock pursuant to awards granted under the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan.
Participants and Awards. Any of our employees, our non-employee directors, and any consultants and advisors to us, as determined by the plan administrator, may be selected to participate in the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Prior to the completion of this offering, we will be able to award these individuals with stock options and stock grants. Stock grants may, but do not need to be, subject to restrictions.
Sale of the Company. Generally, upon a merger of our company with or into another entity, the sale of substantially all of our assets, or the acquisition by any entity of more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, the plan administrator may accelerate the vesting, or lapsing of restrictions, of any outstanding awards in full if those awards are not assumed or replaced by comparable awards of the successor or acquiring entity. All awards not assumed or replaced by comparable awards will then terminate. The Committee may also, at or prior to such a sale, accelerate the vesting, or lapsing of restrictions, of any outstanding awards assumed by the acquiring entity or replaced by comparable awards if the employment of those plan participants is terminated following the sale.
Amendment and Termination. Our board of directors may terminate, amend, or modify the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan at any time; however, stockholder approval will be obtained for any amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule. We may not make any grants under the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan after the completion of this offering, and the plan will terminate in no later than November, 2010.
Adoption by Stockholders. We intend to seek approval of the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock and preferred stock prior to the completion of this offering.
65
2006 Equity Incentive Plan
We intend to adopt a new 2006 Equity Incentive Plan that will become effective on the date on which the registration statement in which this prospectus is included is declared effective. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan will be administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors. The compensation committee will have the authority to administer the plan, including the power to determine eligibility to receive awards, the types and number of shares of stock subject to the awards, the price and timing of awards, the acceleration or waiver of any vesting, and the imposition of performance or forfeiture restrictions. The compensation committee, however, does not have the authority to waive any performance restrictions for performance-based awards. The compensation committee may reprice or otherwise amend the terms of any award granted under the plan, prospectively or retroactively, consistent with the terms of the plan. It also may at any time offer to buy out for a cash payment an award previously granted, or authorize the recipient of an award to elect to cash out an award previously granted. As used in this prospectus, the term "administrator" means the compensation committee.
Shares Reserved for Issuance. Subject to certain adjustments, we initially will be able to issue a maximum of 500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. That maximum number will automatically increase on a fixed date each year by the lesser of:
The following types of shares issued under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan may again become available for the grant of new awards under the plan:
Participants. Any of our employees, our non-employee directors, and any consultants and advisors to us, as determined by the administrator, may be selected to participate in the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. We may award these individuals with one or more of the following:
Stock Options. Stock options may be granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, including incentive stock options, as defined under Section 422 of the Code, and nonqualified stock options. The option exercise price of all stock options granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan will be determined by the administrator, except that any incentive stock option or any option intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code will not be granted at a price that is less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant will be the closing price for the stock as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market (or on any other national securities exchange on which the stock is then listed) for that date or, if no closing price is
66
reported for that date, the closing price on the next preceding date for which a closing price was reported. Stock options may be exercised as determined by the administrator, but in no event after the tenth anniversary date of grant.
Upon the exercise of a stock option, the purchase price must be paid in full in either cash or its equivalent. The administrator may also allow payment by tendering previously acquired shares of our common stock with a fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the exercise price, provided such shares have been held for at least six months prior to tender and broker-assisted cashless exercises and may authorize loans for the purpose of exercise as permitted under applicable law.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights, or SARs, entitle a participant to receive a payment equal in value to the difference between the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of exercise of the SAR over the grant price of the SAR. The administrator may pay that amount in cash, in shares of our common stock, or in a combination of both. The terms, methods of exercise, methods of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, and any other terms and conditions of any SAR will be determined by the administrator at the time of the grant of award and will be reflected in the award agreement.
Restricted Stock and Stock Units. A restricted stock award or restricted stock unit award is the grant of shares of our common stock either currently (in the case of restricted stock) or at a future date (in the case of restricted stock units), at a price determined by the administrator (including zero), that is nontransferable and is subject to substantial risk of forfeiture until specific conditions or goals are met. Conditions may be based on continuing employment or achieving performance goals. During the period of restriction, participants holding shares of restricted stock may, if permitted by the administrator, have full voting and dividend rights with respect to those shares. The restrictions will lapse in accordance with a schedule or other conditions determined by the administrator.
Performance Units. A performance unit award is a contingent right to receive the value of a pre-determined number of shares of our common stock if certain performance goals are met. The value of performance units will depend on the degree to which the specified performance goals are achieved, but are generally based on the value of our common stock. The administrator may, in its discretion, pay earned performance units in cash, or stock, or a combination of both.
Stock Grants. A stock grant is an award of shares of common stock without restrictions. Stock grants may only be made in limited circumstances, such as in lieu of other earned compensation.
Performance-Based Awards. Grants of performance-based awards enable us to treat other awards granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code and preserve the deductibility of these awards for federal income tax purposes. Because Section 162(m) of the Code only applies to those employees who are "covered employees" as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code, only covered employees and those likely to become covered employees are eligible to receive performance-based awards. Participants are only entitled to receive payment for a performance-based award for any given performance period to the extent that pre-established performance goals set by the administrator for the period are satisfied. These pre-established performance goals must be based on one or more of the following performance criteria: pre- or after-tax net earnings, sales growth, operating earnings, operating cash flow, return on net assets, return on stockholders' equity, return on assets, return on capital, stock price growth, stockholder returns, gross or net profit margin, earnings per share, price per share and market share. These performance criteria may be measured in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a peer group. With regard to a particular performance period, the administrator will have the discretion to select the length of the performance period, the type of performance-based awards to be granted, and the goals that will be
67
used to measure the performance for the period. In determining the actual size of an individual performance-based award for a performance period, the administrator may reduce or eliminate (but not increase) the award. Generally, a participant will have to be employed on the date the performance-based award is paid to be eligible for a performance-based award for that period.
Sale of the Company. Generally, upon a merger of our company with or into another entity, the sale of substantially all of our assets, or the acquisition by any entity of more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, the plan administrator may accelerate the vesting, or lapsing of restrictions, of any outstanding awards in full if those awards are not assumed or replaced by comparable awards of the successor or acquiring entity. All awards not assumed or replaced by comparable awards will then terminate. The Committee may also, at or prior to such a sale, accelerate the vesting, or lapsing of restrictions, of any outstanding awards assumed by the acquiring entity or replaced by comparable awards if the employment of those plan participants is terminated following the sale.
Amendment and Termination. Our board of directors may terminate, amend, or modify the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan at any time; however, stockholder approval will be obtained for any amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule. We may not make any grants under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date on which the plan becomes effective.
Adoption by Stockholders. We intend to seek approval of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock and preferred stock prior to the completion of this offering.
401(k) Plan
We sponsor a defined contribution plan, or 401(k) Plan, intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees are eligible to participate in this plan provided they are employed full-time and have reached 21 years of age. Participants may make pre-tax contributions to the plan subject to a statutorily prescribed annual limit. Each participant is fully vested in his or her contributions and the investment earnings. Under the plan's current terms, we may match the contributions of a participant, to the extent they do not exceed 6% of the participant's compensation, on a discretionary basis. Our contributions, if any, would generally be deductible by us when made. Contributions are held in trust as required by law.
68
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The following is a description of certain relationships and related transactions to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved in each transaction or series of related transactions exceeds $60,000, and in which any of our directors, former or current executive officers or, to our knowledge, holders of more than 5% of our capital stock had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Related Parties
Loans to Related Parties
Our Vice President of Procurement, Paik Ki Hong, is the brother of Chun K. Hong, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and of Nam Ki Hong, one of our directors. Mr. P. K. Hong received salary and bonuses in the amounts of $165,806, $109,291 and $125,693 for the fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005. As of December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively, Mr. P. K. Hong owed $21,228, $21,164, $22,865 and $22,865 in outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on a full-recourse promissory note issued to us by Mr. P. K. Hong in February 2003 as part of the exercise price of then-vested options to acquire shares granted to him pursuant to our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. This note bears interest at a rate of 7% per annum and is due on February 17, 2008.
In November 2000, we made loans to each of Christopher Lopes, our Vice President of Sales, and Jayesh Bhakta, our Vice President of Engineering, in connection with their respective purchases of shares of restricted stock. The original principal amount of each of these loans was $199,000, and they each accrued interest at a rate of 7% annually. As of December 27, 2003, the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on each of these loans totaled $246,299. On December 27, 2003, we forgave the entire outstanding principal amount, as well as accrued and unpaid interest due to us, on those loans. In addition, we gave each of Mr. Lopes and Mr. Bhakta a cash bonus of $165,100, which was intended to be equal to the tax liability incurred by each of these individuals with respect to the forgiveness of each of their loans.
Loans From and Guaranties by Executive Officers
In August and October 2002, Chun K. Hong made loans to us to finance our working capital needs in exchange for two promissory notes in the original principal amount of $97,894 and $70,000, respectively. Interest on each of these notes accrued at a rate of 7% per annum and all principal and accrued interest was due in July 2004 and October 2004, respectively. We prepaid interest under these notes on a monthly basis as it accrued. As a result, the total outstanding balance of these notes on December 27, 2003 was $167,894. On that date, we offset $167,894 of prior advances made to Mr. Hong, as described below, against that outstanding balance, effectively canceling each of these notes.
Mr. Hong has personally guaranteed the repayment of $1,750,000 in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding convertible promissory notes. Messrs. Hong, Lopes and Bhakta have each personally guaranteed the repayment of up to $1,000,000 of borrowings under the existing credit agreement with our bank. The guarantees of our bank debt will terminate upon the completion of this offering.
In November 2002, Julie Skaggs, the wife of Daniel Skaggs, our former Vice President of Finance, made a loan to us to finance our working capital needs in exchange for a promissory note in the original principal amount of $100,000. Interest on this note accrued at a rate of 15% per annum and all principal and accrued interest was due in fiscal 2004. We repaid this loan in December 2003.
Advances to Executive Officers and Other Management
We made a series of advances in 2001 and 2002 in the aggregate amount of $152,000, $90,000, $5,000 and $81,120 to Chun K. Hong, Christopher Lopes, Jayesh Bhakta, and Paik Ki Hong,
69
respectively. These advances accrued interest at a rate of 7% annually. As of December 27, 2003, the outstanding balances of these advances, including accrued and unpaid interest, totaled $174,340, $101,336, $5,454 and $90,244, respectively. On that same date, we offset $167,894 of the advances to Mr. C. K. Hong against the two notes owed to him, as described above, reducing the amount of his advances at year end to $6,446. On that same date, we forgave the entire remaining outstanding amounts of the advances to Messrs. C. K. Hong, Lopes, Bhakta and P. K. Hong. We also gave cash bonuses of $2,665, $82,691, $2,133 and $74,304 to Messrs. C. K. Hong, Lopes, Bhakta and P. K. Hong, respectively, which amounts were intended to be equal to the respective tax liabilities to be incurred by each of these individuals in connection with the forgiveness of each of their advances.
Other Transactions
In August 2006, Jayesh Bhakta, Christopher Lopes, and Paik Ki Hong entered into Performance Incentive Agreements with us that included lock-up agreements as part of an overall compensation package. These agreements provide that they will not sell any of their shares of common stock during the two-year period following the termination of their lock-up agreements with the underwriters other than the sale of up to 25,000 shares each quarter pursuant to a written trading plan that complies with SEC Rule 10b5-1 and is approved by us. In return, we agreed that each of them would receive a $100,000 bonus upon completion of this offering (which must be repaid to us if he terminates his employment prior to the end of the two-year lock-up period), and that each of them would be able to sell, as part of the over-allotment option in connection with this offering, if that over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters, the number of shares of our common stock that would equal 10% of the total number of shares purchased by the underwriters upon the exercise of that over-allotment option. Upon signing these agreements, each of these employees also received an option to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share as part of this compensation package. These options will vest and become exercisable in a single installment upon the expiration of the two-year period described in their respective lock-up agreements.
In April 2001, we issued a convertible promissory note, in the original principal amount of $625,000 and bearing interest at 7.5% per annum, to Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. In February 2003, we issued a second convertible promissory note, in the original principal amount of $500,000 and bearing interest at 6.5% per annum, to that company. Each of these notes was originally convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of a new series of preferred stock at a price equal to the lower of $2.50 per share or the per share fair market value of the new preferred stock. In October 2002 we exchanged the original $625,000 note for a new note with the same terms but a new maturity date. In April 2004, we exchanged that successor $625,000 note for a new note with the same terms but a new maturity date. Effective October 2005, we exchanged that successor $625,000 note for a new note with a reduced conversion price of $1.67 per share and a new maturity date of April 3, 2007. In August 2004 we exchanged the original $500,000 note for a new note with the same terms but a new maturity date. Effective February 2006, we exchanged that successor $500,000 note for a new note with a reduced conversion price of $1.67 per share and a new maturity date of August 12, 2007. Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, each of these currently outstanding notes will automatically convert into shares of our common stock at the revised conversion price.
Stock Options Granted to Directors and Executive Officers
For more information in addition to that described under "Other Transactions" above regarding director and executive officer compensation and the grant of stock options to directors and executive officers, please see the following subsections under "Management" above: "Director Compensation," "Executive Compensation," "Option Grants in Fiscal 2005" and "Recent Option Grants to Management."
Indemnification Agreements
We enter into indemnification agreements with all of our executive officers and directors. See the information provided in this prospectus under "ManagementIndemnification of Officers and Directors and Limitation of Liability."
70
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of September 30, 2006, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of common stock offered by us in this offering, for:
In the following table, the percentage ownership of shares beneficially owned prior to this offering is based on 11,244,197 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006, and the percentage of shares beneficially owned after this offering is based on shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering, and, in each case, assuming:
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and does not necessarily indicate beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes those shares of common stock over which the stockholder has sole or shared voting or investment power. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2006, are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage beneficially owned by the person holding those options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage beneficially owned by any other person.
71
|
Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to Offering
|
|
Shares Beneficially Owned After Offering(3)
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of Beneficial Owner(1)
|
Shares Being
Offered(2) |
|||||||||
Number
|
Percent
|
Number
|
Percent
|
|||||||
Directors and Executive Officers: | ||||||||||
Chun K. Hong(4) | 6,031,250 | 45.4 | % | |||||||
Christopher Lopes(5) | 1,000,000 | 7.5 | % | |||||||
Jayesh Bhakta(5) | 1,000,000 | 7.5 | % | |||||||
Lee Kim(6) | 5,313 | * | | |||||||
Daniel Skaggs(7) | | | | |||||||
Nam Ki Hong(8) | 115,625 | * | | |||||||
Thomas F. Lagatta(9) | 625 | * | | |||||||
Alan H. Portnoy(10) | 15,625 | * | | |||||||
David M. Rickey(10) | 15,625 | * | | |||||||
Preston Romm(10) | 15,625 | * | | |||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons) | 8,199,063 | 60.8 | % | |||||||
5% Stockholders: | ||||||||||
Jae Dong Lee(11) | 1,400,000 | 10.5 | % | | ||||||
Paik Ki Hong(12) | 1,000,000 | 7.1 | % | |||||||
Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd(13) | 675,000 | 5.1 | % | | ||||||
Jun S. Cho(14) | 1,000,000 | 7.5 | % | |
72
73
General
The following information assumes the filing, prior to the completion of this offering, of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws.
Immediately following the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 90,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
Common Stock
As of September 30, 2006, we had outstanding 11,244,197 shares of our common stock held by 18 holders of record.
Dividend Rights
Subject to preferences that may apply to any then outstanding shares of preferred stock, the holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available for distribution at the times and in the amounts, if any, that our board of directors may determine from time to time.
Voting Rights
Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. We have not provided for cumulative or majority voting for the election of directors in our certificate of incorporation. This means that the holders of a majority of the shares voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election and that an individual director may be elected by the affirmative vote of less than a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. In addition, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that all actions to be taken by our stockholders (other than the election of directors) will require the approval of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present. For a description of these actions, see "Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws."
No Preemptive, Conversion or Redemption Rights
Our common stock is not entitled to preemptive rights and is not subject to conversion or redemption.
Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock. Each outstanding share of our common stock is, and all shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering when they are paid for will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
Preferred Stock
Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, each outstanding share of our existing series of preferred stock designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will be converted into one share of common stock.
74
Immediately following the completion of this offering, our board of directors will be authorized, subject to limitations imposed by Delaware law, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our board of directors will be authorized to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each wholly unissued series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Our board of directors will also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by the stockholders.
The board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control and might harm the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Common Stock Warrants
In January 2003, we issued a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 60,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share to a single holder. This warrant expires in January 2013. In February 2003, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share to a total of three holders. These warrants have five-year terms and expire on February 12, 2008. In May 2006 and August 2006, we issued warrants to purchase 22,500 shares and 15,000 shares of our common stock at exercise prices of $2.55 per share and $7.00 per share, respectively, to a single holder. These warrants have a ten year term and vest over a four year period.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
The provisions of Delaware law and of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws described below may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us.
Delaware Law
We will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers. In general, those provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:
Section 203 defines "business combination" to include the following:
75
In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.
A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision either with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out of this provision. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.
Charter and Bylaws
Following the completion of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide that:
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation and its address is 1745 Gardena Avenue, Glendale, CA 91204-2991.
Listing
We have applied to have our common stock approved for trading and quotation on the Nasdaq Global Market under the proposed trading symbol "NLST."
76
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Before this offering, there has not been a public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares issued upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants, in the public markets after this offering could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of shares currently outstanding will be available for sale immediately after this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, in the public market after the restrictions lapse, or the possibility of the sales, could cause the prevailing market price of our common stock to fall or impair our ability to raise equity capital in the future.
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding shares of our common stock, assuming that there are no exercises of outstanding options after , 2006. Of these shares, all of the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable in the public market without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless these shares are held by "affiliates," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. For purposes of Rule 144, an "affiliate" of an issuer is a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the issuer. Shares purchased by an affiliate may not be resold except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration, including the exemption under Rule 144 of the Securities Act described below. Our shares outstanding prior to this offering are "restricted securities," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or 701 under the Securities Act. These rules are summarized below. Subject to the lock-up agreements described below and the current information, manner of sale and volume restrictions of Rule 144 and Rule 701, these restricted securities will be available for sale in the public market as follows:
Date
|
Number of Shares
|
Comment
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
On the date of this prospectus | shares | Shares not locked up and eligible for sale under Rule 144 | ||
90 days after the date of this prospectus |
|
shares |
|
Shares not locked up and eligible for resale under Rule 144 and Rule 701 |
180 days after the date of this prospectus |
|
shares |
|
Lock-up released; shares eligible for sale under Rule 144 and Rule 701 |
Lock-up Agreements
We and the selling stockholders, our executive officers and directors and substantially all of our other existing security holders have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of their shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock; or enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any economic consequences of ownership of our common stock (other than with respect to shares being sold by a selling stockholder in this offering) during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, on behalf of the underwriters. If (a) during the last 17 days of this 180-day period, we release earnings results or announce material news or a material event or (b) prior to the expiration of this 180-day period, we announce that we will release earnings results
77
during the 15-day period following the last day of the 180-day period, then in either case the above restrictions will continue to apply until 18-days after the date of release of the earnings results or the announcement of the material news or material event, as applicable, unless Thomas Weisel Partners LLC waives, in writing, such extension. These restrictions apply to shares of our capital stock which are now owned or which are acquired after the date of this prospectus by the person executing the lock-up agreement, or over which that person later acquires the power of disposition.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person who has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least one year from the later of the date on which those shares of common stock were acquired from us or from an affiliate of ours, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate of ours, would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that is not more than the greater of:
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 144(k)
In addition, under Rule 144(k), a person who is not one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least two years from the later of the date these shares of our common stock were acquired from us or from an affiliate of ours, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, is entitled to sell those shares without complying with the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Therefore, unless they are subject to other restrictions on their sale, those shares may be sold immediately upon the completion of this offering.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, any of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement is eligible to resell such shares 90 days after the effective date of this offering in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with the manner of sale provisions, notice requirements, current public information requirements, or volume limitations of Rule 144. Based upon the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of , 2006, an aggregate of approximately shares of our common stock are eligible to be sold pursuant to Rule 701, subject to the vesting provisions that may be contained in individual option agreements.
Stock Plans
We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering all shares of our common stock subject to options outstanding or reserved for issuance under our Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. We expect to file this registration statement as soon as practicable after this offering. However, none of the shares registered on Form S-8 will be eligible for resale until the expiration of any 180-day lock-up agreements to which they are subject.
78
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX
CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of our common stock by a beneficial owner thereof that is a "Non-U.S. Holder." A "Non-U.S. Holder" is a person or entity that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident alien individual, a foreign corporation or a foreign estate or trust. The test for whether an individual is a resident of the U.S. for federal estate tax purposes differs from the test used for federal income tax purposes. Some individuals, therefore, may be "Non-U.S. Holders" for purposes of the federal income tax discussion below, but not for purposes of the federal estate tax discussion, and vice versa.
This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, judicial decisions and administrative regulations and interpretations in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change, including changes with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to Non-U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances (including, without limitation, Non-U.S. Holders who are pass-through entities or who hold their common stock through pass-through entities) and does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction. Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the federal, state and local income, non-U.S. and estate tax consequences of holding and disposing of our common stock in light of their particular situations and any consequences to them arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction.
Dividends
Subject to the discussion below, distributions, if any, made to a Non-U.S. Holder of our common stock out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will constitute dividends for U.S. tax purposes and will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To obtain a reduced rate of withholding under a treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be required to provide us with a properly-executed IRS Form W-8BEN certifying the Non-U.S. Holder's entitlement to benefits under that treaty. Treasury Regulations provide special rules to determine whether, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is an entity should be treated as paid to the entity or to those holding an interest in that entity. To the extent such distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. tax purposes, they will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce your basis in our common stock, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock.
There will be no withholding tax on dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States if a properly-executed IRS Form W-8ECI, stating that the dividends are so connected, is provided to us. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax, generally in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. citizen or resident alien or a domestic corporation, as the case may be, unless a specific treaty exemption applies. A corporate Non-U.S. Holder receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to an additional "branch profits tax," which is imposed, under certain circumstances, at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty) of the corporate Non-U.S. Holder's effectively connected earnings and profits, subject to certain adjustments. If you are eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts currently withheld if you file an appropriate claim for refund with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
79
Gain on Disposition of Common Stock
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on a sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:
We believe that we are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a United States real property holding corporation. Even if we are treated as a United States real property holding corporation, gain realized by a Non-U.S. Holder on a disposition of our common stock will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax so long as: (a) the Non-U.S. Holder owned directly or indirectly, no more than five percent of our common stock at all times within the shorter of (x) the five year period preceding the disposition or (y) the holder's holding period; and (b) our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market. There can be no assurance that our common stock will continue to qualify as being regularly traded on an established securities market.
If you are a Non-U.S. Holder described in either of the first two bullet points above, you will be required to pay tax on the net gain derived from the sale at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates, and corporate Non-U.S. Holders described in either of the first two bullet points above may be subject to the branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If you are an individual Non-U.S. Holder described in the third bullet point above, you will be required to pay a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which tax may be offset by U.S. source capital losses (even though you are not considered a resident of the United States).
Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding
Generally, we must report to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service the amount of dividends paid, the name and address of the recipient, and the amount, if any, of tax withheld. A similar report is sent to the holder. Pursuant to tax treaties or certain other agreements, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service may make its reports available to tax authorities in the recipient's country of residence.
Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of dividends made by us or our paying agents to a Non-U.S. Holder if the holder has provided its federal taxpayer identification number, if any, or the required certification that it is not a U.S. person (which is generally provided by furnishing a properly-executed IRS Form W-8BEN), unless the payor otherwise has knowledge or reason to know that the payee is a U.S. person.
Under current U.S. federal income tax law, information reporting and backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a disposition of our common stock effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker unless the disposing holder certifies as to its non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an
80
exemption. Generally, U.S. information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker. However, U.S. information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) will apply to a payment of disposition proceeds where the transaction is effected outside the United States by or through an office outside the United States of a broker that fails to maintain documentary evidence that the holder is a Non-U.S. Holder and that certain conditions are met, or that the holder otherwise is entitled to an exemption, and the broker is:
Backup withholding will apply to a payment of disposition proceeds if the broker has actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S. person.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Federal Estate Tax
The estates of nonresident alien individuals are subject to U.S. federal estate tax on property with a U.S. situs. Because we are a U.S. corporation, our common stock will be the U.S. situs property and therefore will be included in the taxable estate of a nonresident alien decedent. This U.S. federal estate tax liability of the estate of a nonresident alien may be affected by a tax treaty between the United States and the decedent's country of residence.
81
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement, each of the underwriters named below has severally agreed to purchase from us the aggregate number of shares of common stock set forth opposite their respective names below:
Underwriters
|
Number of Shares
|
||
---|---|---|---|
Thomas Weisel Partners LLC | |||
Needham & Company, LLC | |||
WR Hambrecht + Co., LLC | |||
Total |
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters are subject to various conditions, including approval of legal matters by counsel. The nature of the underwriters' obligations commits them to purchase and pay for all of the shares of common stock listed above if any are purchased.
The underwriting agreement provides that we and the selling stockholders will indemnify the underwriters against liabilities specified in the underwriting agreement under the Securities Act, or will contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make relating to these liabilities.
Thomas Weisel Partners LLC expects to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about , 2006.
Over-Allotment Option
The selling stockholders have granted a 30-day over-allotment option to the underwriters to purchase up to a total of additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. If the underwriters exercise this option in whole or in part, then each of the underwriters will be separately committed, subject to the conditions described in the underwriting agreement, to purchase the additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders in proportion to the underwriters' respective commitments set forth in the table above.
Determination of Offering Price
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price will include:
82
We cannot assure you that an active or orderly trading market will develop for our common stock or that our common stock will trade in the public markets subsequent to this offering at or above the initial offering price.
Commissions and Discounts
The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and at this price less a concession not in excess of $ per share of common stock to other dealers specified in a master agreement among underwriters who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The underwriters may allow, and the other dealers specified may reallow, concessions not in excess of $ per share of common stock to these other dealers. After this offering, the offering price, concessions and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters. Our common stock is offered subject to receipt and acceptance by the underwriters and to the other conditions, including the right to reject orders in whole or in part.
The following table summarizes the compensation to be paid to the underwriters by us and the proceeds, before expenses, payable to us and the selling stockholders:
|
|
Total
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Per Share
|
Without
Over-Allotment |
With
Over-Allotment |
||||||
Public offering price | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discount | |||||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us | | ||||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders | |
Indemnification of Underwriters
We and the selling stockholders will indemnify the underwriters against some civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and liabilities arising from breaches of our representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement. If we or the selling stockholders are unable to provide this indemnification, we and the selling stockholders will contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
No Sales of Similar Securities
The underwriters will require all of our directors and officers and the selling stockholders to agree not to offer, sell, agree to sell, directly or indirectly, or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock except for the shares of common stock offered in this offering without the prior written consent of Thomas Weisel Partners LLC for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. If (a) during the last 17 days of this 180-day period, we release earnings results or announce material news or a material event or (b) prior to the expiration of this 180-day period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the 180-day period, then in either case the above restrictions will continue to apply until 18-days after the date of release of the earnings results or the announcement of the material news or material event, as applicable, unless Thomas Weisel Partners LLC waives, in writing, such extension.
We have agreed that for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, we will not, without the prior written consent of Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock, except for the shares of common stock offered in this offering, the
83
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options on the date of this prospectus and the shares of our common stock that are issued under our equity incentive plans.
Nasdaq Global Market Listing
After pricing of this offering, we expect that our common stock will be quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "NLST."
Short Sales, Stabilizing Transactions and Penalty Bids
In order to facilitate this offering, persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our common stock during and after this offering. Specifically, the underwriters may engage in the following activities in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Short sales. Short sales involve the sales by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. Covered short sales are short sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase additional shares from the selling stockholders in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their over-allotment option to purchase shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are any short sales in excess of such over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.
Stabilizing transactions. The underwriters may make bids for or purchases of the shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the shares, so long as stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
Penalty bids. If the underwriters purchase shares in the open market in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction, they may reclaim a selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those shares as part of this offering. Stabilization and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the shares to be higher than it would be in the absence of these transactions. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the shares if it discourages selling efforts by the underwriters.
The transactions above may occur on the Nasdaq Global Market or otherwise. Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the shares. If these transactions are commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.
Bingham McCutchen LLP, Orange County, California, will pass upon the validity of the issuance of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus. Latham & Watkins LLP, Menlo Park, California, will pass upon certain legal matters for the underwriters in connection with this offering.
84
The consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, and the related financial statement schedule included elsewhere in the registration statement, of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 1, 2005 and for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2005, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein and elsewhere in the registration statement, and have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, and the related financial statement schedule included elsewhere in the registration statement, of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and for the year then ended, included in this prospectus, have been audited by Corbin & Company, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein, and elsewhere in the registration statement, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1, including exhibits, under the Securities Act with respect to the common stock to be sold in this offering. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of that registration statement, does not contain all of the information in that registration statement or the exhibits. Statements made in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are only summaries. With respect to each contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved. You may read and copy all or any portion of the registration statement or any reports, statements or other information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
You can request copies of these documents upon payment of a duplicating fee by writing to the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its public reference room. Our filings, including the registration statement, will also be available to you on the web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements audited by our independent registered public accounting firm, and to make available to our stockholders quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each year containing unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
85
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
Page
|
|
---|---|---|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fiscal Year Ended 2005 | F-2 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fiscal Years Ended 2003 and 2004 | F-3 | |
Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and as of September 30, 2006(1) | F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and for the nine month periods ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006(1) | F-5 | |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006(1) | F-6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and for the nine month periods ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006(1) | F-7 | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-10 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of Directors and Stockholders
Netlist, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit on its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/
CORBIN & COMPANY, LLP
Irvine, California May 11, 2006 |
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of Directors and Stockholders
Netlist, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 1, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Netlist, Inc. as of January 1, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
March 1, 2006
F-3
NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
Pro Forma
as of September 30, 2006 |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 759 | $ | 953 | $ | 1,001 | $ | 1,001 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts of $232 (2004), $109 (2005) and $132 (2006) (unaudited), respectively | 8,813 | 13,140 | 20,896 | 20,896 | |||||||||||
Inventories | 7,342 | 6,816 | 14,854 | 14,854 | |||||||||||
Income taxes receivable | 493 | 259 | | | |||||||||||
Deferred taxes | 729 | 902 | 1,136 | 1,136 | |||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 295 | 434 | 1,060 | 1,060 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total current assets | 18,431 | 22,504 | 38,947 | 38,947 | |||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 3,372 | 2,437 | 2,744 | 2,744 | |||||||||||
Deferred taxes | 250 | 759 | 579 | 579 | |||||||||||
Other assets | 57 | 142 | 311 | 311 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 22,110 | $ | 25,842 | $ | 42,581 | $ | 42,581 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 5,724 | $ | 6,645 | $ | 15,345 | $ | 15,345 | |||||||
Revolving line of credit | 5,443 | 9,463 | 11,171 | 11,171 | |||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 370 | 720 | 2,741 | 2,741 | |||||||||||
Current portion of deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction | | 116 | 116 | 116 | |||||||||||
Current portion of convertible notes payable | | 1,000 | 1,750 | | |||||||||||
Income taxes payable | | | 588 | 588 | |||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 1,746 | 1,841 | 2,993 | 2,993 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 13,283 | 19,785 | 34,704 | 32,954 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion | 1,816 | 988 | 690 | 690 | |||||||||||
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction, net of current portion | | 464 | 375 | 375 | |||||||||||
Convertible notes payable, net of current portion | 1,750 | 1,750 | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 16,849 | 22,987 | 35,769 | 34,019 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | |||||||||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||||||
Series A convertible preferred stock, $2.00 par value1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding (liquidation preference of $2,000) | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | | |||||||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value16,000 shares authorized; 10,672 (2004), 10,673 (2005) 11,244 (2006) (unaudited) shares issued and outstanding | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | |||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 23,325 | 22,604 | 23,130 | 26,878 | |||||||||||
Note receivable from stockholder | (22 | ) | (23 | ) | (23 | ) | (23 | ) | |||||||
Deferred stock-based compensation | (1,000 | ) | (337 | ) | | | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (19,053 | ) | (21,400 | ) | (18,306 | ) | (18,306 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 5,261 | 2,855 | 6,812 | 8,562 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 22,110 | $ | 25,842 | $ | 42,581 | $ | 42,581 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27,
2003 |
January 1,
2005 |
December 31,
2005 |
October 1,
2005 |
September 30,
2006 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||
Net sales |
|
$ |
100,375 |
|
$ |
143,659 |
|
$ |
79,856 |
|
$ |
56,552 |
|
$ |
109,439 |
|
||
Cost of sales(1) |
|
|
86,107 |
|
|
133,503 |
|
|
73,892 |
|
|
52,482 |
|
|
93,971 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
|
|
14,268 |
|
|
10,156 |
|
|
5,964 |
|
|
4,070 |
|
|
15,468 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Research and development(1) | 11,759 | 3,770 | 2,961 | 2,493 | 2,388 | |||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative(1) | 15,218 | 6,314 | 5,062 | 3,694 | 6,494 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
|
|
26,977 |
|
|
10,084 |
|
|
8,023 |
|
|
6,187 |
|
|
8,882 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(12,709 |
) |
|
72 |
|
|
(2,059 |
) |
|
(2,117 |
) |
|
6,586 |
|
||
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Interest expense | (772 | ) | (1,071 | ) | (1,221 | ) | (753 | ) | (1,514 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | (107 | ) | (315 | ) | 21 | 16 | (82 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Total other expense, net |
|
|
(879 |
) |
|
(1,386 |
) |
|
(1,200 |
) |
|
(737 |
) |
|
(1,596 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
(13,588 |
) |
|
(1,314 |
) |
|
(3,259 |
) |
|
(2,854 |
) |
|
4,990 |
|
||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
|
|
2,317 |
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
(912 |
) |
|
(811 |
) |
|
1,896 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(15,905 |
) |
$ |
(974 |
) |
$ |
(2,347 |
) |
$ |
(2,043 |
) |
$ |
3,094 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.28 | ||||
Diluted | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.21 | ||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 11,072 | |||||||||||||
Diluted | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 15,248 |
Cost of sales | $ | 69 | $ | 29 | $ | 56 | $ | 23 | $ | 60 | ||||||
Research and development | 9,733 | 80 | (52 | ) | (37 | ) | 71 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 10,872 | 141 | (65 | ) | (41 | ) | 316 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(in thousands)
|
Series A Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Additional Paid-in Capital
|
Notes Receivable From Stockholders
|
Deferred Stock-Based Compensation
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
Net Stockholders' Equity
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2003 | 1,000 | $ | 2,000 | 10,550 | $ | 11 | $ | 1,648 | $ | (460 | ) | $ | (271 | ) | $ | (2,174 | ) | $ | 754 | ||||||||
Issuance of stock options and warrants to nonemployees | | | | | 1,037 | | (1,037 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock options to employees | | | | | 2,931 | | (2,931 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock deferred compensation | | | | | 19,020 | | (19,020 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation | | | | | | | 20,674 | | 20,674 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | | | 100 | | 20 | (20 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Interest from stockholder notes receivable | | | | | | (34 | ) | | | (34 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Forgiveness of stockholder notes receivable | | | | | | 492 | | | 492 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | | | | | | | | (15,905 | ) | (15,905 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 27, 2003 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 10,650 | 11 | 24,656 | (22 | ) | (2,585 | ) | (18,079 | ) | 5,981 | |||||||||||||||
Forfeiture of stock options and warrants | | | | | (1,335 | ) | | 943 | | (392 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation | | | | | | | 642 | | 642 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | | | 22 | | 4 | | | | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest from stockholder notes receivable | | | | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Payment of interest on stockholder note receivable | | | | | | 1 | | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | | | | | | | | (974 | ) | (974 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2005 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 10,672 | 11 | 23,325 | (22 | ) | (1,000 | ) | (19,053 | ) | 5,261 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock options to nonemployees | | | | | 6 | | (6 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||||
Forfeiture of stock options and warrants | | | | | (730 | ) | | 454 | | (276 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation | | | | | | | 215 | | 215 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | | | 1 | | 3 | | | | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest from stockholder note receivable | | | | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss | | | | | | | | (2,347 | ) | (2,347 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2005 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 10,673 | 11 | 22,604 | (23 | ) | (337 | ) | (21,400 | ) | 2,855 | |||||||||||||||
Reclassification of deferred stock-based compensation upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) (unaudited) | | | | | (337 | ) | | 337 | | | |||||||||||||||||
Estimated relative fair value of beneficial conversion feature on convertible note payable (unaudited) | | | | | 50 | | | | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation (unaudited) | | | | | 447 | | | | 447 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants (unaudited) | | | 550 | | 110 | | | | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock in connection with conversion of note payable (unaudited) | | | 21 | | 53 | | | | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit from exercise of warrants (unaudited) | | | | | 203 | | | | 203 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income (unaudited) | | | | | | | | 3,094 | 3,094 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2006 (unaudited) | 1,000 | $ | 2,000 | 11,244 | $ | 11 | $ | 23,130 | $ | (23 | ) | $ | | $ | (18,306 | ) | $ | 6,812 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (15,905 | ) | $ | (974 | ) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | (2,043 | ) | $ | 3,094 | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 584 | 867 | 1,031 | 751 | 705 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction | | | | | (89 | ) | |||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | (345 | ) | 218 | (682 | ) | (95 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets | 33 | 43 | (11 | ) | 8 | 15 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 20,674 | 250 | (61 | ) | (53 | ) | 447 | ||||||||||||
Interest on notes receivable from stockholders | (34 | ) | | (1 | ) | | | ||||||||||||
Forgiveness of notes receivable from stockholders | 492 | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | | | | | 50 | ||||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (2,209 | ) | (3,570 | ) | (4,327 | ) | (1,766 | ) | (7,756 | ) | |||||||||
Inventories | (7,973 | ) | 2,704 | 526 | 1,153 | (8,038 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income taxes receivable | | (493 | ) | 234 | (469 | ) | 259 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 18 | (116 | ) | 99 | (286 | ) | (340 | ) | |||||||||||
Other assets | (38 | ) | (7 | ) | (85 | ) | (357 | ) | (169 | ) | |||||||||
Accounts payable | 4,436 | (3,032 | ) | 921 | 1,630 | 8,700 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable | 2,627 | (2,634 | ) | | | 588 | |||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 1,299 | 177 | 95 | (243 | ) | 1,155 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
3,659 |
|
|
(6,567 |
) |
|
(4,608 |
) |
|
(1,770 |
) |
|
(1,433 |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
F-7
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of property and equipment | (2,019 | ) | (557 | ) | (484 | ) | (464 | ) | (959 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from sale of equipment | | 61 | 19 | | 45 | ||||||||||||
Restricted cash | 504 | | | | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale and leaseback of facility | | | 1,797 | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
|
(1,515 |
) |
|
(496 |
) |
|
1,332 |
|
|
(464 |
) |
|
(914 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings on lines of credit | 2,925 | 146,488 | 82,015 | 56,240 | 106,972 | ||||||||||||
Payments on lines of credit | (3,692 | ) | (141,045 | ) | (77,995 | ) | (54,977 | ) | (105,264 | ) | |||||||
Borrowings from debt | 300 | 820 | | | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
Payments on debt | (361 | ) | (348 | ) | (1,553 | ) | (313 | ) | (676 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from convertible notes payable | 500 | | 1,000 | | | ||||||||||||
Repayment of convertible notes | | | | | (950 | ) | |||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants | | | 3 | | 110 | ||||||||||||
Tax benefit from exercise of warrants | | | | | 203 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
(328 |
) |
|
5,915 |
|
|
3,470 |
|
|
950 |
|
|
2,395 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,816 |
|
|
(1,148 |
) |
|
194 |
|
|
(1,284 |
) |
|
48 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
|
91 |
|
|
1,907 |
|
|
759 |
|
|
759 |
|
|
953 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
1,907 |
|
$ |
759 |
|
$ |
953 |
|
$ |
(525 |
) |
$ |
1,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-8
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | |||||||||||||||||
Interest | $ | 794 | $ | 1,061 | $ | 1,169 | $ | 828 | $ | 1,418 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Income taxes | $ | 34 | $ | 3,400 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 904 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Purchase of equipment through capitalized lease obligations | $ | 182 | $ | 184 | $ | 837 | $ | 837 | $ | 113 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Purchase of insurance policies through notes payable | $ | | $ | | $ | 238 | $ | 238 | $ | 286 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback of facility | $ | | $ | | $ | 580 | $ | | $ | | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Estimated relative fair value of beneficial conversion feature on convertible note payable | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 50 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock in connection with conversion of note
payable |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 53 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-9
NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Description of Business
Netlist, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated on June 12, 2000 in Delaware. Netlist designs and manufactures high performance memory subsystems for the server, high performance computing and communications markets. The Company's solutions are targeted at applications where memory plays a key role in meeting system performance requirements.
NOTE 2SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Netlist, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Netlist Holdings, GP, Inc., Netlist Holdings, LP, Inc., Netlist Technology Texas LP, and Netlist International. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Interim Financial Information
The interim financial information as of September 30, 2006 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005 is unaudited and has been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, such unaudited information includes all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim information. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 30, 2006. All references to September 30, 2006 or to the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 in the notes to the financial statements are unaudited.
Fiscal Year
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its fiscal year from a calendar year to a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The 2003, 2004 and 2005 fiscal years ended on December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and consisted of 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, among others, provisions for uncollectible receivables and sales returns, valuation of inventories, recoverability of long-lived assets and realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
F-10
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate carrying values due to their short maturities. The fair value of the Company's debt instruments approximates their carrying values based on rates currently available to the Company.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company invests primarily in money market funds and high quality commercial paper instruments. Cash equivalents are maintained with high quality institutions, the composition and maturities of which are regularly monitored by management. The Company's trade accounts receivable are primarily derived from sales to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") in the computer industry. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and limits the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary but generally requires no collateral. The Company believes that the concentration of credit risk in its trade receivables is moderated by the Company's credit evaluation process, relatively short collection terms and the high level of credit worthiness of its customers.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis and includes raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes an analysis of sales levels by product type. Among other factors, the Company considers historical demand and forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles when determining obsolescence and net realizable value. Provisions are made to reduce excess or obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable values. Once established, write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess or obsolete inventories.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.
F-11
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets held and used by the Company for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, the Company compares the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amount. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value, based on market value when available, or discounted expected cash flows, of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. At December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited), the Company's management believes there is no impairment of its long-lived assets. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions will not change or demand for the Company's products will continue, which could result in future impairment of long-lived assets.
Revenue Recognition
The Company's revenues primarily consist of product sales of high performance memory subsystems to OEMs. Revenues also include sales of excess inventories to distributors and other users of memory ICs totaling approximately $20,412,000, $28,016,000, $19,127,000 during the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and approximately $15,865,000 (unaudited) and $10,191,000 (unaudited) during the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 104, Revenue Recognition . Under the provisions of SAB No. 104, the Company recognizes revenues when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, product delivery and acceptance have occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
For all sales, the Company uses a binding purchase order as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped for customers with FOB Shipping Point terms and upon receipt for customers with FOB Destination terms, at which time title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. Shipping documents are used to verify delivery and customer acceptance. The Company assesses whether the sales price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund. Customers are generally allowed limited rights of return for up to 30 days, except for sales of excess inventories, which contain no right-of-return privileges. Estimated returns are provided for at the time of sale based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. Returns from customers have not been material in any period as the Company's principal customers have adopted build-to-order manufacturing models or just-in-time management processes. The Company offers a standard product warranty to its customers and has no other post-shipment obligations. The Company assesses collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and evaluations, as well as the customer's payment history.
Most of the Company's international shipments are made to third-party inventory warehouses, or hubs, and the Company recognizes revenue when the inventory is pulled from the hub for use in production by the customer. The Company receives a report from the customer on a daily basis indicating the inventories pulled from a hub for use by the customer, and performs a daily
F-12
reconciliation of inventories shipped to and pulled by the customer to those inventories reflected on the customer's reports to ensure that sales are recognized in the appropriate periods.
All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues, while all costs incurred by the Company for shipping and handling are classified as cost of sales.
Warranties
The Company offers warranties generally ranging from one to three years to its customers, other than on sales of excess inventory, depending on the product and negotiated terms of purchase agreements. Such warranties require the Company to repair or replace defective product returned to the Company during such warranty period at no cost to the customer. An estimate by the Company for warranty related costs is recorded by the Company at the time of sale based on its historical and estimated product return rates and expected repair or replacement costs. Such costs have historically been insignificant.
Beneficial Conversion Feature
The convertible feature of one of the Company's convertible notes provides for a rate of conversion that is below market value (see Note 7). Such feature is normally characterized as a "beneficial conversion feature" ("BCF"). Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 98-5, Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratio and EITF No. 00-27 Application of EITF Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments , the estimated relative fair value of the BCF has been recorded as a discount from the face amount of the convertible note. The Company amortized the discount using the effective interest method through the conversion of such instrument.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for equity issuances to non-employees in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation , and EITF No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods and Services . All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date used to determine the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the earlier of the date on which the third-party performance is complete or the date on which it is probable that performance will occur.
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation issued to employees using the intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees , and related pronouncements (see Note 12). Under this method, compensation expense was recognized over the respective vesting period based on the excess, on the date of grant, of the estimated fair value of the Company's common stock over the grant price, net of forfeitures. Deferred stock-based compensation expense was amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of each grant. During the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, stock-based
F-13
compensation expense, net of forfeitures, was approximately $20,674,000, $250,000 and $(61,000), respectively.
Under SFAS No. 123, entities were required to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of the grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 allowed entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB No. 25 and provide pro forma net income (loss) disclosures for employee stock option grants as if the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to apply the provisions of APB No. 25 and provide pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based CompensationTransition and Disclosure .
Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based awards to employees been determined based on the estimated fair value at the grant dates consistent with the fair value method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and the nine months ended October 1, 2005 would have approximated the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
|
Year Ended
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
Nine Months Ended
October 1, 2005 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||
Net loss, as reported |
|
$ |
(15,905 |
) |
$ |
(974 |
) |
$ |
(2,347 |
) |
$ |
(2,043 |
) |
|
Plus: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net loss, net of tax | 20,115 | 185 | (44 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||||
Less: stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of tax | (1,000 | ) | (470 | ) | 354 | 140 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Pro forma net income (loss) | $ | 3,210 | $ | (1,259 | ) | $ | (2,037 | ) | $ | (1,958 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share as reported: | ||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Diluted | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Pro forma: | ||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.33 | $ | (0.12 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.22 | $ | (0.12 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
The fair value of options granted under the Company's equity incentive plan during the years ended December 27, 2003 and December 31, 2005, and the nine months ended October 1, 2005
F-14
was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model utilizing the single option approach using the following weighted-average assumptions:
|
Year Ended
|
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
Nine Months Ended October 1,
2005 |
||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||
Weighted-average risk-free rate |
|
2.73% |
|
n/a |
|
4.13% |
|
4.13% |
Expected term | 10 years | n/a | 10 years | 10 years | ||||
Expected stock volatility | 80% | n/a | 24% | 24% | ||||
Dividend yield | | n/a | | |
There were no options granted during fiscal 2004.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment , which establishes standards for the accounting of transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, primarily focusing on accounting for transactions where an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123(R) requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments, including stock options, based on the grant-date fair value of the award and to recognize it as compensation expense over the period the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes the Company's previous accounting under APB No. 25 for periods beginning in fiscal 2006. In March 2005, the SEC issued SAB No. 107, Share-Based Payment , relating to SFAS No. 123(R). The Company has applied the provisions of SAB No. 107 in its adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Company's fiscal year 2006. The Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company's consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS No. 123(R).
SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25 as allowed under SFAS No. 123. Under this method, stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for option grants to employees and consultants below the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company's consolidated statement of operations for
F-15
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS No. 123 and compensation expense for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The estimated average forfeiture rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 of approximately 8% was based on historical forfeiture experience and estimated future employee forfeitures. The estimated term of option grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was six years. In the Company's pro forma information required under SFAS No. 123 for the periods prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R), deferred stock-based compensation expense with a balance of $337,000 at December 31, 2005 was eliminated against additional paid-in capital upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006. The deferred stock-based compensation expense was primarily related to stock awards granted to various employees and directors prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).
The fair value of stock-based awards to employees and directors is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions regarding future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate selected to value any particular grant is based on the U.S Treasury rate that corresponds to the pricing term of the grant effective as of the date of the grant. The expected volatility for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is based on the historical volatilities of the common stock of comparable publicly traded companies. These factors could change in the future, affecting the determination of stock-based compensation expense in future periods.
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006 |
|
---|---|---|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
Expected term | 6 years | |
Expected volatility | 40% | |
Risk-free interest rate | 4.55%-4.97% | |
Expected dividends | |
F-16
A summary of option activity as of September 30, 2006 and changes during the nine months then ended, is presented below (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data):
|
Shares
|
Weighted-
Average Exercise Price |
Weighted-
Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) |
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Options outstanding at January 1, 2006 | 2,190 | $ | 1.26 | |||||||
Options granted (unaudited) | 1,298 | $ | 6.03 | |||||||
Options exercised (unaudited) | | $ | | |||||||
Options forfeited (unaudited) | (244 | ) | $ | 1.97 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Options outstanding at September 30, 2006 (unaudited) | 3,244 | $ | 3.11 | 7.88 | $ | 19,109 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Options exercisable at September 30, 2006 (unaudited) | 1,418 | $ | 0.73 | 5.62 | $ | 11,728 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.91 (unaudited) per option. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was zero (unaudited) as no options were exercised during the period.
A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested stock options as of September 30, 2006 and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below (shares in thousands):
|
Shares
|
Weighted-
Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-vested stock options at January 1, 2006 | 932 | $ | 1.04 | ||
Non-vested stock options granted (unaudited) | 1,298 | $ | 3.05 | ||
Vested stock options (unaudited) | (250 | ) | $ | 0.72 | |
Forfeited/cancelled stock options (unaudited) | (154 | ) | $ | 2.83 | |
|
|
||||
Non-vested stock options at September 30, 2006 (unaudited) | 1,826 | $ | 4.96 | ||
|
|
As of September 30, 2006, there was approximately $3,483,000 (unaudited) of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated expected forfeitures, related to employee and director stock option compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the next 4 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $436,000 (unaudited).
As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company's income before provision for income taxes and net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were approximately $335,000 (unaudited) lower than if it had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB No. 25. Basic net income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $0.03 (unaudited) lower than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB No. 25. Diluted net income per share for the
F-17
nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $0.02 lower due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to employee and director stock options under SFAS No. 123(R) for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, which was allocated as follows (in thousands):
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006 |
||
---|---|---|---|
|
(unaudited)
|
||
Stock-based compensation expense included in: | |||
Cost of sales | 60 | ||
Research and development | 71 | ||
Selling, general and administrative | 305 |
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized to reflect the estimated future tax effects, calculated at currently effective tax rates, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events that have been recognized on a cumulative basis in the consolidated financial statements. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period from non-owner sources. For the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 and for the nine months ended October 1, 2005 (unaudited) and September 30, 2006 (unaudited) there were no differences between the Company's net income (loss) and its comprehensive income (loss).
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares consist of dilutive shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options computed using the treasury stock method and shares issuable upon the conversion of notes payable using the "if converted" method. All potentially dilutive shares of approximately 5,071,000, 4,001,000, 3,632,000 and 3,447,000 (unaudited) during the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, and the nine months ended October 1, 2005, respectively, have been excluded from diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive for the periods then ended. Potentially dilutive shares of approximately 4,176,000 (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 have been included in the diluted net income per share computation for the period then ended.
F-18
The following table sets forth for all periods presented the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, including the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data):
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||||||
Basic income (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (15,905 | ) | $ | (974 | ) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | (1,833 | ) | $ | 3,094 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 11,072 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Basic income (loss) per share | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.28 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Diluted income (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (15,905 | ) | $ | (974 | ) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | (1,833 | ) | $ | 3,094 | |||
Convertible notes interest expense (net of tax) | | | | | 60 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ | (15,905 | ) | $ | (974 | ) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | (1,833 | ) | $ | 3,154 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 11,072 | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||||||
Stock options and warrants | | | | | 2,099 | ||||||||||||
Convertible preferred stock | | | | | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
Convertible notes payable | | | | | 1,077 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted | 9,831 | 10,671 | 10,673 | 10,672 | 15,248 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Diluted net income (loss) per share | $ | (1.62 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | $ | 0.21 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) per Share and Unaudited Pro Forma Balance Sheet Information
Pro forma net income (loss) per share has been computed to give effect to the fact that if the offering contemplated by this prospectus is completed it would result in the automatic conversion of $1,750,000 of the outstanding principle amount of certain convertible notes payable, and all of the shares of Series A convertible preferred stock, outstanding at September 30, 2006 (using the if-converted method) into an aggregate of 2,050,000 shares of common stock immediately prior to this offering.
F-19
Pro forma basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the year ended December 31, 2005 and nine months ended September 30, 2006 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
December 31, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||
Numerator: | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (2,347 | ) | $ | 3,094 | |
Interest on convertible notes payable, net of tax | 70 | 60 | ||||
|
|
|||||
Pro forma adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (2,277 | ) | $ | 3,154 | |
|
|
|||||
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per sharebasic | 10,673 | 11,072 | ||||
Adjustment to reflect the assumed conversion of convertible notes payable | 1,077 | 1,077 | ||||
Adjustment to reflect the assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||
Adjustment to reflect effect of dilutive stock options and warrants | | 2,099 | ||||
|
|
|||||
Weighted average shares used in computing pro forma net income per share | 12,750 | 15,248 | ||||
|
|
|||||
Pro forma net income per sharebasic | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | 0.28 | |
|
|
|||||
Pro forma net income per sharediluted | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 0.21 | |
|
|
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet at September 30, 2006 has been presented to reflect the conversion of convertible notes payable and preferred stock into shares of common stock.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 . SFAS No. 151 amends ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) should be recognized as current period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS No. 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issue date of the statement. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
F-20
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R). This statement requires companies to measure the cost of all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and to record such expense in its financial statements. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) also requires additional accounting and disclosures relating to the income tax and cash flow effects resulting from share-based payment arrangements. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective method. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) is described above.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Interpretation requires that the Company recognize in the financial statements the impact of tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 3INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
September 30,
2006 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||
Raw materials | $ | 4,115 | $ | 2,551 | $ | 8,296 | |||
Work in process | 1,345 | 1,027 | 935 | ||||||
Finished goods | 1,882 | 3,238 | 5,623 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
$ | 7,342 | $ | 6,816 | $ | 14,854 | ||||
|
|
|
F-21
NOTE 4PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
|
Estimated Useful Lives
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
September 30,
2006 |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||
Machinery and equipment | 3-7 yrs. | $ | 2,608 | $ | 3,595 | $ | 4,166 | |||||
Land | | 600 | | | ||||||||
Buildings and improvements | 40 yrs. | 715 | | | ||||||||
Furniture and fixtures | 5 yrs. | 203 | 205 | 205 | ||||||||
Computer equipment and software | 3-7 yrs. | 944 | 1,241 | 1,498 | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
5,070 | 5,041 | 5,869 | ||||||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (1,698 | ) | (2,604 | ) | (3,125 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
$ | 3,372 | $ | 2,437 | $ | 2,744 | |||||||
|
|
|
Included in property and equipment are assets under capital leases with a cost of $1,764,000, $2,618,000 and $2,599,000 (unaudited) and accumulated amortization of $508,000, $896,000 and $1,159,000 (unaudited) at January 1, 2005, December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
NOTE 5CREDIT AGREEMENT
The Company has entered into an agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a bank which, as amended, provides for a line of credit facility up to $25 million ($3 million of which may be in the form of letters of credit), limited to 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus the least of (i) a percentage of eligible inventory determined from time to time by the Company's bank, (ii) 80% of the orderly liquidation value, as defined, of eligible inventories, and (iii) $7 million. Interest is payable monthly, at the Company's option, either at prime rate plus 0.50% or LIBOR plus 3%. The interest rate will be further reduced to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.50% concurrent with a capital raise by the Company with net proceeds of at least $15 million or achievement of annual net income of $2.5 million. The line of credit facility, as amended, matures on July 31, 2008.
The Credit Agreement also provides for a $2 million term loan to be funded in two advances. The first advance of $1 million was made in August 2006, and the second advance of $1 million was made in September 2006. The term loan principal is payable in equal monthly installments of $83,350 commencing on September 1, 2006. In addition, the Company will be required to make a principal reduction payment on the term loan in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 10% of the Company's excess cash flow, as defined, for its year ending December 30, 2006, or (ii) $500,000. Interest is payable monthly, at the Company's option, either at the prime rate plus 0.50% or LIBOR plus 3%. The interest rate will be further reduced to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.50% concurrent with a capital raise by the Company with net proceeds of at least $15 million or achievement of annual net income of $2.5 million. The term loan, including all accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable on the earlier of (i) the closing of an initial public offering by the Company, or (ii) July 31, 2008.
The Credit Agreement also provides for equipment advances up to $2 million. Interest on the equipment advances is payable monthly, at the Company's option, either at the prime rate plus
F-22
0.50% or LIBOR plus 3%. The interest rate will be further reduced to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.50% concurrent with a capital raise by the Company with net proceeds of at least $15 million or achievement of annual net income of $2.5 million. Interest only payments are required on the equipment advances through January 31, 2007. Commencing February 1, 2007, the Company is required to repay the equipment advances in 42 equal monthly installments. The equipment advances, including all accrued and unpaid interest, are due on July 31, 2008.
Any borrowings are collateralized by a general first priority lien against all Company assets, both tangible and intangible, and the personal guarantees of three senior Company executives.
Prior to July 2006, the credit agreement provided for a revolving line of credit of $15 million and no term loan or equipment line of credit.
Interest was payable monthly at the prime rate plus 0.50% in fiscal 2004 (5.75% at January 1, 2005) and in fiscal 2005 at the prime rate plus 4.75% for eligible foreign accounts (12.00% at December 31, 2005) and at September 30, 2006 at the prime rate plus 0.50% (8.75%) and for all other advances at the prime rate plus 3.50% and prime rate plus 0.50% (10.75% at December 31, 2005 and 8.75% at September 30, 2006, respectively). Outstanding borrowings on this line of credit at January 1, 2005, December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 were $5,443,000, $9,463,000 and $11,171,000 (unaudited), respectively. Borrowing availability under the line of credit was approximately $2,400,000 and $6,724,000 (unaudited) at December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
The Credit Agreement, as amended, contains certain restrictions and covenants. Under these restrictions and covenants, the Company must maintain certain levels of tangible net worth, achieve minimum monthly and quarterly profitability, and limit capital expenditures. The Company was not in compliance with certain covenants at December 31, 2005. Effective April 18, 2006, the Company executed the Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement and Waiver of Defaults (the "Fourth Amendment"). The Fourth Amendment provides for, among other things, a waiver of noncompliance as of the dates above and added an additional requirement for the Company to consummate a private equity offering not later than March 31, 2007, with minimum net proceeds of $4,000,000.
Effective July 28, 2006, the Company executed the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the "Fifth Amendment"). The Fifth Amendment eliminated the prior covenant that required the Company to raise a minimum of $4 million in a private equity offering prior to March 31, 2007. As of September 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
F-23
NOTE 6LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
September 30,
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Obligations under capital leases (see Note 9) | $ | 895 | $ | 1,285 | $ | 1,069 | ||||
Mortgage note payable to bank | 965 | | | |||||||
Term note payable to bank | | | 1,833 | |||||||
Notes payable to others | 326 | 423 | 529 | |||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
2,186 | 1,708 | 3,431 | ||||||||
Less current portion | (370 | ) | (720 | ) | (2,741 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
||||||||
$ | 1,816 | $ | 988 | $ | 690 | |||||
|
|
|
Mortgage Note Payable
In November 2000, the Company obtained an SBA-backed 25-year mortgage note payable collateralized by its manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. This note bore interest at the prime rate plus 1.0% (6.25% at January 1, 2005), with principal and interest payments due monthly through 2025. In December 2005, the mortgage was paid in full in connection with the sale and leaseback transaction of the manufacturing facility (see Note 9).
Notes Payable to Others
In November 2002, the Company entered into a $100,000 unsecured loan agreement with an individual, bearing interest at 7% payable annually, principal due, as amended, in June 2006. In January 2004, $4,000 of the principal amount was used to exercise certain stock options. The balance of this note was $96,000 at January 1, 2005, December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006. The note is currently due on demand.
In January 2003, the Company entered into a $300,000 loan agreement with a financing company, collateralized by assets owned by an employee related to the majority stockholder. This note bears interest at 14% per annum and matures in January 2009. Principal and interest payments of approximately $6,000 are due and payable monthly. The balance of this note was $230,000, $185,000 and $147,000 (unaudited) at January 1, 2005, December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
In August 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with a financing company in connection with financing certain insurance policies. The financing agreement required monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $25,000 through maturity on June 30, 2006. Interest was payable at 8.55% per annum. The outstanding principal balance on this financing was $142,000 at December 31, 2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the balance was repaid in full (unaudited). In August 2006, the Company entered into a new agreement with the financing company to finance its insurance policies. The financing agreement requires monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $32,000 (unaudited) through maturity on June 30, 2007. Interest is payable at 9.45% per annum. The outstanding principal balance on this financing was $286,000 (unaudited) at September 30, 2006.
F-24
Capital Leases
The Company has purchased manufacturing and computer equipment through the use of various capital leases. These leases require aggregate monthly payments of $44,450 and mature at various dates through May 2010. The interest rates on these leases vary between 4.3% and 10.4% (see Note 9).
As of December 31, 2005, maturities of long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
|
|
||
---|---|---|---|
2006 | $ | 720 | |
2007 | 522 | ||
2008 | 350 | ||
2009 | 91 | ||
2010 | 25 | ||
|
|||
$ | 1,708 | ||
|
Interest expense related to long-term debt was $156,000, $177,000, $250,000, $177,000 (unaudited) and $153,000 (unaudited) for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 and for the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
NOTE 7CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
In April 2001, the Company issued two convertible promissory notes, each in the original principal amount of $625,000, to Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ("Serim Paper") and HeungHwa Industries Co., Ltd. ("HeungHwa"), bearing interest at 7.50% per annum (collectively, the "$625,000 Notes"). In February 2003, the Company issued an additional $500,000 convertible note to Serim Paper, bearing interest at 6.50% per annum (the "$500,000 Note"). The $625,000 Notes and the $500,000 Note are guaranteed by the Company's majority stockholder and were originally convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of a new series of preferred stock at a price equal to the lower of $2.50 per share or the per share fair market value of the new preferred stock. In the event of a public offering of the Company's common stock at a price in excess of the conversion price, the notes will automatically convert into shares of the Company's common stock at the conversion price.
In October 2002 and April 2004, the Company exchanged the $625,000 Notes (or the applicable successor notes) for new notes with the same terms and new maturity dates. In August 2004, the Company exchanged the $500,000 Note for a new note with the same terms and a new maturity date. Effective October 2005, the Company exchanged the then outstanding $625,000 Notes for new notes which provide for a conversion price of $1.667 per share (estimated fair value of the preferred stock at the effective date of exchange) with new maturity dates of April 3, 2007. Effective February 2006, the Company exchanged the then outstanding $500,000 Note for a new note which provides for a conversion price of $1.667 per share (estimated fair value of the preferred stock at the effective date of exchange) with a new maturity date of August 12, 2007.
F-25
In December 2005, the Company issued $1,000,000 in secured convertible promissory notes (the "2005 Notes"), bearing interest at 9.96% per annum. The 2005 Notes are secured (subordinated to the Credit Agreement) by substantially all the Company's assets. The 2005 Notes are convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time after the earlier of (i) the maturity date or (ii) the consummation of a private placement offering of common stock of the Company with gross aggregate proceeds to the Company of at least $1,000,000, and prior to repayment or automatic conversion (see below). The 2005 Notes are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at either the offering price in a private placement offering of the Company's common stock, or if no offering, at the fair value of a share of common stock as determined by the Company's Board of Directors. In the event of a merger transaction with a public company concurrent with a private placement offering with gross aggregate proceeds of at least $5,000,000, the outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will automatically be converted into shares of the Company's common stock at a rate of 67.5% of the price per share at which such shares are sold in the private placement offering. In accordance with EITF No. 00-27, since the terms of the contingent conversion option do not permit the Company to compute the additional number of shares that it would need to issue upon conversion of the notes if the contingent event occurs and the conversion price is adjusted, the Company determined the value of the beneficial conversion feature as of the commitment date and will record the beneficial conversion amount as additional interest expense only if the contingent event occurs. The estimated value of the beneficial conversion feature at the commitment date was approximately $500,000.
The 2005 Notes had an original maturity date of February 28, 2006. In March 2006, the note holders agreed to extend the maturity date to May 31, 2006. In June 2006, a note holder of $50,000 in principal agreed to extend the maturity date of its convertible note until August 31, 2006 and fix the conversion price of the note at $2.55 per share. In connection with the amendment of the $50,000 convertible note in June 2006, the Company recorded a BCF of $50,000 as a result of fixing the conversion price at a per share amount that was below the estimated fair value of the Company's common stock at the date of amendment. The BCF has been recorded as a discount from the face amount of the convertible note and will be amortized using the effective interest method through maturity of such instrument. In August 2006, the note holder converted the principal balance of $50,000 and accrued interest of $3,000 into 20,863 shares of the Company's common stock. As a result, the Company recorded interest expense of $50,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 related to the amortization of the debt discount.
On August 4, 2006, the Company repaid the remaining $950,000 of outstanding principal on the 2005 Notes, including accrued and unpaid interest of $59,010 (unaudited). As a result of the repayment, the Company will not be required to record any further beneficial conversion charge.
As of December 31, 2005, maturities of convertible notes payable were as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
|
|
||
---|---|---|---|
2006 | $ | 1,000 | |
2007 | 1,750 | ||
|
|||
$ | 2,750 | ||
|
F-26
NOTE 8INCOME TAXES
The Company's income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following (in thousands):
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||
Current: | ||||||||||||||||||
Federal | $ | 1,974 | $ | (499 | ) | $ | (232 | ) | $ | (718 | ) | $ | 1,921 | |||||
State | 688 | (59 | ) | 2 | 2 | 29 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Total current | 2,662 | (558 | ) | (230 | ) | (716 | ) | $ | 1,950 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Deferred: | ||||||||||||||||||
Federal | (111 | ) | 225 | (319 | ) | 156 | (242 | ) | ||||||||||
State | (234 | ) | (7 | ) | (363 | ) | (251 | ) | 188 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Total deferred | (345 | ) | 218 | (682 | ) | (95 | ) | (54 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) | $ | 2,317 | $ | (340 | ) | $ | (912 | ) | $ | (811 | ) | $ | 1,896 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as current or noncurrent according to the classification of the related asset or liability. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at January 1, 2005, December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 (in thousands):
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
September 30,
2006 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||||||
Reserves and allowances | $ | 784 | $ | 1,046 | $ | 1,076 | ||||||
Other accruals | 57 | 73 | 340 | |||||||||
Compensatory stock options and rights | 481 | 503 | 401 | |||||||||
Tax credit carryforwards | 132 | 249 | 293 | |||||||||
Deferred gain | | 241 | 209 | |||||||||
NOL carryforward | 162 | 289 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
Total deferred tax assets | 1,616 | 2,401 | 2,319 | |||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||||||
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit | (154 | ) | (278 | ) | (214 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | (409 | ) | (304 | ) | (192 | ) | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | (74 | ) | (158 | ) | (198 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | (637 | ) | (740 | ) | (604 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
$ | 979 | $ | 1,661 | $ | 1,715 | |||||||
|
|
|
The Company generated federal net operating losses ("NOL") of approximately $763,000 and $1,071,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, respectively. The federal NOL generated for December 31, 2005 will be carried back, and the federal NOL generated for January 1, 2005 has been carried back, to December 27, 2003, and fully utilized. In addition, the Company carried back approximately $125,000 of federal credits generated for the year ended
F-27
January 1, 2005 to the year ended December 27, 2003. At December 31, 2005, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $3,257,000 which will begin to expire in 2013. In addition, the Company will carryforward approximately $249,000 of federal credits. At September 30, 2006, the Company will carryforward approximately $293,000 of state credits.
A reconciliation of income taxes computed by applying the statutory U.S. income tax rate to the Company's income before income taxes to the income tax provision (benefit) is as follows:
|
Year Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
U.S. federal statutory tax | (35 | )% | (35 | )% | (35 | )% | (35 | )% | 35 | % | |
State taxes, net of federal effect | 2 | (4 | ) | (7 | ) | (6 | ) | 3 | |||
Research and development credits | (1 | ) | (10 | ) | | | | ||||
Benefit of lower tax rate | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | (1 | ) | |||||
Stock-based compensation | 49 | 7 | | 1 | 3 | ||||||
Loss from foreign subsidiary | | 14 | 11 | 10 | | ||||||
Domestic production | | | | | (1 | ) | |||||
Other | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | (1 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) | 17 | % | (26 | )% | (27 | )% | (28 | )% | 38 | % | |
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 9COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
The Company leases certain of its facilities under non-cancelable operating leases through November 2010. Rental expense for the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 and for the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 totaled $145,000, $207,000, $343,000, $246,000 (unaudited) and $321,000 (unaudited), respectively. The Company also has capital leases for certain equipment.
In December 2005, the Company sold the building containing its manufacturing facility and the related land in Irvine, California to an unrelated third party for gross proceeds of $1,900,000. Concurrent with the sale, the Company entered into an agreement to lease the property back at an initial monthly rent of $10,000, subject to annual rent increases of 3% through lease expiration in November 2010. The Company is accounting for the lease as an operating lease. In connection with the sale, the Company recognized a gain of $580,000 which was deferred and is being amortized into income ratably over the lease term. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company amortized $89,000 (unaudited) of the gain which is recorded as a reduction of rent expense in the accompanying statement of operations.
F-28
A summary of future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2005 is as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
|
Capital Leases
|
Operating Leases
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | $ | 544 | $ | 216 | ||
2007 | 534 | 173 | ||||
2008 | 308 | 128 | ||||
2009 | 96 | 132 | ||||
2010 | 33 | 124 | ||||
|
|
|||||
Total minimum lease payments | 1,515 | $ | 773 | |||
|
||||||
Less amount representing interest | (230 | ) | ||||
|
||||||
Present value of future minimum lease payments (see Note 6) | $ | 1,285 | ||||
|
Litigation
The Company is subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently party to any pending litigation matters.
Other Contingent Obligations
During its normal course of business, the Company has made certain indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include (i) intellectual property indemnities to the Company's customers and licensees in connection with the use, sales and/or license of Company products; (ii) indemnities to vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on the negligence or willful misconduct of the Company; (iii) indemnities involving the accuracy of representations and warranties in certain contracts; (iv) indemnities to directors and officers of the Company to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware; and (v) certain real estate leases, under which the Company may be required to indemnify property owners for environmental and other liabilities, and other claims arising from the Company's use of the applicable premises. The duration of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees varies and, in certain cases, may be indefinite. The majority of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential for future payments the Company could be obligated to make. Historically, the Company has not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations, and no liabilities have been recorded for these indemnities, commitments and guarantees in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
In February 2006, the Company's former Vice President of Finance (the "Former Officer") submitted his resignation. In order to secure the services of the Former Officer through an orderly transition of his responsibilities and in exchange for standard mutual releases of obligations, the Company entered into a severance agreement with the Former Officer. The agreement calls for the continuation of the Former Officer's salary through December 31, 2006. The Company will also reimburse the Former Officer for the cost of maintaining his prior medical insurance benefits through the earlier of December 31, 2006 or the date on which he obtains medical coverage
F-29
through a new employer. The total cost of the salary continuation and medical benefits to be provided under the agreement is approximately $149,000. Under terms of the agreement, the Former Officer is obligated to provide a specified minimum number of hours of service to the Company each month through the end of 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company paid $96,000 (unaudited) to the Former Officer in connection with the severance agreement.
NOTE 10RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Loans to Employees for Stock
In November 2000, the Company loaned $398,000 to two employees in connection with their purchases of shares of restricted stock. The original principal amount of each of these loans was $199,000, and both accrued interest at a rate of 7% annually. On December 27, 2003, the Company forgave the entire outstanding amount of $492,000, including both principal and accrued interest due. In addition, the Company granted each employee a cash bonus of $165,100, the amount equal to the anticipated tax liability incurred by both individuals as a result of the forgiveness of the respective loans.
In February 2003, the Company loaned an employee $19,900 to exercise a portion of his then-vested common stock options. This full recourse note bears interest at a rate of 7% payable annually, and is due on February 17, 2008. As of December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited), the amount of outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on this note was approximately $23,000, and has been recorded as a reduction of stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Interest income related to these loans amounted to approximately $34,000, $1,000, $1,000, $750 (unaudited) and $500 (unaudited) during the years ended December 27, 2003, January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 and the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
Loans From Employees
In 2002, the Company entered into loan agreements with the majority stockholder and another employee to finance working capital needs. The loan from the majority stockholder accrued interest at a rate of 7% per annum, and the other employee note accrued interest at 15% per annum with all principal due in fiscal 2004. In December 2003, the Company repaid $100,000 due to the employee and offset the then outstanding balance of $168,000 due to the majority stockholder against outstanding balances advanced to the stockholder, as discussed below.
Interest expense related to these notes amounted to $12,000 during the year ended December 27, 2003.
Advances to Employees
The Company made advances in 2001 and 2002 to four employee stockholders, including the majority stockholder. These advances accrued interest at a rate of 7% per annum and were due on demand. In December 2003, the Company offset $168,000 of the advances to its majority stockholder against the two notes payable owed to him, as described above, reducing the net
F-30
amounts of his advances to $6,000. Subsequently, the Company forgave the entire remaining outstanding amounts of the advances to all four employees, totaling $203,000, and also granted the employees cash bonuses aggregating $162,000, which represent the anticipated tax liabilities to be incurred by each of these individuals in connection with the forgiveness of each of their advances.
Interest income related to advances to employees amounted to $25,000 during the year ended December 27, 2003.
Guarantees by Executive Officers
The Company's President, CEO and Chairman of the Board has personally guaranteed the repayment of $1,750,000 in aggregate principal amount of outstanding convertible notes payable of the Company. In addition, the Company's President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Engineering have each pesonally guaranteed the repayment up to $1,000,000 of borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The guarantees of bank debt will terminate upon the completion of an initial public offering.
NOTE 11STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Sale of Restricted Stock
During 2000, the Company sold 2,000,000 shares of common stock to two employees for $400,000, of which $398,000 of the purchase price was financed by the Company in the form of notes receivable, bearing interest at 7% per annum and due in fiscal 2005 but prepayable by the employees. The related shares issued were restricted and subject to repurchase by the Company at the purchase price until vested. The notes were deemed to be non-recourse for accounting purposes and the Company recognized compensation expense over the vesting period using variable accounting as prescribed under FIN 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans, as if the awards were stock options without a specific exercise price. As a result, related stock-based compensation expense fluctuated with changes in the fair market value of the Company's common stock. In December 2003, the notes receivable from the employees were forgiven and all shares were fully vested, at which time all remaining deferred compensation was expensed. In connection with these shares, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $19,278,000 during fiscal 2003 based on the estimated fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of forgiveness of $10.21, in addition to a charge of $492,000 related to the forgiveness of principal and interest on the notes (see Note 10).
Issuance of Common Stock for Option and Warrant Exercises
In 2003, options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock were exercised for cash in the amount of $100 and a full recourse note receivable in the amount of $19,900, bearing interest at 7% per annum, with interest payable annually and principal due in 2008.
In January 2004, options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock were exercised by forgiving $4,000 of a $100,000 note due others (see Note 6) in lieu of cash payment for the exercise price. In addition, 1,667 common stock options were exercised for $333 in cash.
In May 2005, options to purchase 1,667 shares of common stock were exercised for $3,251 cash.
F-31
In March and April 2006, certain warrant holders exercised warrants to purchase 550,000 shares of common stock for $110,000 cash (unaudited).
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A")
The Series A stockholders are entitled to noncumulative dividends at the rate of $0.16 per share per annum, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, prior and in preference to the payment of any dividends on common stock. Shares of Series A are convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of common stock, on a 1:1 basis. The conversion may occur at any time after issuance and is automatically adjusted for stock splits such that the value of the converted shares remains unchanged. Conversion is automatic immediately prior to the closing of a public offering of the Company's common stock, or at the election of the holders of a majority of the shares of Series A preferred stock. Holders of Series A are entitled to a liquidation preference, as defined, of $2.00 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, prior to any distribution of assets to holders of common stock. Holders of Series A have full voting rights on an as-converted basis.
NOTE 12STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Common Stock Options
In November 2000, the Company adopted the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2000 Plan"), under which direct stock awards or options to acquire shares of the Company's common stock may be granted to employees and nonemployees of the Company. The 2000 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors and permits the issuance of up to 5,750,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Options granted under the 2000 Plan vest over a rate of at least 20% per year over five years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Shares of restricted common stock are issued upon exercise of vested options and are subject to repurchase by the Company, at its sole discretion, upon termination of service. If the termination is due to resignation or due to cause, the repurchase price will be the original exercise price of the option. If the termination is for any other reason, the repurchase price will be the estimated fair market value of a share of common stock at the date of the termination. Such restrictions and repurchase rights lapse upon a public offering of the Company's common stock. If an employee wishes to sell shares acquired through the exercise of stock options, the employee must first offer to sell the shares back to the Company at a price determined by the employee. The Company then has thirty days to accept the offer. Should the Company not accept the offer, the employee may sell the shares to a third party on terms no more favorable than offered to the Company. As of December 31, 2005, options to purchase 1,185,867 common shares were available for future grant under the 2000 Plan.
Warrants
From time to time, the Company issues warrants to non-employees for services rendered or to be rendered in the future. Such warrants are issued outside of the 2000 Plan. As of December 31, 2005, there were warrants to purchase 910,000 shares of common stock outstanding which are fully vested and exercisable. The weighted-average exercise price of these warrants was $0.53 per share at December 31, 2005.
F-32
A summary of changes in outstanding common stock options and warrants during the period from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005 is presented below (shares in thousands):
|
Total
Shares |
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OutstandingJanuary 1, 2003 | 1,834 | $ | 0.20 | |||
Granted | 1,076 | $ | 1.48 | |||
Exercised | (100 | ) | $ | 0.20 | ||
Canceled | (60 | ) | $ | 0.20 | ||
|
||||||
OutstandingDecember 27, 2003 |
|
2,750 |
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
Granted | | | ||||
Exercised | (22 | ) | $ | 0.20 | ||
Canceled | (279 | ) | $ | 1.72 | ||
|
||||||
OutstandingJanuary 1, 2005 |
|
2,449 |
|
$ |
0.58 |
|
Granted | 866 | $ | 2.55 | |||
Exercised | (2 | ) | $ | 1.95 | ||
Canceled | (213 | ) | $ | 1.98 | ||
|
||||||
OutstandingDecember 31, 2005 |
|
3,100 |
|
$ |
1.04 |
|
|
The following table summarizes information about stock options and warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2005 (shares in thousands):
|
Options/Warrants Outstanding
|
Options/Warrants Exercisable
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Weighted-
Average Remaining Life (Years) |
|
|||||||||
Exercise
Price |
Number of
Shares |
Weighted-
Average Price |
Number
of Shares |
Weighted-
Average Price |
||||||||
$0.20 | 1,629 | 4 | $ | 0.20 | 1,625 | $ | 0.20 | |||||
$1.00 | 300 | 2 | $ | 1.00 | 300 | $ | 1.00 | |||||
$1.25 | 230 | 7 | $ | 1.25 | 146 | $ | 1.25 | |||||
$1.95 | 139 | 8 | $ | 1.95 | 70 | $ | 1.95 | |||||
$2.55 | 802 | 9 | $ | 2.55 | 27 | $ | 2.55 | |||||
|
|
|||||||||||
3,100 | 2,168 | |||||||||||
|
|
During fiscal 2002, the Company issued options to purchase 1,035,000 shares of common stock to employees. Due to the difference between the exercise price and estimated fair value of common stock, $7,000 of deferred compensation expense was recorded that will be amortized to expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized compensation expense of $2,067, $400 and $400 during fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively, related to these grants.
During fiscal 2003, the Company issued options to purchase 696,500 shares of common stock to employees. Due to the difference between the exercise price and the estimated fair value of common stock, $2,931,000 of deferred compensation expense was recorded that will be amortized
F-33
to expense over the vesting period. During fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Company recognized compensation expense (net of forfeitures) of $349,000, $250,000 and ($64,000), related to these grants.
During fiscal 2005, the Company issued options to purchase 831,000 shares of the Company's common stock to employees and directors. The options were granted at exercise prices which were equal to the estimated fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Therefore, no stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
The Company has also granted stock options and warrants to non-employees for services. Options or warrants to purchase 380,000 shares of common stock were granted to non-employees in fiscal 2003. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to non-employees was recognized as services were rendered. As of December 27, 2003, all of such options and warrants were fully vested and no future services were required. In connection with the grant of stock options and warrants to non-employees, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,044,000 during fiscal 2003.
During fiscal 2005, the Company issued options to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company's common stock to non-employee consultants for services to be performed over a four year period. During the year ended December 31, 2005 and the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recognized consulting expense of $3,000 and $7,000 (unaudited), respectively, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company granted warrants to purchase 37,500 shares of the Company's common stock to a consulting firm for services. The estimated fair value of the warrants at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes pricing model was determined to be $60,400 and will be amortized to consulting expense over a four year vesting period. Consulting expense related to these warrants was $3,700 (unaudited) during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The weighted-average fair value of common stock options and warrants granted during the years ended December 27, 2003 and December 31, 2005 was $3.82 and $0.17, respectively. No common stock options or warrants were granted during fiscal 2004.
NOTE 13401(k) PLAN
The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan. Employees are eligible to participate in this plan provided they are employed full-time and have reached 21 years of age. Participants may make pre-tax contributions to the plan subject to a statutorily prescribed annual limit. Each participant is fully vested in his or her contributions on the contributions and investment earnings. The Company may make matching contributions on the contributions of a participant on a discretionary basis. There were no Company contributions made during the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005 or the nine months ended October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited).
F-34
NOTE 14MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS
The Company's product sales have historically been concentrated in a small number of customers. The following table sets forth sales to customers comprising 10% or more of the Company's total revenues as follows:
|
Year Ended
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
|||||
Customer: | ||||||||
A | 70 | % | 71 | % | 35 | % | ||
B | | | 13 | % | ||||
C | | 2 | % | 20 | % |
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||
Customer: | ||||||
A | 37 | % | 36 | % | ||
B | 1 | % | 2 | % | ||
C | 28 | % | 41 | % |
The Company's accounts receivable are concentrated with three customers at January 1, 2005, representing 53%, 24% and 14%; two customers at December 31, 2005, representing 39% and 17%; and two customers at September 30, 2006, representing 48% and 29% (unaudited) of aggregate gross receivables. A significant reduction in sales to, or the inability to collect receivables from, a significant customer could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
The Company's purchases have historically been concentrated in a small number of suppliers. The following table sets forth purchases from suppliers comprising 10% or more of the Company's total purchases as follows:
|
Year Ended
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 27, 2003
|
January 1, 2005
|
December 31, 2005
|
|||||
Supplier: | ||||||||
A | 54 | % | 33 | % | 37 | % | ||
B | 18 | % | 21 | % | 19 | % | ||
C | | 13 | % | 11 | % |
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
October 1, 2005
|
September 30, 2006
|
||||
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||
|
(unaudited)
|
|||||
Supplier: | ||||||
A | 11 | % | 28 | % | ||
B | 14 | % | 16 | % | ||
C | 40 | % | 7 | % | ||
D | | 10 | % |
F-35
While the Company believes alternative suppliers could be utilized, any inability to obtain components or products in the amounts needed on a timely basis or at commercially reasonable prices could result in delays in product introductions, interruption in product shipments or increases in product costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
NOTE 15SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company operates in one reportable segment: the design and manufacture of high-performance memory subsystems for the server, high-performance computing and communications markets. The Company evaluates financial performance on a Company-wide basis. All the Company's international sales relate to shipments of products to its U.S. customers' international manufacturing sites or third-party hubs and are denominated in U.S. dollars.
As of December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 (unaudited), all long-lived assets are located in the United States.
F-36
Shares
Common Stock
Thomas Weisel Partners LLC
Needham & Company, LLC
WR Hambrecht + Co
Neither we nor any of the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide information different from that contained in this prospectus. When you make a decision about whether to invest in our common stock, you should not rely upon any information other than the information in this prospectus. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor the sale of our common stock means that information contained in this prospectus is correct after the date of this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy these shares of common stock in any circumstances in which the offer or solicitation is unlawful.
Through and including , 2006 (the 25 th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligations to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
Expenses of the Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than the underwriting discount and commissions, are estimated as follows:
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee | $ | 6,152.50 | ||
National Association of Securities Dealers Fees | $ | 6,250.00 | ||
*Nasdaq Global Market Listing Fees | ||||
*Printing and Engraving Expenses | ||||
*Legal Fees and Expenses | ||||
*Accountant's Fees and Expenses | ||||
*Expenses of Qualification Under State Securities Laws, including Attorneys' Fees | ||||
*Transfer Agent and Registrar's Fees | ||||
*Miscellaneous Costs | ||||
*Total |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Netlist, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may indemnify any persons who were, are or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him or her under Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law.
Netlist, Inc.'s current certificate of incorporation, as amended, eliminates the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liabilities arising (a) from any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (b) from acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (c) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (d) from any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which we intend to file
II-1
prior to the completion of this offering, will provide for the same elimination of personal liability. In addition, the amended and restated bylaws we intend to adopt prior to the completion of this offering will provide for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law and authorize us to purchase and maintain insurance to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of our company or another business entity against any expense, liability, or loss, regardless of whether we would have the power to indemnify such person under our bylaws or Delaware law.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current directors and executive officers. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and executive officers.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
We have issued and sold the following unregistered securities since the beginning of fiscal 2003:
Between December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2006, we granted options to purchase 2,800,000 shares of our common stock at exercise prices ranging from $1.25 to $7.00 per share to employees, directors, consultants and advisors under our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. In August 2006, we granted options to purchase 910,000 shares of our common stock to members of our management, and 50,000 shares of our common stock to non-employee directors, each at an exercise price of $7.00 per share under our 2000 Equity Incentive Plan.
In April 2001, we issued and sold two promissory notes convertible into shares of our common stock, each in the original principal amount of $625,000, to Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and HeungHwa Industries Co., Ltd. In October 2002 and April 2004, we exchanged these two notes (or the applicable successor notes) for new notes of like tenor. In October 2005, we exchanged the applicable successor notes for new notes of like tenor with an extended maturity date and a change in conversion price from $2.50 to $1.67. In April 2001 we issued warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 550,000 shares of our common stock, each at a strike price of $0.20 per share, to seven individuals related to Serim Paper and HeungHwa. All of these warrants were exercised in full in 2006.
In January 2003, we issued a warrant to purchase 60,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share to Logic One Sales, Inc., as partial compensation for services provided to us by Logic One as one of our manufacturer's representatives. This warrant expires in January 2013.
In February 2003, we issued a promissory note convertible into shares of our common stock to Serim Paper in the original principal amount of $500,000. In August 2004, we exchanged this note for a new note of like tenor. In February 2006, we exchanged the applicable successor note for new notes of like tenor with an extended maturity date and a change in conversion price from $2.50 to $1.67. In February 2003, we issued warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 300,000 shares of our common stock, each at a strike price of $1.00 per share, to three individuals related to Serim Paper.
In December 2005, we issued promissory notes convertible into shares of our common stock to six accredited investors in the aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000. In August 2006, we used $1,000,000 in proceeds of our term loan to repay $950,000 in principal amount, and unpaid interest, on these convertible promissory notes. Also in August 2006, the remaining $50,000 in
II-2
principal plus unpaid interest of approximately $3,000 was converted into 20,863 shares of our common stock.
In May 2006, we issued a warrant to purchase 22,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.55 per share to Tatum, LLC, as partial consideration for services provided to us by Tatum, LLC in connection with the hiring of our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lee Kim. This warrant has a 10-year term. The warrant becomes exercisable with respect to 5,625 of the underlying shares on May 3, 2007, and an additional 468 of the underlying shares become available for exercise on each month thereafter, such that on May 3, 2010, all 22,500 shares underlying this warrant will be available for exercise.
In August 2006, we issued a warrant to purchase 15,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share to Tatum, LLC in connection with a grant of options to Lee Kim pursuant to an agreement between Tatum, LLC and us. This warrant has a 10-year term and vests in equal quarterly installments such that in August 2010 this warrant will be exercisable for all 15,000 underlying shares.
The issuances of the securities in the transactions described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering, where the purchasers represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to public distribution and received or had access to adequate information about us, or were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act under Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act as transactions pursuant to a compensatory benefit plan or a written contract relating to compensation.
Appropriate legends were affixed to the stock certificates and warrants issued in the above transactions. Similar legends were imposed in connection with any subsequent exercises, as applicable, of any of the securities described above. No underwriters were employed in any of the transactions described above.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
1.1 | Underwriting Agreement, dated as of , 2006, among Netlist, Inc. and .* | |
3.1 | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Netlist, Inc. (to be adopted and filed in connection with the offering contemplated by this registration statement). | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Netlist, Inc. (to be adopted in connection with the offering contemplated by this registration statement). | |
5.1 | Opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP.* | |
10.1 | Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2003, among Netlist, Inc., Netlist Technology Texas, L.P. ("Netlist Texas"), and Wells Fargo Business Credit, Inc. ("Wells Fargo").** | |
10.2 | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2004, among Netlist, Inc., Netlist Texas and Wells Fargo.** | |
10.3 | Second Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement and Waiver of Defaults, dated as of December 20, 2005, among Netlist, Inc., Netlist Texas and Wells Fargo.** | |
10.4 | Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2006, among Netlist, Inc., Netlist Texas and Wells Fargo.** | |
II-3
10.5 | Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement and Waiver of Defaults, dated as of April 18, 2006, among Netlist, Inc., Netlist Texas and Wells Fargo.** | |
10.6 | Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2006, among Netlist, Inc., Netlist Texas and Wells Fargo.** | |
10.7 | Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of Netlist, Inc. (to be adopted in connection with the offering contemplated by this registration statement). | |
10.8 | Letter agreement regarding employment, dated January 11, 2006, between Netlist, Inc. and Lee Kim.** | |
10.9 | Full-time Permanent Engagement Resources Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2006, between Netlist, Inc. and Tatum, LLC.** | |
10.10 | Master Sales and Supply Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, between Netlist, Inc. and Netlist Texas.** | |
10.11 | Management Fee Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2004, between Netlist, Inc. and Netlist Texas.** | |
10.12 | Form of Indemnity Agreement for officers and directors.** | |
10.13 | Employment Agreement, dated September 5, 2006, between Netlist, Inc. and Chun K. Hong.** | |
10.14 | Form of Performance Incentive Agreement entered into by Netlist, Inc. with each of Christopher Lopes, Jayesh Bhakta and Paik Ki Hong in August 2006.** | |
10.15 | Form of Amendment to Performance Incentive Agreement entered into by Netlist, Inc. with each of Christopher Lopes, Jayesh Bhakta and Paik Ki Hong in September 2006.** | |
10.16 | 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of Netlist, Inc. (to be adopted in connection with the offering contemplated by this registration statement). | |
10.17 | Note Purchase Agreement, dated October 3, 2005, between Netlist, Inc. and Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ("Serim Paper"). | |
10.18 | 7.5% Promissory Note, dated October 3, 2005, issued by Netlist, Inc. to Serim Paper. | |
10.19 | Note Purchase Agreement, dated February 12, 2006, between Netlist, Inc. and Serim Paper. | |
10.20 | 6.5% Promissory Note, dated February 12, 2006, issued by Netlist, Inc. to Serim Paper. | |
14.1 | Code of Ethics (to be adopted in connection with the offering contemplated by this registration statement). | |
16.1 | Letter regarding change in certifying accountant.** | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries of Netlist, Inc.** | |
23.1 | Consent of Corbin & Company, LLP. | |
23.2 | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. | |
23.3 | Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).* | |
24.1 | Power of Attorney.** |
II-4
The following financial statement schedule is included in this registration statement:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule | S-1 | |
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
|
S-3 |
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Commission are not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable or not material, or the information called for thereby is otherwise included in the consolidated financial statements, and therefore have been omitted.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions described in Item 14 above, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To provide to the Underwriters at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(2) That for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(3) That for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such
II-5
first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
II-6
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Netlist, Inc. has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irvine, State of California, on this 20th day of October, 2006.
NETLIST, INC. | |||
|
|
By: |
/s/ CHUN K. HONG Chun K. Hong President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
CHUN K. HONG
Chun K. Hong |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer) | October 20, 2006 | ||
/s/ LEE KIM Lee Kim |
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
October 20, 2006 |
* Nam Ki Hong |
|
Director |
|
October 20, 2006 |
* Thomas F. Lagatta |
|
Director |
|
October 20, 2006 |
* Alan H. Portnoy |
|
Director |
|
October 20, 2006 |
* David M. Rickey |
|
Director |
|
October 20, 2006 |
* Preston Romm |
|
Director |
|
October 20, 2006 |
*By: |
|
/s/ CHUN K. HONG Chun K. Hong Attorney-in-fact |
|
|
|
|
II-7
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of Directors and Stockholders
of Netlist, Inc.
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2005, and for the year then ended, and have issued our report thereon dated May 11, 2006 (appearing in the prospectus, which is part of this registration statement). Our audit also included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in Item 16(b) of the accompanying index of this registration statement. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audit. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/
CORBIN & COMPANY, LLP
Irvine, California
May 11, 2006
S-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of Directors and Stockholders
Netlist, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 1, 2005, and for each of the two years in the period ended January 1, 2005, and have issued our report thereon dated March 1, 2006 (appearing in the prospectus, which is part of this registration statement). Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in Item 16(b) of this registration statement. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
March 1, 2006
S-2
Netlist, Inc.
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands)
|
Balance At
Beginning of Period |
Charged to
Cost and Expenses |
(Deductions)
|
Balance at
End of Period |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts: | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 27, 2003 | $ | 61 | $ | 452 | $ | (377 | ) | $ | 136 | |||
Year Ended January 1, 2005 | 136 | 200 | (104 | ) | 232 | |||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2005 | $ | 232 | $ | 19 | $ | (142 | ) | $ | 109 |
S-3
Exhibit 3.1
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
NETLIST, INC.
a Delaware corporation
Netlist, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"), hereby certifies as follows:
1. That the corporation was originally incorporated on June 12, 2000 under the name Netlist, Inc. pursuant to the DGCL.
2. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly adopted by the corporation's board of directors (the "Board of Directors") and stockholders in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 242 and 245 of the DGCL. In accordance with Section 103(d) of the DGCL, this Restated Certificate of Incorporation is not to become effective until November [ ], 2006.
3. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
The name of the corporation is: Netlist, Inc.
ARTICLE II
The address of the corporation's registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19808, New Castle County. The name of its registered agent at such address is the Corporation Trust Company.
ARTICLE III
The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.
ARTICLE IV
(A) Classes of Stock. The corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, "Serial Preferred Stock" and "Common Stock." The total number of shares of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue is One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares consisting of Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of Serial Preferred Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share, and Ninety Million (90,000,000) shares of Common Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share.
(B) Rights, Preferences and Restrictions of Serial Preferred Stock. The Serial Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares and to determine or (so long as no shares of such series are then outstanding) alter for each such series, such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such shares (a "Preferred Stock Designation") and as may be permitted by the DGCL. The rights, privileges, preferences and restrictions of any such additional series may be subordinated to, pari passu with, or senior to any of those of any present or future class or series of capital stock of the corporation. The Board of Directors is also authorized to decrease the number of shares of any series, prior or subsequent to the issue of that series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding. In case the number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting any decrease shall resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.
(C) Rights, Preferences and Restrictions of Common Stock. The rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to and imposed on the Common Stock are as set forth below in this Article IV(C).
1. Dividend Rights. Subject to the rights of each series of Serial Preferred Stock which may from time to time come into existence, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of any assets of the corporation legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors.
2. Liquidation Rights. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, subject to the rights of each series of Serial Preferred Stock which may from time to time come into existence, the holders of Common Stock shall receive all of the remaining assets of the corporation.
3. Voting Rights. Each holder of Common Stock shall have the right to one vote per share of Common Stock and shall be entitled to vote upon such matters and in such manner as may be provided by law.
4. Redemption. The Common Stock is not redeemable. This Section 4 is not intended to, and shall not, prohibit the purchase of shares of Common Stock from the holder thereof pursuant to an agreement with such holder.
ARTICLE V
The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the corporation, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the corporation. The election of directors need not be by written ballot, unless the Bylaws so provide.
ARTICLE VI
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
ARTICLE VII
To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
Each person (and the heirs, executors or administrators of such person) who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or executive officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
The corporation shall have the power to indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, any employee or agent of the corporation who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was an employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
2
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such proceeding.
The rights and authority conferred in this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may otherwise have or hereafter acquire. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the corporation existing at the time of, or increase the liability of any director of the corporation with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to, such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE VIII
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, repeal, rescind, alter or amend in any respect the Bylaws, and to confer in the Bylaws powers and authorities upon the directors of the corporation in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon them by statute.
ARTICLE IX
The corporation reserves the right to adopt, repeal, rescind, alter or amend in any respect any provision contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by applicable law, and all rights conferred on stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the corporation has caused this Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by Chun K. Hong, its President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, as of this day of November, 2006.
|
Chun K. Hong President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
3
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
NETLIST, INC.
1.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place within or without the State of Delaware as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or the President. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of the stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of electronic communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (" DGCL "). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders' meetings shall be held at the corporation's principal executive offices.
1.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting shall be held on a date to be fixed by the Board of Directors at the time to be fixed by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.
1.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes prescribed in the notice of the meeting, may be called by (a) the Board of Directors, (b) the Chairman of the Board, or (c) any beneficial holders of not less than ten percent (10%) of all shares entitled to cast votes at the meeting, and shall be held on such date and at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix. Business transacted at any special meeting of the stockholders shall be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
Upon request in writing sent by registered mail to the President or Chief Executive Officer by any stockholder or stockholders entitled to request a special meeting of stockholders pursuant to this Section 1.3 , and containing the information required pursuant to Sections 1.10 and 2.15 , as applicable, and a determination by the Secretary of the validity thereof, the Secretary shall present the request to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall determine a place and time for such meeting, which time shall be not less than thirty (30) nor more than ninety (90) days after the receipt of such request, and record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in advance, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than then (10) days before the date of such meeting. Upon such Board action, the Secretary shall cause notice to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, in the manner set forth in Section 1.4 hereof, that a meeting will be held for the purposes set forth in the stockholder's request, as well as any purpose or purposes determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with this Section 1.3 .
1.4 Notice of Meetings. Written notice of each meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or as required by law (meaning here and hereafter, as required from time to time by the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation). The notices of all meetings shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting. The notice of a special meeting shall state, in addition, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Notice may be mailed or electronically transmitted. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the corporation. If electronically transmitted, notice is given (i) when directed by facsimile transmission to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) when directed by electronic mail to an electronic address at which the stockholder
has consented to receive notice, (iii) upon the later of posting or delivery of separate notice if posted on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting; and (iv) when directed to the stockholder by any other form of electronic transmission. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by mail or a form of electronic transmission, as applicable, shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
1.5 Voting List. The Secretary or another officer shall prepare, at least ten (10) days before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, (i) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the corporation, or (ii) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting. In the event that the corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, the list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time of the meeting, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the entire time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. This list shall determine the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of shares held by each of them.
1.6 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the shares of the capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time. If a notice of any adjourned special meeting of stockholders is sent to all stockholders entitled to vote thereat, stating that it will be held with those present constituting a quorum, then except as otherwise required by law, those present at such adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum, and all matters shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting.
1.7 Postponements and Adjournments. Any meeting of stockholders may be postponed by the Board of Directors before or after notice of such meeting has been given. If a meeting is postponed after notice of such meeting has been given in accordance with Section 1.4 hereof, then the Secretary shall cause notice of the postponement to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting by any lawful means, including by public announcement, as soon as practicable after such action by the Board of Directors. " Public announcement " for purposes hereof shall have the meaning set forth in Article II , Section 2.15(c) of these Bylaws. Any meeting of stockholders, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned to any other time and to any other place at which a meeting of stockholders may be held under these Bylaws by the chairman of the meeting or, in the absence of such person, by any officer entitled to preside at or to act as Secretary of such meeting, or by the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, although less than a quorum. When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date, and time of the adjourned meeting
2
shall be given in conformity herewith. At the adjourned meeting, the corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
1.8 Voting and Proxies. Each stockholder shall have one vote for each share of stock entitled to vote and held of record by such stockholder and a proportionate vote for each fractional share so held, unless otherwise provided by law or in the Certificate of Incorporation. Each stockholder of record entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may vote in person or may authorize any other person or persons to vote or act for him by written proxy executed by the stockholder or his authorized agent or by a transmission permitted by law and delivered to the Secretary of the corporation. No stockholder may authorize more than one proxy for his shares. Any copy, facsimile transmission or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to this Section 1.8 may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile transmission or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.
1.9 Action at Meeting. When a quorum is present at any meeting, any election of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at the election, and all other matters shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively on the matter (or if there are two or more classes of stock entitled to vote as separate classes, then in the case of each such class, a majority of each such class present or represented and voting affirmatively or negatively on the matter) shall decide such matter, except when a different vote is required by express provision of law, any national securities exchange or quotation system on which capital stock of the corporation is traded, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
Every stock vote shall be taken by ballot, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballot shall be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed by the chairman of the meeting. The corporation may, and to the extent required by law, shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The corporation may designate one or more persons as an alternate inspector to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting may, and to the extent required by law, shall, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath to faithfully execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability.
1.10 Notice of Stockholder Business. At an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, it must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the DGCL, and the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder proposal to be presented at an annual meeting shall be received at the corporation's principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days in advance of the first anniversary of the date that the corporation's (or the corporation's predecessor's) proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting of stockholders, except that if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 calendar days earlier than the date of the previous year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholders to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which the date of the annual meeting is publicly announced. In no event shall the public announcement
3
at an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above.
A stockholder's notice to the Secretary of the corporation shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual or special meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, (ii) the name and address of the stockholder proposing such business and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the business is being brought, (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder and such other beneficial owner, and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder and such other beneficial owner in such business.
1.11 Conduct of Business. At every meeting of the stockholders, the Chairman of the Board, or, in his absence, the Chief Executive Officer, or, in his absence, the President, or, in his absence, such other person as may be appointed by the Board of Directors, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The Secretary of the corporation or a person designated by the chairman of the meeting shall act as Secretary of the meeting. Unless otherwise approved by the chairman of the meeting, attendance at the stockholders' meeting is restricted to stockholders of record, persons authorized in accordance with Section 1.8 of these Bylaws to act by proxy, and officers of the corporation.
The chairman of the meeting shall call the meeting to order, establish the agenda, and conduct the business of the meeting in accordance therewith or, at the discretion of the chairman of the meeting, it may be conducted otherwise in accordance with the wishes of the stockholders in attendance. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting.
The chairman of the meeting shall also conduct the meeting in an orderly manner, rule on the precedence of, and procedure on, motions and other procedural matters, and exercise discretion with respect to such procedural matters with fairness and good faith toward all those entitled to take part. The chairman of the meeting may impose reasonable limits on the amount of time taken up at the meeting on discussion in general or on remarks by any one stockholder. Should any person in attendance become unruly or obstruct the meeting proceedings, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power to have such person removed from participation. Notwithstanding anything in the Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at a meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.11 and Section 1.10 above. The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that any proposed item of business was not brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.11 and Section 1.10 , and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
1.12 Stockholder Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
1.13 Meetings by Remote Communication. If authorized by the Board of Directors, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxy holders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders that is held at a place may, by means of remote communication, participate in the meeting and be deemed present in person and vote at the meeting, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxy holder, (ii) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxy holders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxy holder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the corporation.
4
2.1 General Powers. The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors, who may exercise all of the powers of the corporation except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by law, may exercise the powers of the full Board until the vacancy is filled.
2.2 Number and Term of Office. The number of directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board for adoption). Each director shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which he is elected and until his successors are elected, except in the case of the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of any director.
2.3 Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or other cause (other than removal from office by a vote of the stockholders) may be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director, and directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders unless earlier removed as provided below. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
2.4 Resignation. Any director may resign by delivering notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the President, Chairman of the Board or Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event.
2.5 Removal. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from such removal may be filled by (i) a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, (ii) the sole remaining director, or (iii) the holders of at least a majority of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class at the next annual meeting or at a special meeting called in accordance with Section 1.3 above. Directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders.
2.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; provided that any director who is absent when such a determination is made shall be given notice of the determination. A regular meeting of the Board of Directors may be held without notice immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders.
2.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or two or more directors and may be held at any time and place, within or without the State of Delaware.
2.8 Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of any special meeting of directors shall be given to each director by the Secretary or by the officer or one of the directors calling the meeting. Notice shall be duly given to each director by (i) giving notice to such director in person or by telephone, electronic
5
transmission or voice message system at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting, (ii) sending a facsimile, or delivering written notice by hand, to his last known business or home address at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting, or (iii) mailing written notice to his last known business or home address at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting. A notice or waiver of notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors need not specify the purposes of the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.
2.9 Participation in Meetings by Telephone Conference Calls or Other Methods of Communication. Directors or any member of any committee designated by the directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
2.10 Quorum. A majority of the total number of authorized directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors. In the event one or more of the directors shall be disqualified to vote at any meeting, then the required quorum shall be reduced by one for each such director so disqualified; provided, however, that in no case shall less than one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the number so fixed constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum at any such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present. Interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or at a meeting of a committee which authorizes a particular contract or transaction.
2.11 Action at Meeting. At any meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, the vote of a majority of those present shall be sufficient to take any action, unless a different vote is specified by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
2.12 Action by Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writings or electronic transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
2.13 Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation, with such lawfully delegated powers and duties as it therefor confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members of the committee present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors and subject to the provisions of the DGCL, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Each such committee shall keep minutes and make such reports as the Board of Directors may from time to time request. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise determine, any committee may make rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as possible in the same manner as is provided in these Bylaws for the Board of Directors.
6
2.14 Compensation of Directors. Directors may be paid such compensation for their services and such reimbursement for expenses of attendance at meetings as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the corporation or any of its parent or subsidiary corporations in any other capacity and receiving compensation for such service.
2.15 Nomination of Director Candidates.
(a) Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, nominations for the election of Directors at an annual meeting may be made by (i) the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof or (ii) any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of Directors generally who complies with applicable law and the procedures set forth in this Bylaw and who is a stockholder of record at the time notice is delivered to the Secretary of the corporation. Any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of Directors generally may nominate one or more persons for election as Directors at an annual meeting only if timely notice of such stockholder's intent to make such nomination or nominations has been given in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder nomination for a director to be elected at an annual meeting shall be received at the corporation's principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days in advance of the first anniversary of the date that the corporation's (or the corporation's predecessor's) proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting of stockholders, except that if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been advanced by more than 30 calendar days from the date of the previous year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholders to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Each such notice shall set forth: (i) the name and address of the stockholder who intends to make the nomination, of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made and of the person or persons to be nominated; (ii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the corporation entitled to vote for the election of Directors on the date of such notice and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder or such beneficial owner and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder; (iv) such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, had the nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; (v) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the corporation if so elected; and (vi) if proxies are intended to be solicited in support of such stockholder's nominee(s), a representation to that effect. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above.
Notwithstanding the third sentence of this Section 2.15(a) , in the event that the number of Directors to be elected at an annual meeting is increased and there is no public announcement by the corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date that the corporation's (or its predecessor's) proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting, a stockholder's notice required by this Section 2.15(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships.
(b) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the corporation's notice of meeting by (i) the Board of Directors or a committee thereof or (ii) any stockholder of the corporation
7
who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Bylaw and who is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the corporation. In the event the corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as are specified in the corporation's notice of meeting, if the stockholder's notice as required by paragraph (a) of this Bylaw shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not earlier than the 90th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 70th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above.
(c) For purposes of these Bylaws, " public announcement " shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Exchange Act ").
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Bylaw, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Bylaw. Nothing in this Bylaw shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any provision of this Bylaw conflicts with the Exchange Act or the rules or regulations thereunder, such provision shall be disregarded to the extent that it so conflicts and the corporation or a stock holder, as applicable, shall comply with the Exchange Act and such rules and regulations thereunder in all respects.
(e) Only persons nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.15 shall be eligible for election to serve as directors. Except as otherwise provided by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty (a) to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.15 and (b) if any proposed nomination was not made in compliance with this Section 2.15 , to declare that such nomination shall be disregarded.
(f) If the chairman of the meeting for the election of Directors determines that a nomination of any candidate for election as a Director at such meeting was not made in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Section 2.15 , such nomination shall be void.
3.1 Enumeration. The officers of the corporation shall consist of a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary, a Chief Financial Officer and such other officers with such other titles as the Board of Directors shall determine, including, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Board and one or more Vice Presidents and Assistant Secretaries. The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers as it may deem appropriate.
3.2 Election. Executive officers shall be elected from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall appoint such other Officers from time to time as he or she so determines. Officers shall hold office until their respective successors are elected or their earlier death, resignation or removal.
3.3 Qualification. No officer need be a stockholder. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.
8
3.4 Tenure. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, each officer shall hold office until his successor is elected or appointed and qualified, unless a different term is specified in the vote appointing him, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
3.5 Resignation and Removal. Any officer may resign by delivering notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the President or Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors.
3.6 Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors may appoint a Chairman of the Board. If the Board of Directors appoints a Chairman of the Board, he shall perform such duties and possess such powers as are assigned to him by the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, he shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders, and, if he is a director, at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
3.7 Chief Executive Officer; President. The Chief Executive Officer shall, in the absence of, or because of the inability to act of, the Chairman of the Board, perform all duties of the Chairman of the Board and preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of stockholders. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform such other duties and shall have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe. Unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer shall be the President of the corporation. The President shall, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, have responsibility for the general management and control of the business and affairs of the corporation and shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of President or which are delegated to him by the Board of Directors. The President shall have the power to sign stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the corporation which are authorized and shall have general supervision and direction of all of the other officers, employees and agents of the corporation, other than the Chairman of the Board.
3.8 Vice Presidents. Any Vice President shall perform such duties and possess such powers as the Board of Directors or the President may from time to time prescribe. In the event of the absence, inability or refusal to act of the President, the Vice President (or if there shall be more than one, the Vice Presidents in the order determined by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties of the President and when so performing shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Board of Directors may assign to any Vice President the title of Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or any other title selected by the Board of Directors.
3.9 Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall perform such duties and shall have such powers as the Board of Directors or the President may from time to time prescribe. In addition, the Secretary shall perform such duties and have such powers as are incident to the office of the Secretary, including, without limitation, the duty and power to give notices of all meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, to keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings of stockholders and the Board of Directors, to maintain a stock ledger and prepare lists of stockholders and their addresses as required, to be custodian of corporate records and the corporate seal and to affix and attest to the same on documents.
Any Assistant Secretary shall perform such duties and possess such powers as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary may from time to time prescribe. In the event of the absence, inability or refusal to act of the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary (or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary.
9
In the absence of the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary at any meeting of stockholders or directors, the person presiding at the meeting shall designate a temporary secretary to keep a record of the meeting.
3.10 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform such duties and shall have such powers as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer shall perform such duties and have such powers as are incident to the office of chief financial officer, including without limitation, the duty and power to keep and be responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation, to maintain the financial records of the corporation, to deposit funds of the corporation in depositories as authorized, to disburse such funds as authorized, to make proper accounts of such funds, and to render as required by the Board of Directors accounts of all such transactions and of the financial condition of the corporation.
3.11 Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
4.1 Issuance of Stock. Unless otherwise voted by the stockholders and subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the whole or any part of any unissued balance of the authorized capital stock of the corporation or the whole or any part of any unissued balance of the authorized capital stock of the corporation held in its treasury may be issued, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by vote of the Board of Directors in such manner, for such consideration and on such terms as the Board of Directors may determine.
4.2 Certificates of Stock. Every holder of stock of the corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate, in such form as may be prescribed by law and by the Board of Directors, certifying the number and class of shares owned by him in the corporation. Each such certificate shall be signed by, or in the name of the corporation by, the Chairman or Vice Chairman, if any, of the Board of Directors, or the President or a Vice President, and the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the corporation. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile.
Each certificate for shares of stock which are subject to any restriction on transfer pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, applicable securities laws or any agreement among any number of shareholders or among such holders and the corporation shall have conspicuously noted on the face or back of the certificate either the full text of the restriction or a statement of the existence of such restriction.
4.3 Transfers. Except as otherwise established by rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors, and subject to applicable law, shares of stock may be transferred on the books of the corporation by the surrender to the corporation or its transfer agent of the certificate representing such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a written assignment or power of attorney properly executed, and with such proof of authority or authenticity of signature as the corporation or its transfer agent may reasonably require. Except as may be otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the corporation shall be entitled to treat the record holder of stock as shown on its books as the owner of such stock for all purposes, including the payment of dividends and the right to vote with respect to such stock, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other disposition of such stock until the shares have been transferred on the books of the corporation in accordance with the requirements of these Bylaws.
10
4.4 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in place of any previously issued certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may prescribe, including the presentation of reasonable evidence of such loss, theft or destruction and the giving of such indemnity as the Board of Directors may require for the protection of the corporation or any transfer agent or registrar.
4.5 Record Date. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or to express consent (or dissent) to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights in respect of any change, concession or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action. Such record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action to which such record date relates.
If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day before the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day before the day on which the meeting is held. The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating to such purpose.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
5.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be as fixed by the Board of Directors.
5.2 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal, if any, shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors.
5.3 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice whatsoever is required to be given by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, a waiver of such notice either in writing signed by the person entitled to such notice or such person's duly authorized attorney, or by electronic transmission or any other method permitted under the DGCL, whether before, at or after the time stated in such waiver, or the appearance of such person or persons at such meeting in person or by proxy, shall be deemed equivalent to such notice.
5.4 Actions with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise designate, the Chief Executive Officer or President or any officer of the corporation authorized by the Chief Executive Officer or President shall have the power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the corporation, in person or proxy, and may waive notice of, and act as, or appoint any person or persons to act as, proxy or attorney-in-fact to this corporation (with or without power of substitution) at any meeting of stockholders or shareholders (or with respect to any action of stockholders) of any other corporation or organization, the securities of which may be held by this corporation and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which this corporation may possess by reason of this corporation's ownership of securities in such other corporation or other organization.
5.5 Evidence of Authority. A certificate by the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, or a temporary Secretary, as to any action taken by the stockholders, directors, a committee or any officer or representative of the corporation shall as to all persons who rely on the certificate in good faith be conclusive evidence of such action.
11
5.6 Certificate of Incorporation. All references in these Bylaws to the Certificate of Incorporation shall be deemed to refer to the Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation, as amended and in effect from time to time.
5.7 Severability. Any determination that any provision of these Bylaws is for any reason inapplicable, illegal or ineffective shall not affect or invalidate any other provision of these Bylaws.
5.8 Pronouns. All pronouns used in these Bylaws shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the person or persons may require.
5.9 Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records. Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the corporation shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the corporation, including reports made to the corporation by any of its officers, by an independent certified public accountant, or by an appraiser selected with reasonable care.
5.10 Time Periods. In applying any provision of these Bylaws which require that an act be done or not done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.
5.11 Facsimile Signatures. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
5.12 Delaware Forum. The corporation, its directors and officers shall be deemed to have consented to the personal jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in the State of Delaware for purposes of resolving all controversies or claims among them. The Delaware Chancery Court shall be the sole forum and venue for any lawsuit or legal proceeding by the corporation against any of its directors or officers within the jurisdiction of that court. The state or federal courts located in the State of Delaware shall be the sole forum and venue for any lawsuit or legal proceeding by the corporation against any of its directors or officers not within the jurisdiction of the Delaware Chancery Court.
6.1 Notices Generally. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or required by law, all notices required to be given to any stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent shall be in writing and may in every instance be effectively given by hand delivery to the recipient thereof, by depositing such notice in the mails, postage paid, or by sending such notice by facsimile or other electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL and Section 6.2 below, or by commercial courier service. Any such notice shall be addressed to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent at his last known address as the same appears on the books of the corporation. The time when such notice shall be deemed to be given shall be the time such notice is received by such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent, or by any person accepting such notice on behalf of such person, if delivered by hand or commercial courier service, the time such notice is dispatched, if delivered through the mails, or as set forth in Section 6.2 below, if delivered by facsimile or electronic transmission.
6.2 Notices by Electronic Transmission.
(a) Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders pursuant to the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any notice to stockholders given by the corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented
12
to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if (i) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent; and (ii) such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice. However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.
(b) Any notice given pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be deemed given (i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; and (ii) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and (iv) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
(c) An " electronic transmission " means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.
(d) Notice by a form of electronic transmission shall not apply to Sections 164, 296, 311, 312 or 324 of the DGCL.
7.1 By the Board of Directors. Except as is otherwise set forth in these Bylaws, these Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new Bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present.
7.2 By the Stockholders. Except as may otherwise be set forth in these Bylaws, these Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new Bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of the capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
8.1 Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved in, any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (" proceeding "), by reason of the fact that he or a person of whom he is the legal representative, is or was a director or executive officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or executive officer of another corporation, or as a controlling person of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or executive officer, or in any other capacity while serving as a director or executive officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said Law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment) against all expenses,
13
liability and loss reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however , that except as provided in Section 7.2 of this Article VII , the corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnity in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if (a) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, or (b) the proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the corporation and provided, further , that the corporation shall not be obligated (x) to indemnify any person on account of any proceeding with respect to (i) remuneration paid to such person if it is determined by final judgment or other final adjudication that such remuneration was in violation of law, or (ii) in which final judgment is rendered against such person for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by such person of securities of the corporation pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or similar provisions of any other law, or (y) to indemnify any person or otherwise act in violation of any undertaking appearing in and required by the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in any registration statement filed under that act. The rights hereunder shall be contract rights and shall include the right to be paid expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however , that, unless the DGCL then so prohibits, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or executive officer of the corporation in his capacity as a director or executive officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is tendered by such person while a director or executive officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or executive officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it should be determined ultimately that such director or executive officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 8.1 or otherwise.
8.2 Right of Claimant to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 8.1 is not paid in full by the corporation within thirty (30) days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if such suit is not frivolous or brought in bad faith, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to this corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
8.3 Indemnification of Employees and Agents. The corporation shall have the power to indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, any employee or agent of the corporation who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was an employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such proceeding. The corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, enter into a contract with any employee or
14
agent of the corporation granting rights to indemnification, and to the advancement of related expenses, to such employee or agent to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article with respect to the indemnification of and advancement of expenses to directors and officers of the corporation.
8.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person in this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which such persons may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
8.5 Insurance. The corporation may maintain insurance to the extent reasonably available, at its expense, to protect itself and any such director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
8.6 Effect of Amendment. Any amendment, repeal or modification of any provision of this Article VIII by the stockholders or the directors of the corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.
15
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2000 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
OF
NETLIST, INC.
Section 1. Description of this Plan. This is the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, originally dated as of November 17, 2000 (this "Plan"), of Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the " Company "). Under this Plan, directors and employees of, and advisors and consultants to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to be selected as set forth below, may be granted options (" Options ") to purchase shares of the voting common stock of the Company (" Common Stock ") or be granted the right to purchase shares of Common Stock (a " Stock Purchase Right "). For purposes of this Plan, the term "subsidiary" shall have the same meaning as "subsidiary corporation" as such term is defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the " Code "), where the Company is the "employer corporation." It is intended that the Options granted under this Plan will either qualify for treatment as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and be designated "Incentive Stock Options" or not qualify for such treatment and be designated "Nonqualified Stock Options."
Section 2. Purpose of this Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to further the growth, development and financial success of the Company by providing incentives to certain key persons by assisting them in acquiring shares of Common Stock so that they may benefit directly from the Company's growth, development and financial success.
Section 3. Eligibility. The persons who are eligible to receive grants of Options or of Stock Purchase Rights under this Plan shall be the directors and employees of, and advisors and consultants to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries. A person who holds an Option or a Stock Purchase Right under this Plan is sometimes referred to herein as a " Participant ." A person who holds an Option under this Plan is sometimes referred to as an " Optionee ."
Section 4. Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the " Board "); provided, however, that the Board may, in its discretion, delegate the administration of this Plan at any time to a committee of the Board (the " Committee "). The Board shall grant Options and Stock Purchase Rights (collectively, " Awards ") under this Plan and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject to the terms of this Plan, shall (i) select the Participants in this Plan, (ii) specify the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Awards are granted, (iii) specify the terms and conditions of Awards granted under this Plan, which terms and conditions need not be identical as to the various Awards granted; and (iv) determine whether Options are to be Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options. The Board or the Committee shall, subject to the terms of this plan, (w) interpret this Plan; (x) prescribe, amend and rescind rules relating to this Plan; (y) determine the rights and obligations of Participants under this Plan; and (z) authorize the amendment of the terms of any outstanding Awards. The interpretation and construction by the Board or the Committee of any provision of this Plan or of any Awards granted under this Plan shall be final. No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan.
Section 5. Shares Subject to this Plan. The number of shares of Common Stock which may be purchased pursuant to the exercise of Awards granted under this Plan shall not exceed 5,750,000 shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 12 and 13 hereof. Upon the expiration or termination for any reason of an outstanding Award which shall not have been exercised in full, or in the event that any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to this Plan are reacquired by the Company, any shares of Common Stock then remaining unissued which shall have been reserved for
1
issuance upon such exercise or the shares reacquired, as the case may be, shall again become available for the granting of additional Awards under this Plan. Subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 12 and 13 hereof, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issuable pursuant to Options and Stock Purchase Rights granted to any Participant is 2,000,000 shares.
Section 6. Exercise Rights. Each Option granted to employees other than officers of the Company under this Plan shall vest (i.e. be exercisable) at the rate of at least 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Option is granted, subject to reasonable conditions such as continued employment. Unless employment is terminated for cause as defined by applicable law, the terms of the Option or a contract of employment, to the extent that the Optionee is entitled to exercise the Option on the date employment terminates, the Optionee shall be entitled to exercise the Option for: (i) at least six (6) months from the date of termination if termination was caused by death or disability; or (ii) at least 30 days from the date of termination if termination was caused by other than death or disability.
Section 7. Options. Each Option granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by a written stock option agreement (an " Option Agreement ") executed by the Company and accepted by the Optionee, which shall (i) specify the number of shares of Common Stock which may be purchased pursuant thereto, the exercise price therefor, and the installments, if any, in which the Option may be exercised, (ii) indicate whether such Option is to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option and, if an Incentive Stock Option, contain terms and conditions permitting such Option to qualify for treatment as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code, and (iii) contain such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as the Board deems necessary or desirable to include therein. The exercise price of any Option granted under this Plan shall not be less than 85% of the fair value of the Common Stock on the date such Option is granted, and the exercise price of any Option granted under this Plan to any person who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company shall be 110% of such fair value.
Section 8. Stock Purchase Rights. Each Participant who receives a Stock Purchase Right shall enter into a stock purchase agreement with the Company (a " Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement ") which shall (i) specify the number of shares of Common Stock which such Participant may purchase, the purchase price therefor, and any restrictions on, and repurchase rights with respect to, such shares of Common Stock and (ii) contain such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as the Board deems necessary or desirable to include therein. The exercise price of any Stock Purchase Right granted under this Plan shall not be less than (i) 85% of the fair value of the Common Stock on the date such Stock Purchase Right is granted or at the time the Participant purchases shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto or, (ii) in the case of a Stock Purchase Right granted to any person who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, 100% of the fair value of the Common Stock on the date such Stock Purchase Right is granted or at the time the Participant purchases shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto.
Section 9. Issuance of Common Stock. The Company's obligation to issue shares of Common Stock upon exercise of an Award is expressly conditioned upon the completion by the Company of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state and/or federal law or rulings and regulations of any government regulatory body or the making of such investment representations or other representations and undertakings by the Participant (or his or her legal representative, heir or legatee, as the case may be) in order to comply with the requirements of any exemption from any such registration or other qualification of such shares which the Company in its sole discretion shall deem necessary or advisable.
Section 10. Nontransferability. Unless provided to the contrary in any Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, no Award shall be assignable or transferable, except by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust in which the
2
Award is to be passed to one or more beneficiaries of the Participant upon the death of the Participant. During the lifetime of a Participant, an Award shall be exercisable only by such Participant. After the death of any Participant, an Award may be exercised prior to its termination only by such Participant's legal representative, legatee or a person who acquired the right to exercise such Award by reason of the death of the Participant.
Section 11. Repurchase Right Upon Termination of Employment. To the extent that an Option Agreement or a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement with an employee provides that, upon the termination of such employee's employment with the Company (including termination upon death or disability, as well as resignation and termination by the Company with or without cause), the Company shall have the right to repurchase any or all of the Common Stock acquired by a Participant pursuant thereto, such provision shall comply with Sections 260.140.41(k) and 260.140.42(h) of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations.
Section 12. Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, Recapitalizations and Reorganizations. Subject to Section 13, if the outstanding shares of Common Stock (or any other securities covered by this Plan by reason of the prior application of this Section) are increased, decreased, or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities, or if additional shares or new or different shares or other securities are distributed with respect to shares of Common Stock, through a merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the property of the Company, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar distribution with respect to such shares of Stock, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment will be made in (i) the maximum numbers and kinds of shares provided in Section 5, (ii) the numbers and kinds of shares or other securities subject to the then outstanding Awards, (iii) the exercise price for each share subject to then outstanding Awards (without change in the aggregate purchase price as to which such Awards remain exercisable), and (iv) the repurchase price of each share of Common Stock then subject to a risk of forfeiture in the form of a Company repurchase right.
Section 13. Certain Corporate Transactions.
(a) Subject to any provisions of then outstanding Awards granting greater rights to the holders thereof, in the event of an Acquisition (as defined below), the Committee may, either in advance of the Acquisition or at the time thereof and upon such terms as it may deem appropriate, provide for the Acceleration of any then outstanding Awards in full if, and only if, such Awards are not assumed or replaced by comparable Awards referencing shares of the capital stock of the successor or acquiring entity or parent thereof, and after a reasonable period following such Acceleration, as determined by the Committee, such Accelerated Awards and all other then outstanding Awards not assumed or replaced by comparable Awards shall terminate. As to any one or more outstanding Awards which are not otherwise Accelerated in full by reason of such Acquisition, the Committee may also, either in advance of an Acquisition or at the time thereof and upon such terms as it may deem appropriate, provide for the Acceleration of such outstanding Awards in the event that the employment of the Participants should subsequently terminate following the Acquisition. Each outstanding Award that is assumed in connection with an Acquisition, or is otherwise to continue in effect subsequent to the Acquisition, will be appropriately adjusted, immediately after the Acquisition, as to the number and class of securities and other relevant terms in accordance with Section 12.
(b) As used in this Section 13, an " Acquisition " means (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another person, (ii) the sale, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to one or more other persons in a single transaction or series of related transactions, or (iii) the acquisition of beneficial ownership (determined pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and in effect from time to time) by any person of more than 50% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made directly to the Company's stockholders,
3
other than an underwriter temporarily holding common stock pursuant to an offering of such Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute an " Acquisition " if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company's incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company's securities immediately prior to such transaction. As used in this Section 13, an " Acceleration " means (x) when used with respect to an Option, that as of the time of reference the Option will become exercisable with respect to some or all of the shares of Common Stock for which it was not then otherwise exercisable by its terms, and (y) when used with respect to Common Stock purchased pursuant to a Stock Purchase Right, that the risk of forfeiture otherwise applicable to such Common Stock shall expire with respect to some or all of such shares then still otherwise subject to the risk of forfeiture
(c) For the purposes of this Section 13, an Award shall be considered assumed or replaced by a comparable Award if, following the Acquisition, the Award confers the right to purchase, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Acquisition, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Acquisition by holders of Common Stock on the effective date of the Acquisition (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Acquisition was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent or subsidiary, the Committee may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent or subsidiary equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Acquisition, or any combination of cash and common stock, (including the payment of cash equal to the net of the fair value over the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Award) so approved by the Committee with the consent of the successor corporation; and provided further that such Award may continue to be subject to the same vesting requirements or risks of forfeiture after the Acquisition.
(d) Any adjustment in Awards made pursuant to this Section 13 shall be determined and made, if at all, by the Board or the Committee and shall include any correlative modification of terms, including of Option exercise prices, rates of vesting or exercisability, risks of forfeiture, and applicable repurchase prices for Common Stock which the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate so as to ensure the rights of the Participants in their respective Awards are not substantially diminished nor enlarged as a result of the adjustment and corporate action other than as expressly contemplated in this Section 13. No fraction of a share shall be purchasable or deliverable upon exercise, but in the event any adjustment hereunder of the number of shares covered by an Award shall cause such number to include a fraction of a share, such number of shares shall be adjusted to the nearest smaller whole number of shares. No adjustment of an Option exercise price per share pursuant to this Section 13 shall result in an exercise price which is less than the par value of the Common Stock.
Section 14. Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of any dissolution or liquidation of the Company, each outstanding Option shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such dissolution or liquidation or at such other time and subject to such other conditions as shall be determined by the Board or the Committee; provided, however, that the Company shall provide written notice to each holder of any Option which shall be so terminated at least ten days prior to such termination.
Section 15. Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by any Award until the date of the issuance of a stock certificate to such Participant for such shares. No adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued, except as expressly provided in Sections 12 and 13.
4
Section 16. Financial Information. A Participant shall have the right to receive financial statements at least annually. The financial statements issued to Plan Participants need not be audited nor must the financial statements be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Section 17. Not an Employment Agreement. Nothing contained in this Plan or in any Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement shall confer on any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or one of its subsidiaries or shall limit the ability of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate, with or without cause, in its sole discretion, the employment of any Participant.
Section 18. Withholding of Taxes. The Company or any applicable subsidiary may deduct and withhold from the wages, salary, bonus and other income paid by the Company or such subsidiary to the Participant the requisite tax upon the amount of taxable income, if any, recognized by the Participant in connection with the exercise of any Option, the sale of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of any Option, the purchase of Common Stock pursuant to any Stock Purchase Right or the lapse of any restrictions on, or repurchase right with respect to, the Common Stock purchase pursuant to any Stock Purchase Right, whichever is applicable, all as may be required from time to time under any federal or state tax laws and regulations. This withholding of tax shall be made from the Company's or such subsidiary's concurrent or next payment of wages, salary, bonus or other income to the Participant or by payment to the Company or such subsidiary by the Participant of the required withholding tax, as the Board or the Committee may determine.
Section 19. Arbitration. Any dispute or controversy concerning this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan, or otherwise with respect to the rights of any Participant under any Option or Option Agreement, Stock Purchase Right or Stock Purchase Agreement or this Plan, including a dispute pertaining to the validity of this Section 19, shall be resolved through binding arbitration before a single arbitrator in Orange County, California in accordance with the Commercial Rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The award of the arbitrator may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party shall bear such party's own legal fees and other costs of such arbitration proceedings, and the parties shall each pay one-half of the costs of the arbitrator and of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator shall have no authority to require either party to pay the attorneys' fees or costs of the other party as part of the arbitration award.
Section 20. Amendment of Plan.
(a) The Board may at any time make such amendments and modifications of the Plan as it shall deem advisable. Unless the Board otherwise expressly provides, no amendment of the Plan shall affect the terms of any Award outstanding on the date of such amendment.
(b) The Committee may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, provided that the Award as amended is consistent with the terms of the Plan. Also within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding Awards or may accept the cancellation of outstanding Awards or of outstanding stock options or other equity-based compensation awards granted by another issuer in return for the grant of new Awards for the same or a different number of shares and on the same or different terms and conditions (including but not limited to the exercise price of any Option). Furthermore, the Committee may at any time (i) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Award previously granted or (ii) authorize the recipient of an Award to elect to cash out an Award previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.
(c) No amendment or modification of the Plan by the Board, or of an outstanding Award by the Committee, shall impair the rights of the recipient of any Award outstanding on the date of such amendment or modification or such Award, as the case may be, without the Participant's consent;
5
provided, however, that no such consent shall be required if (i) the Board or Committee, as the case may be, determines in its sole discretion and prior to the date of any Acquisition that such amendment or alteration either is required or advisable in order for the Company, the Plan or the Award to satisfy any law or regulation, including without limitation the provisions of Section 409A of the Code or to meet the requirements of or avoid adverse financial accounting consequences under any accounting standard, or (ii) the Board or Committee, as the case may be, determines in its sole discretion that such amendment or alteration is not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under the Award, or that any such diminution has been adequately compensated.
Section 21. Termination of this Plan. No Award may be granted hereunder on or after the earlier of (i) the tenth anniversary of the effective date of this Plan and (ii) the date on which the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2006 in connection with the initial public offering of its Common Stock in a firm commitment underwriting, as amended, is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This Plan shall terminate when all shares of Common Stock which may be issued hereunder have been so issued. In addition, the Board may in its absolute discretion terminate this Plan at any time. No such termination, other than as provided for herein, shall in any way affect any Award then outstanding.
Section 22. Effective Date of this Plan. The effective date of this Plan is November 17, 2000, the date the Plan was adopted by the Board. This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months of the effective date of this Plan. Any Award exercised before such stockholder approval is obtained shall be deemed rescinded if such stockholder approval is not obtained within such 12 month period.
6
Exhibit 10.16
NETLIST, INC.
2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. |
|
PURPOSE |
|
1 |
2. |
|
DEFINITIONS |
|
1 |
3. |
|
TERM OF THE PLAN |
|
4 |
4. |
|
STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN |
|
4 |
5. |
|
ADMINISTRATION |
|
4 |
6. |
|
AUTHORIZATION OF GRANTS |
|
5 |
7. |
|
SPECIFIC TERMS OF AWARDS |
|
6 |
8. |
|
ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS |
|
10 |
9. |
|
SETTLEMENT OF AWARDS |
|
12 |
10. |
|
RESERVATION OF STOCK |
|
14 |
11. |
|
LIMITATION OF RIGHTS IN STOCK; NO SPECIAL SERVICE RIGHTS |
|
14 |
12. |
|
UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN |
|
14 |
13. |
|
NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN |
|
14 |
14. |
|
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN |
|
15 |
15. |
|
NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS |
|
15 |
16. |
|
GOVERNING LAW |
|
15 |
NETLIST, INC.
2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purpose
This Plan is intended to encourage ownership of Stock by employees, consultants, advisors and directors of the Company and its Affiliates and to provide additional incentive for them to promote the success of the Company's business through the grant of Awards of, or pertaining to, shares of the Company's Stock. This Plan is intended to be an incentive stock option plan within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, but not all Awards are required to be Incentive Options. This Plan shall not become effective until the Effective Date.
2. Definitions
As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
2.1 Accelerate , Accelerated , and Acceleration , means: (a) when used with respect to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, that as of the time of reference the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will become exercisable with respect to some or all of the shares of Stock for which it was not then otherwise exercisable by its terms; (b) when used with respect to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, that the Risk of Forfeiture otherwise applicable to the Stock or Units shall expire with respect to some or all of the shares of Restricted Stock or Units then still otherwise subject to the Risk of Forfeiture; and (c) when used with respect to Performance Units, that the applicable Performance Goals shall be deemed to have been met as to some or all of the Units.
2.2 Acquisition means (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another person, (ii) the sale, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to one or more other persons in a single transaction or series of related transactions, or (iii) the acquisition of beneficial ownership (determined pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and in effect from time to time) by any person of more than 50% of the Company's outstanding common stock pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made directly to the Company's stockholders, other than an underwriter temporarily holding common stock pursuant to an offering of such common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute an "Acquisition" if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company's incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company's securities immediately prior to such transaction.
2.3 Affiliate means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, or other entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company.
2.4 Award means any grant or sale pursuant to the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Stock Grants.
2.5 Award Agreement means an agreement between the Company and the recipient of an Award, setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award.
2.6 Board means the Company's Board of Directors.
2.7 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto, and any regulations issued from time to time thereunder.
2.8 Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board, which in general is responsible for the administration of the Plan, as provided in Section 5 of the Plan. For any period during which no such committee is in existence "Committee" shall mean the Board and all authority and responsibility assigned to the Committee under the Plan shall be exercised, if at all, by the Board.
2.9 Company means Netlist, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.
2.10 Covered Employee means an employee who is a "covered employee" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
2.11 Effective Date means the date on which the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2006 in connection with the initial public offering of its common stock in a firm commitment underwriting, as amended, is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2.12 Grant Date means the date as of which an Option is granted, as determined under Section 7.1(a).
2.13 Incentive Option means an Option which by its terms is to be treated as an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
2.14 Market Value means the value of a share of Stock on a particular date determined by such methods or procedures as may be established by the Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Market Value of Stock as of any date is the closing price for the Stock as quoted on the NGM (or on any other national securities exchange on which the Stock is then listed) for that date or, if no closing price is reported for that date, the closing price on the next preceding date for which a closing price was reported. For purposes of Awards effective as of the effective date of the Company's initial public offering, Market Value of Stock shall be the price at which the Company's Stock is offered to the public in its initial public offering.
2.15 NGM means the NASDAQ Global Market.
2.16 Nonstatutory Option means any Option that is not an Incentive Option.
2.17 Option means an option to purchase shares of Stock.
2.18 Optionee means a Participant to whom an Option shall have been granted under the Plan.
2.19 Participant means any holder of an outstanding Award under the Plan.
2.20 Performance Criteria means the criteria that the Committee selects for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for a Participant for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria used to establish Performance Goals are limited to: (i) cash flow (before or after dividends), (ii) earnings per share (including, without limitation, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), (iii) stock price, (iv) return on equity, (v) stockholder return or total stockholder return, (vi) return on capital (including, without limitation, return on total capital or return on invested capital), (vii) return on investment, (viii) return on assets or net assets, (ix) market capitalization, (x) economic value added, (xi) debt leverage (debt to capital), (xii) revenue, (xiii) sales or net sales, (xiv) backlog, (xv) income, pre-tax income or net income, (xvi) operating income or pre-tax profit, (xvii) operating profit, net operating profit or economic profit, (xviii) gross margin, operating margin or profit margin, (xix) return on operating revenue or return on operating assets, (xx) cash from operations, (xxi) operating ratio, (xxii) operating revenue, (xxiii) market share improvement, (xxiv) general and administrative expenses or (xxv) customer service.
2.21 Performance Goals means, for a Performance Period, the written goal or goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. The Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of overall Company performance or the performance of a division, business unit, subsidiary, or an individual. either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to either the Company as a whole or to a business unit or Affiliate, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and measured either quarterly, annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous years' results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Committee. The Committee will, in the manner and within the time prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code in the case of Qualified
2
Performance-Based Awards, objectively define the manner of calculating the Performance Goal or Goals it selects to use for such Performance Period for such Participant. To the extent consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance against a Performance Goal to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (i) asset write-downs, (ii) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs and (v) any extraordinary, unusual, non-recurring or non-comparable items (A) as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, (B) as described in management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company's Annual Report to stockholders for the applicable year, or (C) publicly announced by the Company in a press release or conference call relating to the Company's results of operations or financial condition for a completed quarterly or annual fiscal period.
2.22 Performance Period means the one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, selected by the Committee, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for purposes of determining a Participant's right to, and the payment of, a Performance Unit.
2.23 Performance Unit means a right granted to a Participant under Section 7.5, to receive cash, Stock or other Awards, the payment of which is contingent on achieving Performance Goals established by the Committee.
2.24 Plan means this 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company, as amended from time to time, and including any attachments or addenda hereto.
2.25 Qualified Performance-Based Awards means Awards intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code.
2.26 Restricted Stock means a grant or sale of shares of Stock to a Participant subject to a Risk of Forfeiture.
2.27 Restriction Period means the period of time, established by the Committee in connection with an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, during which the shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are subject to a Risk of Forfeiture described in the applicable Award Agreement.
2.28 Risk of Forfeiture means a limitation on the right of the Participant to retain Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, including a right in the Company to reacquire shares of Restricted Stock at less than their then Market Value, arising because of the occurrence or non-occurrence of specified events or conditions.
2.29 Restricted Stock Units means rights to receive shares of Stock at the close of a Restriction Period, subject to a Risk of Forfeiture.
2.30 Stock means common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and such other securities as may be substituted for Stock pursuant to Section 8.
2.31 Stock Appreciation Right means a right to receive any excess in the Market Value of shares of Stock (except as otherwise provided in Section 7.2(c)) over a specified exercise price.
2.32 Stock Grant means the grant of shares of Stock not subject to restrictions or other forfeiture conditions.
2.33 Ten Percent Owner means a person who owns, or is deemed within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code to own, stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any parent or subsidiary corporations of the Company, as defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code). Whether a person is a Ten Percent
3
Owner shall be determined with respect to an Option based on the facts existing immediately prior to the Grant Date of the Option.
3. Term of the Plan
Unless the Plan shall have been earlier terminated by the Board, Awards may be granted under this Plan at any time in the period commencing on the date of approval of the Plan by the Board and ending immediately prior to the tenth anniversary of the earlier of the adoption of the Plan by the Board or approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders. Awards granted pursuant to the Plan within that period shall not expire solely by reason of the termination of the Plan. Awards of Incentive Options granted prior to stockholder approval of the Plan are expressly conditioned upon such approval, but in the event of the failure of the stockholders to approve the Plan shall thereafter and for all purposes be deemed to constitute Nonstatutory Options.
4. Stock Subject to the Plan
At no time shall the number of shares of Stock issued pursuant to or subject to outstanding Awards granted under the Plan (including, without limitation, pursuant to Incentive Options), nor the number of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to Incentive Options, exceed the sum of (a) 500,000 shares of Stock plus (b) an annual increase to be added on the first day of each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2007 equal to the lesser of (i) 500,000 shares of Stock, and (ii) such lesser number as the Board may approve for the fiscal year; subject, however , to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan. For purposes of applying the foregoing limitation, (a) if any Option or Stock Appreciation Right expires, terminates, or is cancelled for any reason without having been exercised in full, or if any other Award is forfeited by the recipient or repurchased at less than its Market Value, the shares not purchased by the Optionee or which are forfeited by the recipient or repurchased shall again be available for Awards to be granted under the Plan and (b) if any Option is exercised by delivering previously-owned shares in payment of the exercise price therefor, only the net number of shares, that is, the number of shares issued minus the number received by the Company in payment of the exercise price, shall be considered to have been issued pursuant to an Award granted under the Plan. In addition, settlement of any Award shall not count against the foregoing limitations except to the extent settled in the form of Stock. Shares of Stock issued pursuant to the Plan may be either authorized but unissued shares or shares held by the Company in its treasury.
5. Administration
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee; provided, however , that at any time and on any one or more occasions the Board may itself exercise any of the powers and responsibilities assigned the Committee under the Plan and when so acting shall have the benefit of all of the provisions of the Plan pertaining to the Committee's exercise of its authorities hereunder; and provided further, however, that the Committee may delegate to an executive officer or officers the authority to grant Awards hereunder to employees who are not officers, and to consultants and advisors, in accordance with such guidelines as the Committee shall set forth at any time or from time to time. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have complete authority, in its discretion, to make or to select the manner of making all determinations with respect to each Award to be granted by the Company under the Plan including the employee, consultant, advisor or director to receive the Award and the form of Award. In making such determinations, the Committee may take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective employees, consultants, advisors and directors, their present and potential contributions to the success of the Company and its Affiliates, and such other factors as the Committee in its discretion shall deem relevant. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall also have complete authority to interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to it, to determine the terms and provisions of the respective Award Agreements (which need
4
not be identical), and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan, including, but not limited to, the cancellation, amendment, repricing, reclassification or exchange of outstanding Options and other Awards, subject to the provisions of Section 14. The Committee's determinations made in good faith on matters referred to in the Plan shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons having or claiming any interest under the Plan or an Award made pursuant hereto.
6. Authorization of Grants
6.1 Eligibility. The Committee may grant from time to time and at any time prior to the termination of the Plan one or more Awards, either alone or in combination with any other Awards, to any employee of, or consultant or advisor to, one or more of the Company and its Affiliates or to any non-employee member of the Board or of any board of directors (or similar governing authority) of any Affiliate. However, only employees of the Company, and of any parent or subsidiary corporations of the Company, as defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code, shall be eligible for the grant of an Incentive Option. Further, in no event shall the number of shares of Stock covered by Options or other Awards granted to any one person in any one calendar year exceed 25% of the aggregate number of shares of Stock subject to the Plan.
6.2 General Terms of Awards. Each grant of an Award shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan (including but not limited to any specific terms and conditions applicable to that type of Award set out in the following Section), and such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee may prescribe. No prospective Participant shall have any rights with respect to an Award, unless and until such Participant shall have complied with the applicable terms and conditions of such Award (including, if applicable, delivering a fully-executed copy of any agreement evidencing an Award to the Company).
6.3 Effect of Termination of Employment, Etc. Unless the Committee shall provide otherwise with respect to any Award, if the Participant's employment or other association with the Company and its Affiliates ends for any reason, including because of the Participant's employer ceasing to be an Affiliate, (a) any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right of the Participant shall cease to be exercisable in any respect not later than 90 days following that event and, for the period it remains exercisable following that event, shall be exercisable only to the extent exercisable at the date of that event, and (b) any other outstanding Award of the Participant shall be forfeited or otherwise subject to return to, or repurchase by, the Company on the terms specified in the applicable Award Agreement. Military or sick leave or other bona fide leave shall not be deemed a termination of employment or other association, provided that it does not exceed the longer of 90 days or the period during which the absent Participant's reemployment rights, if any, are guaranteed by statute or by contract.
6.4 Transferability of Awards. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.4, Awards shall not be transferable, and no Award or interest therein may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The foregoing sentence shall not limit the transferability of Stock Grants or of Restricted Stock that is no longer subject to a Risk of Forfeiture. All of a Participant's rights in any Award may be exercised during the life of the Participant only by the Participant or the Participant's legal representative. However, the Committee may, at or after the grant of an Award of a Nonstatutory Option, or shares of Restricted Stock, provide that such Award may be transferred by the recipient to a family member; provided, however , that any such transfer is without payment of any consideration whatsoever and that no transfer shall be valid unless first approved by the Committee, acting in its sole discretion. For this purpose, "family member" means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the employee's household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which the foregoing persons have more than 50% of the
5
beneficial interests, a foundation in which the foregoing persons (or the Participant) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Participant) own more than 50% of the voting interests.
7. Specific Terms of Awards
7.1 Options.
(a) Date of Grant. The granting of an Option shall take place at the time specified in the Award Agreement. Only if expressly so provided in the applicable Award Agreement shall the Grant Date be the date on which the Award Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Optionee.
(b) Exercise Price. The price at which shares of Stock may be acquired under each Incentive Option shall be not less than 100% of the Market Value of Stock on the Grant Date, or not less than 110% of the Market Value of Stock on the Grant Date if the Optionee is a Ten Percent Owner. The price at which shares may be acquired under each Nonstatutory Option shall not be so limited solely by reason of this Section.
(c) Option Period. No Incentive Option may be exercised on or after the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date, or on or after the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date if the Optionee is a Ten Percent Owner. The Option period under each Nonstatutory Option shall not be so limited solely by reason of this Section.
(d) Exercisability. An Option may be immediately exercisable or become exercisable in such installments, cumulative or non-cumulative, as the Committee may determine. In the case of an Option not otherwise immediately exercisable in full, the Committee may Accelerate such Option in whole or in part at any time; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Option, any such Acceleration of the Option would not cause the Option to fail to comply with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code or the Optionee consents to the Acceleration.
(e) Method of Exercise. An Option may be exercised by the Optionee giving written notice, in the manner provided in Section 16, specifying the number of shares with respect to which the Option is then being exercised. The notice shall be accompanied by payment in the form of cash or check payable to the order of the Company in an amount equal to the exercise price of the shares to be purchased or, subject in each instance to the Committee's approval, acting in its sole discretion, and to such conditions, if any, as the Committee may deem necessary to avoid adverse accounting effects to the Company) by delivery to the Company of
If the Stock is traded on an established market, payment of any exercise price may also be made through and under the terms and conditions of any formal cashless exercise program authorized by the Company entailing the sale of the Stock subject to an Option in a brokered transaction (other than to the Company). Receipt by the Company of such notice and payment in any authorized, or combination of authorized, means shall constitute the exercise of the Option. Within thirty (30) days thereafter but subject to the remaining provisions of the Plan, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Optionee or his agent a certificate or certificates for the number of shares then being purchased. Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.
6
(f) Limit on Incentive Option Characterization. An Incentive Option shall be considered to be an Incentive Option only to the extent that the number of shares of Stock for which the Option first becomes exercisable in a calendar year do not have an aggregate Market Value (as of the date of the grant of the Option) in excess of the "current limit". The current limit for any Optionee for any calendar year shall be $100,000 minus the aggregate Market Value at the date of grant of the number of shares of Stock available for purchase for the first time in the same year under each other Incentive Option previously granted to the Optionee under the Plan, and under each other incentive stock option previously granted to the Optionee under any other incentive stock option plan of the Company and its Affiliates, after December 31, 1986. Any shares of Stock which would cause the foregoing limit to be violated shall be deemed to have been granted under a separate Nonstatutory Option, otherwise identical in its terms to those of the Incentive Option.
(g) Notification of Disposition. Each person exercising any Incentive Option granted under the Plan shall be deemed to have covenanted with the Company to report to the Company any disposition of such shares prior to the expiration of the holding periods specified by Section 422(a)(1) of the Code (currently the later of two years from the Grant Date and one year from the date of exercise of the Incentive Option) and, if and to the extent that the realization of income in such a disposition imposes upon the Company federal, state, local or other withholding tax requirements, or any such withholding is required to secure for the Company an otherwise available tax deduction, to remit to the Company an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy those requirements.
7.2 Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Tandem or Stand-Alone. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with an Option (at or, in the case of a Nonstatutory Option, after the award of the Option), or alone and unrelated to an Option. Stock Appreciation Rights in tandem with an Option shall terminate to the extent that the related Option is exercised, and the related Option shall terminate to the extent that the tandem Stock Appreciation Rights are exercised.
(b) Exercise Price. Stock Appreciation Rights shall have such exercise price as the Committee may determine, except that in the case of Stock Appreciation Rights in tandem with Options, the exercise price of the Stock Appreciation Rights shall equal the exercise price of the related Option.
(c) Other Terms. Except as the Committee may deem inappropriate or inapplicable in the circumstances, Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to terms and conditions substantially similar to those applicable to a Nonstatutory Option. In addition, a Stock Appreciation Right related to an Option which can only be exercised during limited periods following a Change in Control may entitle the Participant to receive an amount based upon the highest price paid or offered for Stock in any transaction relating to the Change in Control or paid during the thirty (30) day period immediately preceding the occurrence of the Change in Control in any transaction reported in the stock market in which the Stock is normally traded.
7.3 Restricted Stock.
(a) Purchase Price. Shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued under the Plan for such consideration, in cash, other property or services, or any combination thereof, as is determined by the Committee.
(b) Issuance of Certificates. Each Participant receiving a Restricted Stock Award, subject to subsection (c) below, shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of such shares of Restricted Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant, and, if applicable, shall bear an
7
appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award substantially in the following form:
The transferability of this certificate and the shares represented by this certificate are subject to the terms and conditions of the Netlist, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and an Award Agreement entered into by the registered owner and Netlist, Inc. Copies of such Plan and Agreement are on file in the offices of Netlist, Inc.
(c) Escrow of Shares. The Committee may require that the stock certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock be held in custody by a designated escrow agent (which may but need not be the Company) until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that the Participant deliver a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Stock covered by such Award.
(d) Restrictions and Restriction Period. During the Restriction Period applicable to shares of Restricted Stock, such shares shall be subject to limitations on transferability and a Risk of Forfeiture arising on the basis of such conditions related to the performance of services, Company or Affiliate performance or otherwise as the Committee may determine and provide for in the applicable Award Agreement. Any such Risk of Forfeiture may be waived or terminated, or the Restriction Period shortened, at any time by the Committee on such basis as it deems appropriate.
(e) Rights Pending Lapse of Risk of Forfeiture or Forfeiture of Award. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement, at all times prior to lapse of any Risk of Forfeiture applicable to, or forfeiture of, an Award of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including the right to vote, and the right to receive any dividends with respect to, the shares of Restricted Stock. The Committee, as determined at the time of Award, may permit or require the payment of cash dividends to be deferred and, if the Committee so determines, reinvested in additional Restricted Stock to the extent shares are available under Section 4.
(f) Lapse of Restrictions. If and when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Restricted Stock, the certificates for such shares shall be delivered to the Participant promptly if not previously delivered.
7.4 Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Character. Each Restricted Stock Unit shall entitle the recipient to a share of Stock at a close of such Restriction Period as the Committee may establish and be subject to a Risk of Forfeiture arising on the basis of such conditions relating to the performance of services, Company or Affiliate performance or otherwise as the Committee may determine and provide for in the applicable Award Agreement. Any such Risk of Forfeiture may be waived or terminated, or the Restriction Period shortened, at any time by the Committee on such basis as it deems appropriate.
(b) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units shall be made in a single lump sum following the close of the applicable Restriction Period. At the discretion of the Committee, Participants may be entitled to receive payments equivalent to any dividends declared with respect to Stock referenced in grants of Restricted Stock Units but only following the close of the applicable Restriction Period and then only if the underlying Stock shall have been earned. Unless the Committee shall provide otherwise, any such dividend equivalents shall be paid, if at all, without interest or other earnings.
7.5 Performance Units.
(a) Character. Each Performance Unit shall entitle the recipient to the value of a specified number of shares of Stock, over the initial value for such number of shares, if any, established by the Committee at the time of grant, at the close of a specified Performance Period to the extent specified Performance Goals shall have been achieved.
8
(b) Earning of Performance Units. The Committee shall set Performance Goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met within the applicable Performance Period, will determine the number and value of Performance Units that will be paid out to the Participant. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units shall be entitled to receive payout on the number and value of Performance Units earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding Performance Goals have been achieved.
(c) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Performance Units shall be made in a single lump sum following the close of the applicable Performance Period. At the discretion of the Committee, Participants may be entitled to receive any dividends declared with respect to Stock which have been earned in connection with grants of Performance Units which have been earned, but not yet distributed to Participants. The Committee may permit or, if it so provides at grant, require a Participant to defer such Participant's receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Stock that would otherwise be due to such Participant by virtue of the satisfaction of any requirements or goals with respect to Performance Units. If any such deferral election is permitted or required, the Committee shall establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals.
7.6 Stock Grants. Stock Grants shall be awarded solely in recognition of significant contributions to the success of the Company or its Affiliates, in lieu of compensation otherwise already due and in such other limited circumstances as the Committee deems appropriate. Stock Grants shall be made without forfeiture conditions of any kind.
7.7 Qualified Performance-Based Awards.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section 7.7 is to provide the Committee the ability to qualify Awards as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code. If the Committee, in its discretion, decides to grant an Award as a Qualified Performance-Based Award, the provisions of this Section 7.7 will control over any contrary provision contained in the Plan. In the course of granting any Award, the Committee may specifically designate the Award as intended to qualify as a Qualified Performance-Based Award. However, no Award shall be considered to have failed to qualify as a Qualified Performance-Based Award solely because the Award is not expressly designated as a Qualified Performance-Based Award if the Award otherwise satisfies the provisions of this Section 7.7 and the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder applicable to "performance-based compensation."
(b) Authority. All grants of Awards intended to qualify as Qualified Performance-Based Awards and determination of terms applicable thereto shall be made by the Committee or, if not all of the members thereof qualify as "outside directors" within the meaning of applicable IRS regulations under Section 162 of the Code, a subcommittee of the Committee consisting of such of the members of the Committee as do so qualify. Any action by such a subcommittee shall be considered the action of the Committee for purposes of the Plan.
(c) Applicability. This Section 7.7 will apply only to those Covered Employees, or to those persons who the Committee determines are reasonably likely to become Covered Employees in the period covered by an Award, selected by the Committee to receive Qualified Performance-Based Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Awards to Covered Employees that do not satisfy the requirements of this Section 7.7.
(d) Discretion of Committee with Respect to Qualified Performance-Based Awards. Options may be granted as Qualified Performance-Based Awards in accordance with Section 7.1, except that the exercise price of any Option intended to qualify as a Qualified Performance-Based Award shall in no event be less that the Market Value of the Stock on the date of grant. With regard to other Awards intended to qualify as Qualified Performance-Based Awards, such as Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock
9
Units, or Performance Units, the Committee will have full discretion to select the length of any applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period, the kind and/or level of the applicable Performance Goal, and whether the Performance Goal is to apply to the Company, a Subsidiary or any division or business unit or to the individual. Any Performance Goal or Goals applicable to Qualified Performance-Based Awards shall be objective, shall be established not later than ninety (90) days after the beginning of any applicable Performance Period (or at such other date as may be required or permitted for "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code) and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, including the requirement that the outcome of the Performance Goal or Goals be substantially uncertain (as defined in the regulations under Section 162(m) of the Code) at the time established.
(e) Payment of Qualified Performance-Based Awards. A Participant will be eligible to receive payment under a Qualified Performance-Based Award which is subject to achievement of a Performance Goal or Goals only if the applicable Performance Goal or Goals period are achieved within the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Committee. In determining the actual size of an individual Qualified Performance-Based Award, the Committee may reduce or eliminate the amount of the Qualified Performance-Based Award earned for the Performance Period, if in its sole and absolute discretion, such reduction or elimination is appropriate.
(f) Maximum Award Payable. The maximum Qualified Performance-Based Award payment to any one Participant under the Plan for a Performance Period is 25% of the number of shares of Stock set forth in Section 4 above, or if the Qualified Performance-Based Award is paid in cash, that number of shares multiplied by the Market Value of the Stock as of the date the Qualified Performance-Based Award is granted.
(g) Limitation on Adjustments for Certain Events. No adjustment of any Qualified Performance-Based Award pursuant to Section 8 shall be made except on such basis, if any, as will not cause such Award to provide other than "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
7.8 Awards to Participants Outside the United States. The Committee may modify the terms of any Award under the Plan granted to a Participant who is, at the time of grant or during the term of the Award, resident or primarily employed outside of the United States in any manner deemed by the Committee to be necessary or appropriate to conform that Award to laws, regulations, and customs of the country in which the Participant is then resident or primarily employed, or so that the value and other benefits of the Award to the Participant, as affected by foreign tax laws and other restrictions applicable as a result of the Participant's residence or employment abroad, shall be comparable to the value of such an Award to a Participant who is resident or primarily employed in the United States. The Committee may establish supplements to, or amendments, restatements, or alternative versions of, the Plan for the purpose of granting and administrating any such modified Award. No such modification, supplement, amendment, restatement or alternative version may increase the share limit of Section 4.
8. Adjustment Provisions
8.1 Adjustment for Corporate Actions. All of the share numbers set forth in the Plan reflect the capital structure of the Company as of the Effective Date. Subject to Section 8.2, if subsequent to that date the outstanding shares of Stock (or any other securities covered by the Plan by reason of the prior application of this Section) are increased, decreased, or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities, or if additional shares or new or different shares or other securities are distributed with respect to shares of Stock, through a merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all the property of the Company, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar distribution with respect to such shares of Stock, an
10
appropriate and proportionate adjustment will be made in (i) the maximum numbers and kinds of shares provided in Section 4, (ii) the numbers and kinds of shares or other securities subject to the then outstanding Awards, (iii) the exercise price for each share or other unit of any other securities subject to then outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (without change in the aggregate purchase price as to which such Options or Rights remain exercisable), and (iv) the repurchase price of each share of Restricted Stock then subject to a Risk of Forfeiture in the form of a Company repurchase right.
8.2 Treatment in Certain Acquisitions.
(a) Subject to any provisions of then outstanding Awards granting greater rights to the holders thereof, in the event of an Acquisition, the Committee may, either in advance of the Acquisition or at the time thereof and upon such terms as it may deem appropriate, provide for the Acceleration of any then outstanding Awards in full if, and only if, such Awards are not assumed or replaced by comparable Awards referencing shares of the capital stock of the successor or acquiring entity or parent thereof, and after a reasonable period following such Acceleration, as determined by the Committee, such Accelerated Awards and all other then outstanding Awards not assumed or replaced by comparable Awards shall terminate. As to any one or more outstanding Awards which are not otherwise Accelerated in full by reason of such Acquisition, the Committee may also, either in advance of an Acquisition or at the time thereof and upon such terms as it may deem appropriate, provide for the Acceleration of such outstanding Awards in the event that the employment of the Participants should subsequently terminate following the Acquisition. Each outstanding Award that is assumed in connection with an Acquisition, or is otherwise to continue in effect subsequent to the Acquisition, will be appropriately adjusted, immediately after the Acquisition, as to the number and class of securities and other relevant terms in accordance with Section 8.1.
(b) For the purposes of this Section 8.2, an Award shall be considered assumed or replaced by a comparable Award if, following the Acquisition, the Award confers the right to purchase, for each share of Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Acquisition, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Acquisition by holders of Stock on the effective date of the Acquisition (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Stock); provided, however , that if such consideration received in the Acquisition was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent or subsidiary, the Committee may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award for each share of Stock subject to the Award to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent or subsidiary equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Stock in the Acquisition, or any combination of cash and common stock, (including the payment of cash equal to the net of Market Value over the exercise price of the shares of Stock subject to the Award) so approved by the Committee with the consent of the successor corporation; and provided further that such Award may continue to be subject to the same vesting requirements or Risks of Forfeiture after the Acquisition.
8.3 Dissolution or Liquidation. Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, other than as part of an Acquisition or similar transaction, each outstanding Option and Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate, but the Optionee or Stock Appreciation Right holder shall have the right, immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation, to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right to the extent exercisable on the date of the dissolution or liquidation.
8.4 Adjustment of Awards Upon the Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events. In the event of any corporate action not specifically covered by the preceding Sections, including but not limited to an extraordinary cash distribution on Stock, a corporate separation or other reorganization or liquidation, the Committee may make such adjustment of outstanding Awards and their terms, if
11
any, as it, in its sole discretion, may deem equitable and appropriate in the circumstances. The Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in this Section) affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan.
8.5 Related Matters. Any adjustment in Awards made pursuant to this Section 8 shall be determined and made, if at all, by the Committee and shall include any correlative modification of terms, including of Option exercise prices, rates of vesting or exercisability, Risks of Forfeiture, applicable repurchase prices for Restricted Stock, and Performance Goals and other financial objectives which the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate so as to ensure the rights of the Participants in their respective Awards are not substantially diminished nor enlarged as a result of the adjustment and corporate action other than as expressly contemplated in this Section 8. No fraction of a share shall be purchasable or deliverable upon exercise, but in the event any adjustment hereunder of the number of shares covered by an Award shall cause such number to include a fraction of a share, such number of shares shall be adjusted to the nearest smaller whole number of shares. No adjustment of an Option exercise price per share pursuant to this Section 8 shall result in an exercise price which is less than the par value of the Stock.
9. Settlement of Awards
9.1 In General. Options and Restricted Stock shall be settled in accordance with their terms. All other Awards may be settled in cash, Stock, or other Awards, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee at or after grant and subject to any contrary Award Agreement. The Committee may not require settlement of any Award in Stock pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence to the extent issuance of such Stock would be prohibited or unreasonably delayed by reason of any other provision of the Plan.
9.2 Violation of Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or the relevant Award Agreement, if, at any time, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, the issuance of shares of Stock covered by an Award may constitute a violation of law, then the Company may delay such issuance and the delivery of a certificate for such shares until (i) approval shall have been obtained from such governmental agencies, other than the Securities and Exchange Commission, as may be required under any applicable law, rule, or regulation and (ii) in the case where such issuance would constitute a violation of a law administered by, or a regulation of, the Securities and Exchange Commission, one of the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(a) the shares are at the time of the issue of such shares effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; or
(b) the Company shall have determined, on such basis as it deems appropriate (including an opinion of counsel in form and substance satisfactory to the Company) that the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of such shares or such beneficial interest, as the case may be, does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any applicable State securities laws.
The Company shall make all reasonable efforts to bring about the occurrence of said events.
9.3 Corporate Restrictions on Rights in Stock. Any Stock to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to all restrictions upon the transfer thereof which may be now or hereafter imposed by the certificate of incorporation and by-laws (or similar charter documents) of the Company.
12
9.4 Investment Representations. The Company shall be under no obligation to issue any shares covered by any Award unless the shares to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan have been effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Participant shall have made such written representations to the Company (upon which the Company believes it may reasonably rely) as the Company may deem necessary or appropriate for purposes of confirming that the issuance of such shares will be exempt from the registration requirements of that Act and any applicable state securities laws and otherwise in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to that the Participant is acquiring the shares for his or her own account for the purpose of investment and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, the distribution of any such shares.
9.5 Registration. If the Company shall deem it necessary or desirable to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or other applicable statutes any shares of Stock issued or to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan, or to qualify any such shares of Stock for exemption from the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or other applicable statutes, then the Company shall take such action at its own expense. The Company may require from each recipient of an Award, or each holder of shares of Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan, such information in writing for use in any registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus or offering circular as is reasonably necessary for that purpose and may require reasonable indemnity to the Company and its officers and directors from that holder against all losses, claims, damage and liabilities arising from use of the information so furnished and caused by any untrue statement of any material fact therein or caused by the omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made. In addition, the Company may require of any such person that he or she agree that, without the prior written consent of the Company or the managing underwriter in any public offering of shares of Stock, he or she will not sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of, pledge or otherwise encumber, or otherwise dispose of, any shares of Stock during the 180 day period commencing on the effective date of the registration statement relating to the underwritten public offering of securities. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.5, if in connection with any underwritten public offering of securities of the Company the managing underwriter of such offering requires that the Company's directors and officers enter into a lock-up agreement containing provisions that are more restrictive than the provisions set forth in the preceding sentence, then (a) each holder of shares of Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan (regardless of whether such person has complied or complies with the provisions of clause (b) below) shall be bound by, and shall be deemed to have agreed to, the same lock-up terms as those to which the Company's directors and officers are required to adhere; and (b) at the request of the Company or such managing underwriter, each such person shall execute and deliver a lock-up agreement in form and substance equivalent to that which is required to be executed by the Company's directors and officers.
9.6 Placement of Legends; Stop Orders; etc. Each share of Stock to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan may bear a reference to the investment representation made in accordance with Section 9.4 in addition to any other applicable restriction under the Plan, the terms of the Award and if applicable under the Stockholders' Agreement and to the fact that no registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to such shares of Stock. All certificates for shares of Stock or other securities delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stock transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed, and any applicable federal or state securities law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
9.7 Tax Withholding. Whenever shares of Stock are issued or to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan, the Company shall have the right to require the recipient to remit to the
13
Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local or other withholding tax requirements if, when, and to the extent required by law (whether so required to secure for the Company an otherwise available tax deduction or otherwise) prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such shares. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional on satisfaction of all such withholding obligations and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the recipient of an Award. However, in such cases Participants may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee, to satisfy an applicable withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold shares to satisfy their tax obligations. Participants may only elect to have Shares withheld having a Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum statutory total tax which could be imposed on the transaction. All elections shall be irrevocable, made in writing, signed by the Participant, and shall be subject to any restrictions or limitations that the Committee deems appropriate.
10. Reservation of Stock
The Company shall at all times during the term of the Plan and any outstanding Awards granted hereunder reserve or otherwise keep available such number of shares of Stock as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan (if then in effect) and the Awards and shall pay all fees and expenses necessarily incurred by the Company in connection therewith.
11. Limitation of Rights in Stock; No Special Service Rights
A Participant shall not be deemed for any purpose to be a stockholder of the Company with respect to any of the shares of Stock subject to an Award, unless and until a certificate shall have been issued therefor and delivered to the Participant or his agent. Nothing contained in the Plan or in any Award Agreement shall confer upon any recipient of an Award any right with respect to the continuation of his or her employment or other association with the Company (or any Affiliate), or interfere in any way with the right of the Company (or any Affiliate), subject to the terms of any separate employment or consulting agreement or provision of law or corporate articles, by-laws or similar charter documents to the contrary, at any time to terminate such employment or consulting agreement or to increase or decrease, or otherwise adjust, the other terms and conditions of the recipient's employment or other association with the Company and its Affiliates.
12. Unfunded Status of Plan
The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive compensation, and the Plan is not intended to constitute a plan subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver Stock or payments with respect to Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and other Awards hereunder, provided, however , that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the unfunded status of the Plan.
13. Nonexclusivity of the Plan
Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including without limitation, the granting of stock options and restricted stock other than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.
14
14. Termination and Amendment of the Plan
The Board may at any time terminate the Plan or make such modifications of the Plan as it shall deem advisable. Unless the Board otherwise expressly provides, no amendment of the Plan shall affect the terms of any Award outstanding on the date of such amendment.
The Committee may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, provided that the Award as amended is consistent with the terms of the Plan. Also within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding Awards or may accept the cancellation of outstanding Awards or of outstanding stock options or other equity-based compensation awards granted by another issuer in return for the grant of new Awards for the same or a different number of shares and on the same or different terms and conditions (including but not limited to the exercise price of any Option). Furthermore, the Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Award previously granted or (b) authorize the recipient of an Award to elect to cash out an Award previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.
No amendment or modification of the Plan by the Board, or of an outstanding Award by the Committee, shall impair the rights of the recipient of any Award outstanding on the date of such amendment or modification or such Award, as the case may be, without the Participant's consent; provided, however, that no such consent shall be required if (i) the Board or Committee, as the case may be, determines in its sole discretion and prior to the date of any Acquisition that such amendment or alteration either is required or advisable in order for the Company, the Plan or the Award to satisfy any law or regulation, including without limitation the provisions of Section 409A of the Code or to meet the requirements of or avoid adverse financial accounting consequences under any accounting standard, or (ii) the Board or Committee, as the case may be, determines in its sole discretion that such amendment or alteration is not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under the Award, or that any such diminution has been adequately compensated.
15. Notices and Other Communications
Any notice, demand, request or other communication hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or duly sent by first class registered, certified or overnight mail, postage prepaid, or telecopied with a confirmation copy by regular, certified or overnight mail, addressed or telecopied, as the case may be, (i) if to the recipient of an Award, at his or her residence address last filed with the Company and (ii) if to the Company, at its principal place of business, addressed to the attention of its Treasurer, or to such other address or telecopier number, as the case may be, as the addressee may have designated by notice to the addressor. All such notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been received: (i) in the case of personal delivery, on the date of such delivery; (ii) in the case of mailing, when received by the addressee; and (iii) in the case of facsimile transmission, when confirmed by facsimile machine report.
16. Governing Law
The Plan and all Award Agreements and actions taken thereunder shall be governed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
15
Exhibit 10.17
THIS NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of October 3, 2005, by and between Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 475 Goddard, Irvine, California 92618 (the "Company"), and Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd., whose address is 505, ShinSa-Dong, KangNam-Ku, Seoul, Korea (hereinafter referred to as the "Purchaser");
WHEREAS, the Company agrees to issue to Purchaser a 7.5% Promissory Note No. NLCP-10, dated of even date herewith and in the original principal amount of $625,000 (the "New Note") in exchange for the 7.5% Promissory Note No. NLCP-07, dated April 3, 2004, in the original principal amount of $625,000 (the "Existing Note"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and in order to consummate the exchange of the New Note for the Existing Note, it is hereby agreed as follows:
Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, (i) the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser the New Note in consideration of the return and cancellation of the Existing Note and the waiver set forth below, and (ii) the Purchaser shall return to the Company the Existing Note for cancellation in consideration of the issuance of the New Note.
Purchaser hereby waives any rights, claims and remedies that it may have under the Existing Note or otherwise with respect to the Company's failure to repay the Existing Note prior to the execution of this Agreement and the cancellation of the Existing Note and hereby releases the Company and its affiliates, shareholders, agents and employees, and the representatives, successors and assigns for all of them, from any and all claims, demands and causes of action, known or suspected that Purchaser may have to date with regard to the Existing Note and such failure to repay the Existing Note.
Although the New Note provides that principal and accrued interest owing on the New Note is due and payable on July 3, 2006 (the "Initial Maturity Date"), the Purchaser agrees not to present or surrender the New Note for redemption on that date. The Purchaser further agrees to hold the New Note until April 3, 2007 (the "Rollover Maturity Date") unless the Purchaser desires to exchange the New Note for preferred stock of the Company pursuant to Section 4 below.
The Purchaser shall have the right, but not the obligation, to effectively convert the amount of principal due on the New Note into whole shares of preferred stock of the Company at any time. The Purchaser can exercise this right by providing a written request for the exchange of the New Note for preferred stock to the Company at least 30 days in advance of the requested date of exchange. Prior to the requested date of exchange, the Company will take all necessary steps to authorize and prepare for legal issuance a new class of preferred stock (the "New Preferred Stock") with rights and preferences substantially equivalent to the rights and preferences of the Company's existing Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of the New Preferred Stock will be convertible into the number and type of securities into which the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is then convertible into
1
(currently, one share of the Company's common stock) at any time at the option of the holder of such share; provided, however, that such conversion shall occur automatically, without any action on the part of such holder, immediately prior to the occurrence of a Qualifying IPO (as defined below). Each share of New Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with the Company's existing Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. If such right of exchange is exercised, the New Note will be exchanged for shares of the New Preferred Stock at a price equal to the lower of (i) $1.667 per share, with such price to be adjusted to appropriately reflect the effects of any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar changes in the Company's common stock occurring after the date hereof and prior to such exchange, and (ii) the per-share fair market value of the New Preferred Stock (the "Per-Share Exchange Price") (i.e., the New Note will be exchanged for such number of shares as equals the principal amount of the New Note divided by the Per-Share Exchange Price).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing paragraph, in the event of a Qualifying IPO (as defined below), the Purchaser shall be deemed, without any requirement of providing any advance written request or taking any other action, to have exercised the exchange right set forth in the foregoing paragraph immediately prior to the closing of such Qualifying IPO, and thereupon the Company will issue to the Purchaser, in exchange for the New Note, such number of shares of the Company's common stock as shall equal the principal amount of the New Note divided by the Per-Share Exchange Price. As used herein, a "Qualifying IPO" shall mean a public offering by the Company or any parent entity of the Company of shares of its common stock at a per-share price in excess of the Per-Share Exchange Price which results in the automatic conversion of the outstanding shares of the Company's existing Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of the Company's or such parent entity's common stock.
The Company will make all payments of principal and accrued interest as set forth on the New Note. If the New Note is exchanged for shares of the New Preferred Stock, the Company shall pay interest accrued through the date of such exchange.
This Agreement and the New Note shall constitute the entire agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral and written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
The section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposed only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
This Agreement, and all transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, the internal laws of the State of California (without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof). The parties hereto waive trial by jury and agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of a court of subject matter jurisdiction located in the State of California. In the event that litigation results from or arises out of this Agreement or the performance thereof, the parties hereto agree to reimburse the prevailing party's reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and all other expenses, whether or not taxable by the court as costs, in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled.
2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Note Purchase Agreement has been executed by each of the parties hereto on the date first above written.
"PURCHASER" | "THE COMPANY" | |||
Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. |
|
Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation |
||
By: |
/s/ D.Y. LEE |
|
By: |
/s/ C.K. HONG |
Name: D.Y. Lee | C.K. Hong | |||
Title: President | President |
3
Exhibit 10.18
U.S. $625,000 |
No. NLCP-10
|
Netlist, Inc.
475 Goddard
Irvine, CA 92618 USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware)
Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the "Company," which term includes any successor corporation), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 505, ShinSa-Dong, KangNam-Ku, Seoul, Korea, or its assigns, the principal sum of Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars, on July 3, 2006 (the "Initial Maturity Date") upon the presentation and surrender of this Security or, if no such presentation or surrender of this Security is made on that date, on April 3, 2007 (the "Rollover Maturity Date").
The Company promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at a rate of 7.5% per annum. Interest payments will be made on the Initial Maturity Date and, if applicable, the Rollover Maturity Date (each, an "Interest Payment Date"). Interest on this Security will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from October 3, 2005. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Security on the reverse side hereof, which will, for all purposes, have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this 7.5% Promissory Note to be duly executed under its corporate seal.
Dated: October 3, 2005.
NETLIST, INC. | ||||
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ C.K. HONG |
C.K. Hong
President |
||||
Attest: |
|
|
|
|
/s/ CHRISTOPHER LOPES Christopher Lopes Secretary |
|
|
|
Terms and Conditions of this Security
1. Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on this Security to the holder of this Security at the close of business on the date immediately preceding each Interest Payment Date. The holder must present and surrender this Security to the Company to collect the principal payment. Notwithstanding any statement included on the face of this Security, the holder of this Security, upon the mutual agreement of such holder and the Company, may present and surrender this Security in exchange for the immediate payment of the then-outstanding principal and all interest accrued on this Security at any time prior to the Initial Maturity Date or the Rollover Maturity Date, as the case may be. The Company shall pay principal and interest in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for payment of public and private debts ("U.S. Legal Tender") and shall pay principal and interest by wire transfer of funds to the bank account of the financial institution designated by the securities company representing the holder of this Security.
2. Defaults and Remedies. If the Company defaults on any payment due under this Security, the holder may declare all interest and principal due and owing under this Security to be immediately due and payable.
3. No Recourse Against Others. No stockholder, director, officer, employee or incorporator, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor corporation shall have any liability for any obligation of the Company under this Security or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of this Security, by accepting this Security, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of this Security.
4. Acquisition for Investment. By accepting this Security, the holder hereof shall be deemed to have represented to the Company that such holder (i) is an "accredited investor" as such term is defined in Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, (ii) by reason of its business or financial experience, has the capacity to protect its own interests in connection with the acquisition of this Security, and (iii) is acquiring this Security for its own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of this Security.
5. Miscellaneous. The terms of this Security may be amended or supplemented only by a written instrument executed by the Company and the current holder of this Security and any existing default under the terms of this Security may be waived with the consent of such holder. When a successor assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under this Security, the predecessor will be released from those obligations. The terms and provisions of this Security shall be governed by the law of the State of California without giving effect to any conflicts of laws provisions.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED | |
FILL IN AMOUNT |
|
NAME IN FULL OF TRANSFEROR |
Hereby shall assign and transfer unto | |
NAME IN FULL OF TRANSFEREE |
this Security, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint | |
|
|
as Attorney to transfer said Security on the register of the within named Corporation, with full power of substitution in the premises. |
Dated: | |||
|
|||
IN THE PRESENCE OF: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TRANSFEROR | |||
2 WITNESSES SIGN HERE |
|
|
|
IN THE PRESENCE OF: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TRANSFEREE | |||
2 WITNESSES SIGN HERE |
|
|
THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER.
KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE. IF IT IS LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED, THE CORPORATION WILL REQUIRE A BOND OF INDEMNITY AS A CONDITION TO THE ISSUANCE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE.
Exhibit 10.19
THIS NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of February 12, 2006, by and between Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 475 Goddard, Irvine, California 92618 (the "Company"), and Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd., whose address is 505, ShinSa-Dong, KangNam-Ku, Seoul, Korea (hereinafter referred to as the "Purchaser");
WHEREAS, the Company agrees to issue to Purchaser a 6.5% Promissory Note No. NLCP-11, dated of even date herewith and in the original principal amount of $500,000 (the "New Note") in exchange for the 6.5% Promissory Note No. NLCP-08, dated August 12, 2004, in the original principal amount of $500,000 (the "Existing Note"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and in order to consummate the exchange of the New Note for the Existing Note, it is hereby agreed as follows:
Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, (i) the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser the New Note in consideration of the return and cancellation of the Existing Note, and (ii) the Purchaser shall return to the Company the Existing Note for cancellation in consideration of the issuance of the New Note.
Although the New Note provides that principal and accrued interest owing on the New Note is due and payable on November 12, 2006 (the "Initial Maturity Date"), the Purchaser agrees not to present or surrender the New Note for redemption on that date. The Purchaser further agrees to hold the New Note until August 12, 2007 (the "Rollover Maturity Date") unless the Purchaser desires to exchange the New Note for preferred stock of the Company pursuant to Section 3 below.
The Purchaser shall have the right, but not the obligation, to effectively convert the amount of principal due on the New Note into whole shares of preferred stock of the Company at any time. The Purchaser can exercise this right by providing a written request for the exchange of the New Note for preferred stock to the Company at least 30 days in advance of the requested date of exchange. Prior to the requested date of exchange, the Company will take all necessary steps to authorize and prepare for legal issuance a new class of preferred stock (the "New Preferred Stock") with rights and preferences substantially equivalent to the rights and preferences of the Company's existing Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of the New Preferred Stock will be convertible into the number and type of securities into which the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is then convertible into (currently, one share of the Company's common stock) at any time at the option of the holder of such share; provided, however, that such conversion shall occur automatically, without any action on the part of such holder, immediately prior to the occurrence of a Qualifying IPO (as defined below). Each share of New Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with the Company's existing Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. If such right of exchange is exercised, the New Note will be exchanged for shares of the New Preferred Stock at a price equal to the lower of (i) $1.667 per share, with such price to be adjusted to appropriately reflect the effects of any stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar changes in the Company's common stock occurring after the date hereof and prior to such exchange, and
1
(ii) the per-share fair market value of the New Preferred Stock (the "Per-Share Exchange Price") (i.e., the New Note will be exchanged for such number of shares as equals the principal amount of the New Note divided by the Per-Share Exchange Price).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing paragraph, in the event of a Qualifying IPO (as defined below), the Purchaser shall be deemed, without any requirement of providing any advance written request or taking any other action, to have exercised the exchange right set forth in the foregoing paragraph immediately prior to the closing of such Qualifying IPO, and thereupon the Company will issue to the Purchaser, in exchange for the New Note, such number of shares of the Company's common stock as shall equal the principal amount of the New Note divided by the Per-Share Exchange Price. As used herein, a "Qualifying IPO" shall mean a public offering by the Company or any parent entity of the Company of shares of its common stock at a per-share price in excess of the Per-Share Exchange Price which results in the automatic conversion of the outstanding shares of the Company's existing Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of the Company's or such parent entity's common stock.
The Company will make all payments of principal and accrued interest as set forth on the New Note. If the New Note is exchanged for shares of the New Preferred Stock, the Company shall pay interest accrued through the date of such exchange.
This Agreement and the New Note shall constitute the entire agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral and written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
The section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposed only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
This Agreement, and all transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, the internal laws of the State of California (without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof). The parties hereto waive trial by jury and agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of a court of subject matter jurisdiction located in the State of California. In the event that litigation results from or arises out of this Agreement or the performance thereof, the parties hereto agree to reimburse the prevailing party's reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and all other expenses, whether or not taxable by the court as costs, in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled.
2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Note Purchase Agreement has been executed by each of the parties hereto on the date first above written.
"PURCHASER" | "THE COMPANY" | |||
Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. |
|
Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation |
||
By: |
/s/ D.Y. LEE |
|
By: |
/s/ C.K. HONG |
Name: D.Y. Lee | C.K. Hong | |||
Title: President | President |
3
Exhibit 10.20
U.S. $500,000 |
No. NLCP-11
|
Netlist, Inc.
475 Goddard
Irvine, CA 92618 USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware)
Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the "Company," which term includes any successor corporation), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Serim Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 505, ShinSa-Dong, KangNam-Ku, Seoul, Korea, or its assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars, on November 12, 2006 (the "Initial Maturity Date") upon the presentation and surrender of this Security or, if no such presentation or surrender of this Security is made on that date, on August 12, 2007 (the "Rollover Maturity Date").
The Company promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at a rate of 6.5% per annum. Interest payments will be made on the Initial Maturity Date and, if applicable, the Rollover Maturity Date (each, an "Interest Payment Date"). Interest on this Security will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from February 12, 2006. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Security on the reverse side hereof, which will, for all purposes, have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this 6.5% Promissory Note to be duly executed under its corporate seal.
Dated: February 12, 2006.
NETLIST, INC. | ||||
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ C.K. HONG |
C.K. Hong
President |
||||
Attest: |
|
|
|
|
/s/ CHRISTOPHER LOPES Christopher Lopes Secretary |
|
|
|
Terms and Conditions of this Security
1. Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on this Security to the holder of this Security at the close of business on the date immediately preceding each Interest Payment Date. The holder must present and surrender this Security to the Company to collect the principal payment. Notwithstanding any statement included on the face of this Security, the holder of this Security, upon the mutual agreement of such holder and the Company, may present and surrender this Security in exchange for the immediate payment of the then-outstanding principal and all interest accrued on this Security at any time prior to the Initial Maturity Date or the Rollover Maturity Date, as the case may be. The Company shall pay principal and interest in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for payment of public and private debts ("U.S. Legal Tender") and shall pay principal and interest by wire transfer of funds to the bank account of the financial institution designated by the securities company representing the holder of this Security.
2. Defaults and Remedies. If the Company defaults on any payment due under this Security, the holder may declare all interest and principal due and owing under this Security to be immediately due and payable.
3. No Recourse Against Others. No stockholder, director, officer, employee or incorporator, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor corporation shall have any liability for any obligation of the Company under this Security or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of this Security, by accepting this Security, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of this Security.
4. Acquisition for Investment. By accepting this Security, the holder hereof shall be deemed to have represented to the Company that such holder (i) is an "accredited investor" as such term is defined in Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, (ii) by reason of its business or financial experience, has the capacity to protect its own interests in connection with the acquisition of this Security, and (iii) is acquiring this Security for its own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of this Security.
5. Miscellaneous. The terms of this Security may be amended or supplemented only by a written instrument executed by the Company and the current holder of this Security and any existing default under the terms of this Security may be waived with the consent of such holder. When a successor assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under this Security, the predecessor will be released from those obligations. The terms and provisions of this Security shall be governed by the law of the State of California without giving effect to any conflicts of laws provisions.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED | |
FILL IN AMOUNT |
|
NAME IN FULL OF TRANSFEROR |
Hereby shall assign and transfer unto | |
NAME IN FULL OF TRANSFEREE |
this Security, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint | |
|
|
as Attorney to transfer said Security on the register of the within named Corporation, with full power of substitution in the premises. |
Dated: | |||
|
|||
IN THE PRESENCE OF: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TRANSFEROR | |||
2 WITNESSES SIGN HERE |
|
|
|
IN THE PRESENCE OF: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TRANSFEREE | |||
2 WITNESSES SIGN HERE |
|
|
THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER.
KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE. IF IT IS LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED, THE CORPORATION WILL REQUIRE A BOND OF INDEMNITY AS A CONDITION TO THE ISSUANCE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE.
Exhibit 14.1
NETLIST, INC.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
FOR EMPLOYEES, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Introduction
Netlist, Inc. (the " Company ") strives to apply high ethical, moral and legal principles in every aspect of its business conduct. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the " Code ") is a guide for each of the Company's employees, executive officers and directors (each, a " Company Party " and collectively, the " Company Parties ") to follow in meeting these principles. This Code is effective immediately and shall remain in effect unless and until further amended, modified and/or restated. Upon the consummation of the initial public offering of shares of the common stock of the Company, the Company shall make this Code available on its website at www.netlistinc.com and shall disclose such availability in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.
This Code describes certain ethical principles that the Company has established for the conduct of its business, and outlines certain key legal requirements of which all Company Parties must be generally aware and with which all Company Parties must comply. While this Code does not cover every issue that may arise, it sets out basic principles to guide Company Parties in the course of performing their duties and responsibilities to the Company.
This Code is designed to deter wrongdoing and promote the following:
If a Company Party is concerned about a possible ethical or illegal situation or any violation of this Code or is not sure whether specific conduct meets applicable Company standards, he or she should discuss the situation with an immediate supervisor or contact the Company's chief executive officer. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Company's board of directors (the "Board") should discuss the situation with the Board or a committee of the Board. Any Company Party who violates the standards contained in this Code will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include termination. The Company will treat as confidential, to the extent possible, all information received from a Company Party with respect to a possible ethical or illegal situation and will not take any retributive or retaliatory action by reason of such disclosure against any Company Party who discloses such information in good faith.
1. Conflicts of Interest
A "conflict of interest" exists when a Company Party's private interest interferes in any way or appears to interfere with the interests of the Company. A conflict of interest can arise when a Company Party acts in a matter, or has interests, that may make it difficult for him or her to objectively and effectively perform his or her work for the Company. Conflicts of interest also can arise when a Company Party, or members of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits because of his or her position in the Company.
Unless approved by the Board or an appropriate committee of the Board, no Company Party or any member of his or her immediate family can acquire a financial interest in, or accept employment with, any entity doing business with the Company if the interest or employment could conflict with his or her duties to the Company and the performance of such duties. It is usually a conflict of interest for a Company Party to work simultaneously, even on a part-time or temporary basis, for a competitor, customer or supplier of the Company. A Company Party cannot work for a competitor as an employee, consultant, contractor or board member.
In addition, a Company Party and his or her immediate family members cannot accept material gifts or favors that could create the appearance that such Company Party's business judgment could be affected by the receipt of such gifts or favors. A Company Party and members of his or her immediate family can accept gifts of nominal value from existing sources, prospective sources and persons, firms or companies with whom the Company does or might do business.
The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create good will and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage with customers. Company Parties cannot offer gifts or favors to any employee of a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company, or a member of such employee's immediate family, if the gifts or favors might place the recipient under any obligation to a Company Party or to the Company.
Conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Company policy. Conflicts of interest may not always be apparent so, if a Company Party has a question regarding whether a particular situation is a conflict of interest, he or she should consult with his or her immediate supervisor or contact the Company's chief executive officer. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Board should consult with the Board or a committee of the Board. A Company Party must bring any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest to the attention of his or her immediate supervisor or the Company's chief executive officer, or follow the procedures described in Section 14 herein.
2. Corporate Opportunities
A Company Party cannot personally take for himself or herself business opportunities discovered using Company property, information or position. A Company Party cannot use Company property, information or position for personal gain. It is the duty and responsibility of each Company Party to advance the Company's legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
3. Confidentiality
A Company Party must maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and non-public information entrusted to him or her by the Company and its customers and suppliers, except when disclosure is authorized by an executive officer of the Company or required by applicable laws or regulations. Confidential information includes all information that, if disclosed, might be of use to competitors of the Company or harmful to the Company or its customers or suppliers. It also includes information that Company customers and suppliers have entrusted to the Company. For example, confidential information includes customer lists, financial documents, pricing, manufacturer and vendor information, corporate development materials, the cost of goods, personnel files, manuals and procedures, proprietary information (as discussed below), computer software, design documents, videos and internal reports and memoranda. Information that the Company has made public, such as information presented in press releases, advertisements or documents filed with governmental regulatory authorities, is not confidential information. The obligation to preserve confidential information extends beyond the term of employment with, or service to, the Company.
1
4. Fair Dealing
The Company seeks to outperform its competition fairly and honestly through superior performance and not through unethical or illegal business practices. Company Parties must endeavor to deal fairly with their colleagues and customers, suppliers and competitors of the Company. Company Parties cannot steal proprietary information, possess trade secret information obtained without the owner's consent or induce such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies. No Company Party may take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of confidential information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair-dealing practice. The knowing or deliberate falsification of any documents or data by a Company Party may be the basis for immediate discharge and may subject such Company Party to civil and/or criminal penalties.
5. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
Company Parties must endeavor to protect the Company's assets and property and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company's profitability. Company Parties must report any suspected incident of fraud or theft immediately for investigation to their immediate supervisor or the Company's chief executive officer. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Board must report such fraud or theft to the Board or a committee of the Board. Company Parties must use all assets and property of the Company for legitimate business purposes only.
The obligation of a Company Party to protect the Company's assets includes protecting its proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, patent applications, trademarks and copyrights, as well as business, marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, customer information, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data and reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information violates Company policy and may subject Company Parties to civil and/or criminal penalties.
6. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
All Company Parties must respect and obey the laws, rules and regulations of the cities, states and countries in which the Company operates. Company Parties must contact the Company's chief executive officer with any questions as to the applicability of any law, rule or regulation or the appropriate manner of compliance therewith.
7. Insider Trading
Company Parties who have access to confidential information cannot use or share such information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose except the proper conduct of the Company's business. All Company Parties are subject to the Company's policy on insider trading then in effect. The Company will deal firmly with all instances of insider trading. If a Company Party has any questions regarding non-public information and the use of such information or the Company's policy on insider trading then in effect, he or she should contact the Company's chief executive officer.
8. Discrimination and Harassment
The Company requires strict adherence to its policies and applicable laws regarding equal employment opportunities and discrimination in the workplace. The Company will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment of any kind. Relationships with colleagues and business relationships with competitors, suppliers and customers always must be conducted free of any discrimination, including based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual preference, national origin, marital status, veteran status, handicap or disability. Examples of illegal discrimination or
2
harassment include derogatory comments based on any of the preceding characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances.
9. Health and Safety
The Company strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthful work environment. Each Company Party is responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for their colleagues by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions.
The Company will not tolerate violence or threatening behavior in the workplace. Company Parties are required to report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. The Company will not tolerate the use of illegal drugs in the workplace or on any Company property.
10. Record-Keeping
The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information in order to make responsible business decisions. Company Parties must document and record accurately all business expense accounts they use. If a Company Party is unsure whether a certain expense is legitimate, such Company Party should ask his or her immediate supervisor or the Company's chief executive officer. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Board should confer with the Board or a committee of the Board. Rules and guidelines regarding business expenses are available from the Company's accounting department.
All of the Company's books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company's transactions and must conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the Company's system of internal controls. Unrecorded or "off the books" funds or assets cannot be maintained unless permitted by applicable laws or regulations. All Company Parties are subject to the Company's document retention policy. Any questions concerning the Company's document retention policy should be directed to the Company's chief executive officer.
Company Parties must avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies in business records and communications. This prohibition applies equally to e-mail, internal memos and formal reports.
11. Payments to Government Personnel or Candidates for Office
All Company Parties must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments or foreign political parties or candidates to obtain or retain business and prohibits making payments to government officials of any country. No Company Party may give to, or receive from, any government official kickbacks, bribes, rebates or other illegal consideration. All Company Parties dealing with government agencies must be aware of, and comply with, any agency rules limiting or prohibiting gifts or other favors.
The Company cannot contribute, directly or indirectly, to any political campaign or party. Company Parties cannot use expense accounts to pay for any personal political contributions or seek any other form of reimbursement from the Company for such contributions. Of course, Company Parties are free to engage in political activity with their own resources on their own time.
12. Waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Any waiver of this Code for executive officers or directors requires the approval of the Board and must be disclosed promptly as required by applicable law, rules or regulations.
3
13. Reporting any Illegal or Unethical Behavior
Company Parties are encouraged to talk to immediate supervisors or the Company's chief executive officer about observed illegal or unethical behavior when unsure about the best course of action to take in a particular situation. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Board should discuss such behavior with the Board or a committee of the Board. In addition, Company Parties must report violations of laws, rules, regulations or this Code to immediate supervisors or the Company's chief executive officer. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Board must report such matters to the Board or a committee of the Board. The Company prohibits retaliation for reports of ethical misconduct made by Company Parties in good faith. If a situation requires that the identity of a Company Party reporting any such misconduct not be disclosed, the Company will protect the anonymity of such Company Party to the extent legally possible. The Company will not permit retaliation of any kind against any reporting Company Party for good faith reports of ethical violations.
14. Compliance Procedures
This Code broadly describes the ethical standards by which the Company conducts its business. If a Company Party is uncertain as to the applicability of any of these standards to a particular situation or the propriety of any contemplated course of action, the Company encourages such Company Party to discuss the potential situation with his or her immediate supervisor or the Company's chief executive officer. Company Parties who are executive officers or members of the Board should discuss the potential situation with the Board or a committee of the Board. In any case where a Company Party feels that it is not appropriate to discuss an issue with an immediate supervisor, or where he or she does not feel comfortable approaching an immediate supervisor with a question, such Company Party is encouraged to discuss the question with Company's chief executive officer or report the matter directly to the Board or a committee of the Board.
15. Amendments
This Code may be amended by the Board. The Company must report promptly any amendments pertaining to executive officers or senior financial officers as required by applicable laws, rules or regulations.
4
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-136735 on Form S-1 of our report dated May 11, 2006 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement, and of our report dated May 11, 2006 relating to the financial statement schedule appearing elsewhere in this Registration Statement.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
/s/ Corbin & Company, LLP
CORBIN & COMPANY, LLP
Irvine,
California
October 20, 2006
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-136735 on Form S-1 of our report dated March 1, 2006 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Netlist, Inc. and subsidiaries appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement, and of our report dated March 1, 2006 relating to the financial statement schedule appearing elsewhere in this Registration Statement.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Costa
Mesa, California
October 20, 2006